Faculty of Health Sciences · Nutrition and Dietetics · Undergraduate
Course Objective
The aim of this course is to enable students to grasp the ethical, legal, and professional foundations of the dietetics profession; to equip them with the ability to evaluate ethical issues encountered in nutrition and dietetics practice in light of national and international ethical principles; and to develop their ethical decision-making competencies in contemporary areas such as teamwork, digital environments, and artificial intelligence applications.
Course Content
The course covers concepts of ethics and healthcare professional ethics, ethical approaches to teamwork, the historical development of the dietetics profession, as well as its duties, authorities, responsibilities, professional laws, regulations, and standards. Furthermore, it examines ethical principles specific to the field of nutrition and dietetics; ethical dilemmas and legal sanctions encountered in practice; ethical approaches to the use of social media and artificial intelligence; the ethical initiatives of international professional organizations; the ethical practices of the Turkish Dietetic Association; and the analysis of real-life ethical case studies alongside the development of proposed solutions.
Required Resources
- Türkiye Diyetisyenler Derneği. (n.d.). Etik ilkeler. https://www.tdd.org.tr
- T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı. (n.d.). Hasta Hakları Yönetmeliği. https://www.saglik.gov.tr
- Merdol, T. K. Temel Beslenme ve Diyetetik. Güneş Kitabevi.
- Baş, M., & Öngün Yılmaz, H. (2025). Beslenme ve diyetetik alanında araştırma: Planlama, yürütme, değerlendirme. Nobel Akademik Yayıncılık.
Recommended Resources
Türkiye Diyetisyenler Derneği. (n.d.). Tüzük. https://www.tdd.org.tr/Hakk%C4%B1m%C4%B1zda/T%C3%BCz%C3%BCk/tabid/21029/Default.aspx
Course Learning Outcomes
- Explains the fundamental concepts related to ethics, healthcare professional ethics, and dietetic professional ethics.
- Evaluates the legal regulations, professional standards, and the duties, authorities, and responsibilities regarding the dietetics profession from the perspective of professional practice.
- Analyzes ethical issues encountered in nutrition and dietetics practices in light of ethical decision-making principles and develops appropriate solutions.
- Evaluates the use of social media and artificial intelligence applications in the field of nutrition and dietetics within the framework of ethical and professional responsibilities.
- Makes scientifically and ethically grounded decisions by addressing real-life case examples in line with ethical principles, teamwork, patient rights, and professional responsibilities.
Core Area Distribution
Teaching Methods
Assessment & Evaluation
ECTS / Workload
| Activity | Quantity | Duration (h) | Total Workload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Duration (Including Exam Week) | 15 | 2 | 30 |
| Out of Class Study Period | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| Midterm | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Quiz | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Assignment | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Practice | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Final | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Course Schedule
| Week | Subject | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Course Overview and Introductions | Course Materials |
| 2 | History and Fields of Practice of the Dietetics Profession | Course Materials |
| 3 | Dietetics Professional Law, Legislation, Duties and Responsibilities | Course Materials |
| 4 | Concepts of Ethics and Healthcare Professional Ethics | Course Materials |
| 5 | Homework – Discussion | Course Materials |
| 6 | Homework – Discussion | Course Materials |
| 7 | Ethical Principles in Scientific Research | Course Materials |
| 8 | Midterm | Midterm |
| 9 | Patient Rights and an Ethical Approach to Teamwork | Course Materials |
| 10 | Patient Rights and Ethical Dilemmas: In-class exercise | Course Materials |
| 11 | Ethical Principles in Nutrition and Dietetics | Course Materials |
| 12 | Ethics Initiatives in International Professional Organizations | Course Materials |
| 13 | Social Media and Ethics in the Field of Nutrition and Dietetics | Course Materials |
| 14 | Artificial Intelligence and Ethics in Nutrition and Dietetics | Course Materials |
| 15 | Final Exams | Final Exams |
| 16 | Final Exams | Final Exams |