SUCCEED at FNU ISSUE NO

R 102010-2020 Y NIKUA

STUDY and SUCCEED at FNU ISSUE NO. 12 DECEMBER 2019

FNU LAUNCHES NEW HIGHER DEGREES BY FNU’s MScAg aims to strengthen RESEARCH PROGRAMMES agricultural capacity in the Pacific FNUNIKUA

s the nation’s premier dual sector University, in continued dialogue with these contacts to ensure that a peer review of the University by an international panel Fiji National University (FNU) is specifically programmes remain relevant to the needs of Fiji. of experts based on the University’s self-assessment of mandated to meet the educational needs of its learning and teaching, and research environment. those in the community requiring certificates FNU is fully aware of the digital revolution as it This process is already underway with the College of Aand diplomas at the technical and trades level (TVET) applies to education. Traditional classroom teaching Engineering Science and Technology (CEST) close to and those who wish to pursue undergraduate and post- is increasingly challenged by digitally-based learning receiving Engineering New Zealand accreditation for graduate degrees and doctoral studies. management systems such as Blackboard and Moodle its bachelor and diploma engineering programmes, and and various apps that can be developed for smartphones. the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences In pursuing this mandate, In light of this, FNU has a Centre for Flexible and (CMNHS) having recently attained accreditation for there are a number of E-Learning, staffed by highly skilled professionals who its Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science with the principles that guide are leveraging digital developments to the full. The Australian Institute of Medical Scientists. our practice. These Centre has a programme that aims to have all existing are quality, relevance, and future FNU courses available in the blended mode. In addition, the College of Humanities and Education flexible learning, student Considerable progress has been made in 2019 and will (CHE) has engaged the New Zealand Academic engagement, recognition continue throughout 2020. Quality Agency (AQA) to accredit its teacher education and internationalisation. programmes. This particular initiative is seen as Aside from utilising the latest available technology, preliminary to the accreditation of the University in its Quality is the hallmark movement to the blended learning mode of delivery entirety. A major benefit of such accreditation from the of all that we do. The is viewed as a means of improving FNU’s service to Fiji business community viewpoint is that employers University has a Quality the community by providing greater access to the can be satisfied that the graduates they employ have Office dedicated to University’s programmes and courses in the more received internationally recognised quality education ensuring that programmes remote locations. The objective here is to enable, for in their various fields of study. From the students’ and courses are designed and delivered to the highest example, students in locations such a Ba and Labasa viewpoint, one major benefit of such initiatives is standards. Teaching quality is encouraged through to be able to complete more full programmes in their the fact that their FNU qualifications gain enhanced a teaching excellence award and certificate of merit home locations than is possible now through a blended recognition worldwide and so enable those who wish to system. It is also monitored through a mid-course and learning approach. This is preferable than them having do so, to take up suitable employment abroad. end of course teaching assessment. Holders of the to travel to Nadi and/or Suva in order to complete their teaching awards and certificates of merit will form a programmes on a face-to-face basis. Finally, FNU is working diligently with international team of mentors who will be charged with mentoring partners to ensure that as many students as possible new staff taking up faculty roles in FNU, especially Students are at the centre of what we do in FNU. are interested have an opportunity to study abroad for those with minimal teaching experience. The FNU student union has a large membership at least one semester. FNU now has an International and is a highly proactive and collaborative partner Office that reports directly to the Pro-Vice- Chancellor In 2020, the University will introduce a teaching in the University’s education mission. All of our (Learning and Teaching) and this office is actively portfolio system that encourages faculty to articulate major committees include student representation. pursuing partnerships worldwide together with their teaching philosophy and to reflect on their teaching For example, there are three major committees that sponsorships that will enable students to engage in an with a view to bringing about continuous improvement. focus on quality and academic standards and student international study experience that will be fully funded. There will also be a system of peer observation that representatives sit on all of them. These committees are This is all part of desire to ensure that as many students encourages faculty members to review the teaching of the University Learning and Teaching Committee that of FNU as possible, graduate with an ability to work and colleagues in order to propose learning and teaching deals with University wide teaching quality issues, the engage with other cultures. enhancements. Academic Quality Assurance Committee that ensures that the University maintains high academic standards The above is just a brief review of what FNU has to In addition to the Quality Office and the various in all that it does and the Senate, which is the ultimate offer and please remember, each programme offered by initiatives designed to enhance teaching quality, the decision making committee on University academic the University includes a practical component so that University has a Centre for Learning and Teaching matters. In addition to these central committees, student students can be ‘work ready’ when they enter the Fiji Enhancement (CLTE) that uses the latest thinking representatives from each College are full members of Community. and developments in learning and teaching to support the selection panel for the teaching excellence award student learning and, in particular, the transition from and certificate of merit system. If you are reading this and are considering further study, school to further and higher education. I do hope that you make FNU your university of choice. A major strategic direction for FNU is international FNU programmes are relevant to the needs of the Fiji recognition. The University has recently introduced an community and beyond. This is achieved primarily by accreditation policy that sets out the purpose, roles and establishing an Industry Advisory Committee for all responsibilities for attaining international accreditation. new programmes made up of key industry stakeholders The purpose of this emphasis on accreditation is to Professor James Pounder who advise on the content of the programmes with ensure that the international education community community needs in mind. In addition, all Colleges recognises that FNU ranks with some of the best in Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching have an informal network of industry contacts and are university education worldwide. Accreditation involved Fiji National University FNUNIKUA

The new higher degrees by research (PhD and Masters by Research)“ programmes at FNU are of international standards, meeting the requirements of Quality Assurance Agency, UK; Australian Qualification Framework 10 and Fiji Higher Education Commission Framework 10” Higher Degrees by Research students. • Doctor of Philosophy (Science, Ten PhD Scholarships This is evident with a sharp rise in the Engineering and Technology) FNU is offering ten scholarships for number of Higher Degrees by Research • Doctor of Philosophy PhD studies in any of the five disciplines student enrollments in 2018 and this (Education and Humanities) mentioned above. The university is keen new initiative will provide students to to fund PhD studies in any of the five undertake studies in a wide range of Masters by Research Programme disciplines for a period of three years for disciplines. The FNU Masters by Research full time study. programmes are designed to support “The new higher degrees by research research candidates with research Benefits and Condition (PhD and Masters by Research) preparatory courses, and monitoring of Tuition fees (paid directly) programmes at FNU are of international research project progression with two Book allowance of up to FJD750/year standards, meeting the requirements milestones - a candidature confirmation Living allowance of FJD 21,600 p.a of Quality Assurance Agency, UK; within 8 months of enrolment; and a Australian Qualification Framework 10 completion seminar at the end of 18 Scholarship conditions and Fiji Higher Education Commission months. Duration of the programme is 2 These scholarships are for full-time study Framework 10,” said Professor Singh. years’ full time and 4 years’ part time. At only. Awardees are not permitted to be the end of their completion seminar, the in paid employment during the tenure of The FNU doctoral programmes are candidate can apply to upgrade from the their awards and will be required to work designed to support research candidates masters to PhD studies. a minimum of 40 hours per week for the with research preparatory courses, entire year on their research. and monitoring of research project Masters by Research programmes are progression with three milestones - a level 9 programmes comprising a 40,000 Application candidature confirmation within 10 to 60,000-word thesis which must be the Applicants must be citizens of Fiji. months of enrolment; a mid-candidature student’s own work, embody the results Applicants should submit a full CV, review within 20 months and a completion of the work undertaken by the student certified true copies of their academic The Fiji National University (FNU) will seminar at the end of 30 months. Duration guided by two supervisors. transcripts, and the names and contact offer new higher degrees by research of the programme is 3 years’ full time and details of three referees. (PhD and Masters) from next year in 6 years’ part time. These programmes meet the requirements key disciplines and also give ten PhD of Quality Assurance Agency, UK; scholarships worth more than two The PhD programme is a level 10 Australian Qualification Framework 9; Relevant forms can be obtained from: hundred thousand dollars. program, comprising a 60,000 to 100,000- and Fiji Higher Education Commission Manager Higher Degrees by Research word thesis, to be examined by two Framework 9. Duration of the Programme Mr. Deepak Chand FNU Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, external examiners, followed by an oral is 2 years’ full time, and 4 years’ part time. Email: [email protected] Professor Mohini Singh while making examination (viva voce). The research the announcement said Research preparatory courses and monitoring of Disciplines of study include: Closing date for all applications is projects undertaken by Higher Degrees project progression promote excellence • Master of Medicine, Nursing and March 27th 2020. by Research students strengthen our and ensure timely completions. Health Science by research capacity to generate value from new ideas • Master of Agriculture, Forestry and Completed application form(s) are to be and inventiveness. They are required in Disciplines of study include: Fisheries by research mailed to the address below or dropped Fiji for innovation and for developing a • Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine, • Master of Business, Hospitality and off at the nearest FNU Academic Office; knowledge economy. Nursing and Health Science) Tourism Studies by research Student Academic Services (Admissions) • Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture, • Master of Science, Engineering and Fiji National University According to Professor Singh, FNU is Forestry and Fisheries) Technology by research P. O. Box 7222 fast gaining recognition as the University • Doctor of Philosophy (Business, • Master of Education and Humanities Nasinu in Fiji with the capacity to supervise Hospitality and Tourism Studies) by research Email: [email protected] FNUNIKUA

ince the beginning of time, the relationship and complements the crop science component of private sector, government and non-governmental between humans and animals has been agriculture,” Professor Iji said. “On a normal farm, organisations. They can design, plan, supervise, San important one. Apart from being a there should be more animal scientists than vets manage, consult and evaluate livestock development major source of food for humans, animals provide because properly managed animals require less projects, programmes and strategies that promote transportation, farm power, companionship, and by- medical attention. It is like using more teachers to livestock development at national level using products used for clothing and medications. teach people to live well rather than direct them to conventional and/or advanced technologies and Through the field of animal science – which deals the doctor. Better breeds, better housing and better manage livestock production enterprises. Such with the application of science to the production of nutrition reduce ill-health in animals.” graduates can collect and analyse information farm animals and animal products – we are able to “The programme is also sustainable, in view of on livestock production trends and interpret it to ensure healthy and productive animals, to supply the increased interest in commercial agricultural develop livestock policies and strategies.” “They healthier and nutritious meat, milk and eggs for our production in Fiji and the South Pacific region.” are able to formulate animal feed and process consumption. “We believe that we will be able to attract students livestock products and by-products in commercial To ensure that we have trained experts in this from some parts of Asia and Africa, who would be livestock industry, enterprise or companies and also important field, the Fiji National University (FNU), keen to study in an English language environment. to integrate livestock production with other farming will introduce a new Bachelor of Science in Animal This programme aims at developing a trained enterprises.” Science degree programme from Semester 1, 2020. human resource base who can conduct basic and According to the Dean, graduates could also The three-year full-time programme will be offered applied research in various aspects of agriculture train for higher degrees to become researchers in at the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry under varying agro-ecological and socio-economic livestock-related sectors and provide extension (CAFF). conditions of the farming community.” service in the dissemination of new applicable The programme is the first of its kind in Fiji The Animal Science programme has specific technologies for the animal product value chain. and the South Pacific region and will cover sub- courses covering the key animal industries, Interested students who have passed the Year disciplines of genetics and breeding, nutrition and including beef, dairy, sheep/goats, pigs, and 13 Certificate Examination or equivalent with a physiology as well as management areas of housing poultry. Within these courses, breeding, genetics, minimum of 200 marks and a pass (50 %) in English, and health care. general management, nutrition, health and business Mathematics and Biology or Agriculture and any New Animal Science Degree aims animal production to boost CAFF Dean, Professor Paul Iji said the programme planning units will be taught. one from the following subjects; Chemistry, Food & would complement and complete the teaching of “Alongside the 23 units’ students will undertake, Nutrition Technology, Physics or Computer Science agriculture science at Koronivia Campus, which they will also undergo the mandatory industrial can apply to study in the programme. already has very strong areas of crop science, soil attachment during Years 1 and 2 of study in addition Candidates with trade diploma in any area of science, horticulture, bio-systems engineering, to their lectures, tutorials and self-directed learning agriculture, fisheries or forestry are eligible to crop and plant protection, and agribusiness and hours,” Prof Iji said. enrol. Students who have completed the Foundation extension. “Students who successfully complete the programme with a 50% mark in English, “As the sole provider of this programme, the programme will be able to work as technical Mathematics, and Biology/Agriculture Biology/ degree primarily focuses on livestock farming assistants or technicians in research institutions, Forest Biology and Chemistry can also apply.

he primary health care and health “NPs are skilled in diagnosis and management promotion models are the mainstay of a wide variety of clinical problems of Tof the Government of Fiji in the fight community members,” he said. against Communicable and Non-Communicable The existing programme was reviewed Diseases, the burdens of diseases, and, social extensively and necessary amendments issues/problems, disaster preparedness and implemented. The older programme was management. inherited from the Fiji School of Nursing where Aligning itself to the nation’s needs, Fiji the content was first developed to build on the National University’s (FNU), College of knowledge and skills of those with certificates Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and diplomas in nursing. (CMNHS) has re-developed its Postgraduate Following the cross over to FNU, changes Diploma in Advanced Nursing Practice (Nurse in the curricula contents in the undergraduate Practitioner) to prepare experienced professional degree, and the ascending of qualification from nurses for the full range of advanced community Diploma to Bachelor, a lot of changes have primary health care services in the role of a taken place and corresponding review needed to Nurse Practitioner. be undertaken to realign the programme to the Graduates of this programme are equipped appropriate postgraduate level. with the appropriate skill-mix to operate at The duration for the amended PGD in the primary health/primary care level out in Advanced Nursing Practice (Nurse Practitioner) the communities in order to contribute to the programme is now offered in two semesters or country’s general health and wellness, and one year on full time basis, with a student quota economy. of 15. “A Nurse Practitioner is an experienced The programme contains courses in Advanced Registered Nurse, who has successfully Health Assessment, Advanced Clinical Decision completed a one-year postgraduate diploma in Making, Advanced Community Health Nursing advanced nursing practice programme, which and a Clinical Practice component. will enable them to provide comprehensive Graduates from this programme will be able For more information, please contact: primary health care services, both curative and to manage members of the public by gathering Kavekini Neidiri preventative,” Kavekini Neidiri, Lecturer in information through interviews or health history, Lecturer, Department of Postgraduate Nursing Sciences said. diagnose health conditions, treat/manage clients, Nursing “Nurse Practitioners (NP) are regulated under prescribe medications, consultation and referral Email: [email protected] the Nursing Act (2011) to practice at an advanced of clients to the other health care team but using Ph: 3311700 ext. 3692 nursing level in Fiji.” the nursing model of care. FNUNIKUA

ood news for students in the northern division Graduate Certificate in Education The programme will also prepare candidates to accumulate as the Fiji National University’s (FNU) Labasa The one-year programme, consisting of eight units in courses that will prepare them for admission into the Masters GCampus will introduce two new programmes in various aspects of teaching skills, will provide further of Education degree. 2020. The new programmes include Graduate Certificate in qualification for graduates who have a degree in the subject “This one year programme (full time) will benefit Education (GCED) and Post Graduate Diploma in Education area but need to attain formal education training. those students who wish to upgrade beyond their degree under the College of Humanities and Education (CHE). Head of School Education, Satish Chand said the GCED qualification,” Head of Labasa Campus is a direct response to the growing demand from those in the “As an institution for teacher education, we aim to produce Pardeep Lal said the programmes education sector intending to further their qualifications. well prepared, skilful and educated teachers who will make a have been introduced following a “It is also part of the ongoing commitment to streamlining difference in our communities,” said Chand. survey on-demand and successful and consolidating a professional teaching qualification which Interested applicants will need to have a Bachelor’s degree discussions with the Fiji National is aligned with FNU’s degree structures and pathways,” said with a GPA of 3.0 or meet the mature student admission University Labasa Stakeholder Chand. criteria after an evaluation of prior learning experience. Advisory Committee (FNULAC). “The DFL and on-line modes which are part of the “Those who do not meet the 3.0 GPA will be required to “We are excited to offer two programme’s delivery plan will cover the needs of a complete a bridging research unit at Level 7,” he clarified. new programmes commencing substantial and significant portion of the current teachers “Study is undertaken in the evening, which will allow Semester 1 2020. This will provide without education pedagogy who need to be trained,” he said. applicants to continue working while completing their students with an opportunity to programmes,” added Chand. further their education through Post Graduate Diploma in Education FNU,” said Lal. The Post Graduate Diploma in Education programme will For more information, please contact: Lal (pictured, above) has urged interested students to enable applicants to gain advanced knowledge, experience, Pardeep Lal, Head of Campus – Labasa contact the FNU Labasa Campus for any enquiries on the skills and values for further education and professional work new programmes. in education and training. Email: [email protected]

New Master of Medicine in Family Medicine launched

are able to benefit throughout the programme. Students will undergo courses in Family Medicine, Health Management and Research Project Proposal Development and Implementation of Research Project. The programme features a series of intensive workshops, educational activities conducted via online webinars and discussion boards and workplace visits. Graduates from this programme will be proficient in acute and chronic disease management at a specialist level, as well as being able to research and be informed of an evidence base to apply to their clinical practice. “There are real benefits in terms of improved health care delivery to the population and an increased capacity for prevention, holistic care and strengthening of the local health system where these graduates practice,” Course Convener, Dr Eagles Ruth, said. “This specialist level training will allow for further career progression and increased clinical competence for Doctors working in primary health care while mitigating health costs in terms of reducing unnecessary investigations and unnecessary specialist referrals.” Students will be able to progress in their medical careers, without leaving the primary care sector. They will be able to provide high-level health care across a broad range of common and important health problems, acquire expert skills in population health care and preventive care, and in managing both acute and chronic medical problems as part of a multidisciplinary team. Graduates will also be able to adapt and apply their research to n Fiji and the Pacific region, doctors working at primary Graduates of the MMED - Family Medicine will be the diverse range of primary care settings in the Pacific region. care level in health centres, hospital outpatient departments able to provide specialist level health care at the first point of This will allow them to develop increasing leadership skills and Iand private general practice clinics provide the first point contact with the health system. This has the potential to ensure patients are receiving the most appropriate and effective of contact for the majority of health care. However, with the improve health outcomes for individuals and communities. health care in their regions. increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases, population The course is also the first clinical specialist level primary health needs have become more complex. health care qualificationoffered in the region and will have a For more information, please contact: To keep abreast of this, health professionals can now enrol student quota of six. Name: Nadim Cody | Assistant Professor - at the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Medicine, Students complete their studies by distance education, Family Medicine | Department of Medical Science Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) new Master of Medicine while they continue to work in primary care settings such Email: [email protected]; [email protected] (MMED) in Family Medicine programme. as health centres and GP clinics. Therefore, local communities Ph: 3311700 Ext: 3124 FNUNIKUA

n a first for Fiji, the Fiji National industry as scientists and/or technologists, University (FNU) will commence offering capable of ensuring the production, processing IPostgraduate Diploma in Food Science and marketing of safe and quality foods,” said and Technology from Semester 1 in 2020. The the food and technology specialist. programme which took almost two years to Dr Lako (mugshot) said there is an excellent develop will be offered by FNU’s College of link between this programme and the food Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) industry, as students are given opportunities from the Nabua Campus. to develop research projects with various food The programme is designed to provide companies locally. high-quality education in Food Science and She said this will expose students to the Technology in accordance with international various forms of challenges that exits in the standards that prepare and develop creative food industry and how these could be addressed, young food scientists with strong food processing which may later lead to job opportunities and preservation, technical, analytical, research, available upon graduation. She said food quality and safety are much- conditions, which may be a challenge but critical thinking and problem solving skills. “With the knowledge and skills they debated topics in our society and are important should be exciting for the Food Scientists and The Postgraduate Diploma programme has gain, students may also be able to enter into issues for the individual consumer as it affects Technologists in developing countries such as been developed based on the local food security employment in other sectors of the food chain, the consumer’s food security and health. Fiji. and nutritional needs of the country. The FNU food security or related scientific sectors where “Given the high prevalence rate of non- “In the “5 and 20 Year National Development team worked closely with an Industry Advisory they can apply their scientific skills,” commented communicable diseases (NCDs) due to increased Plan” (2017), food security and nutrition security Committee comprising of food industry Dr Lako. consumption of imported inferior processed has been highlighted to ensure increased local representatives and local food and nutrition The minimum requirement for Postgraduate foods, it is important that students learn creative production of niche agricultural and fisheries experts, who thoroughly Diploma is GPA average of 3 or ways of processing nutritious and bioactive rich products through value-addition and product reviewed the course units and grade B and above in Bachelor of local foods that would help reduce and prevent development under the Ministry of Agriculture’s supported the programme Science or equivalent. Candidates NCDs, especially with the use of locally grown critical focus.” implementation. who do not meet minimum grade foods,” explained Dr Lako. According to the food and tech science Associate Dean Research point average requirement must “Furthermore, the rapid development enthusiast, this programme will strengthen for CEST and Associate have served in relevant areas such as which has taken place in recent decades this area in collaboration with the Ministries Professor in Food Science, Dr teaching, research or in the industry within technology and food science has of Agriculture and Fisheries as well as SME’s Jimaima Lako, who has been for at least two years for sufficient created completely new ways of producing to ensure products that are experimentally instrumental in developing knowledge and experience to and processing foods in developed countries. developed within Fiji progress to a marketable the programme, said the undertake this programme. However, in Fiji, this appears to be a challenge status that meet compliance requirements. delivery of the programme According to the Food Scientist, due to limited proper food processing facilities has global perspectives with the food industry in Fiji is growing and technology. Nevertheless, with strong inter local applications, allowing the students to learn fast with booming market value, which demands and cross-disciplinary work with the School of For more information, please contact: Dr Jimaima Lako international skills in this profession. innovations in food processing and production Engineering will soon help bridge this gap.” Associate Professor “The programme will enable graduates to lines that impact perception on food consumption Dr Lako emphasised that food should offer [email protected] enter a career in the local or international food and food safety. experiences, eliminate lifestyle diseases, Email: be sustainable and be produced under safe Phone: 3381044 | Ext: 1004 or Cell: 7868603 CMNHS develops a specialisation within the physiotherapy programme

and advanced level skills and knowledge on rehabilitation, research, as well as leadership as they will be expected to be service leaders within the profession. Students will undertake four units on Leadership and Rehabilitation, Concepts of Rehabilitation, Systematic Review and Synthesis and Population Health. Graduates of the programme will be able to explore concepts of self-awareness, personal values, and emotional intelligence, develop critical leadership and management of technical skills in a practical, rehabilitation focused, and realistic setting, explore and challenge their own rehabilitation practice through a critical review of theory, evidence, and practice, conduct a systematic review on a clinical topic in rehabilitation or any other area of practice/ interest and develop into active and life-long learners. They will also be skilled in applying the principles and practice of population health to physiotherapy concepts, such as health, wellness, disease and disability; non-communicable disease prevention, wellness and health promotion, movement spectrum, physical activity and physical fitness within the general population. he Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of relevant. The advanced course will be offered both in part Interested students who have successfully completed Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) time and full-time modes by the Department of Physiology the Bachelor of Physiotherapy programme or equivalent is focused on supporting the development of and Physiotherapy at CMNHS. T undergraduate physiotherapy degree from a recognised specialisation within the physiotherapy services in Fiji and “The programme is ideal for graduates with physiotherapy university are eligible to apply. The applicant should have the Pacific region. To this end, the College has introduced first degree who wish to gain both a professional and physiotherapy work experience of not less than 2 year’s post- the Postgraduate Diploma in Physiotherapy (Rehabilitation) academic qualification and start a career in the specialised graduation. programme, which will be offered from Semester 1, 2020. field of physiotherapy rehabilitation,” Head of Department Entry via recognition of prior learning may be awarded The programme was developed after consultations held Physiology and Physiotherapy, Venasio Ramabuke said. to applicants who have demonstrated ability to undertake with representatives of the physiotherapy profession in Fiji “The programme is delivered in a variety of ways, typically similar level programmes or who is deemed to have acquired and the region and therefore it entails their current need and via blended mode, online, group work, and intensive skills the relevant skills and knowledge through appropriate high requirements. workshops.” levels of work or professional experience. At present, there are two undergraduate degrees based “It will be delivered by proficiently qualified world- at the FNU and Divine Word University in Papua New renowned physiotherapy academics that have proven record Guinea. However, there is no postgraduate programme to in both research and clinical expertise,” he added. For more information, please contact: allow graduates with the basic qualification to advance into. The programme covers a crucial area of physiotherapy Venasio Ramabuke The limitation in advanced level qualifications also hinders service, which is rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is the process Head of Department of Physiology & Physiotherapy the support and advancement of specialisation within the of returning to full function after an illness or injury. This Email: [email protected] profession in the country and the region. Taking those factors aspect of service involves the majority of the physiotherapy Phone: 3311700 Ext. 3056 Mobile: 8774813 into consideration, it is clear that this program is highly service in the clinical setup. Graduates will learn the basics FNUNIKUA

griculture, considered as one protection, agribusiness and agricultural world and apply knowledge across the Programme Structure and Entry of the oldest profession in the extension,” said Prof Iji. entire value chain – from farm production Requirements Aworld, is the primary source “It is a programme that is suitable for to processing and marketing.” Master of Science in Agriculture can of food supply for every human being candidates without extensive experience Dean Iji believes there’s a growing be pursued following any of the two on earth. The quality of food production, post-bachelor degree, a group that will gain demand to have experts in the various pathways: however, is facing significant pressure due from the coursework. The programme is disciplines of agriculture to tackle the Pathway 1: This can be completed by to factors such as increasing population, unique in that students can choose courses issues surrounding sustainable production one year of course work (120 credit points) extreme climatic conditions and lack of across disciplines, to meet their individual of sufficient high-quality food for a and one year of a thesis (25,000 words) arable land. needs. For example, a student may choose growing population as well as for corresponding to 120 credit points. To ensure sustainability and ease the to read crop science and agribusiness, commercial production. Pathway 2: This can be completed by strain on demand and supply of food, it rather than focus on either “We developed this one and a half year of course work (180 is important for economies to modernise one of them alone.” programme in response to credit points) and a half year of supervised agricultural practices and create global The senior academic requests from stakeholders and research project/mini-thesis (12,000 markets. said this programme will our own observations on the words) corresponding to 60 credit points. Educating people on best agricultural produce very high-level lack of human resources at the The minimum entry requirement for practices and keeping them abreast of workforce in all areas of level where work programmes admission into the MScAg programme developments and creating space for agriculture for Fiji and are developed. MScAg was is the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree innovations is important to ensure small will assist the nation in also formally presented to an programme in Agriculture with a minimum economies such as Fiji have the ability to addressing the skills- industry advisory committee, GPA of 3.0, or equivalent. Graduates with compete with larger and better-established shortage in various areas which provided much input to a Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture economies. of the sector. the final programme that was qualification can be directly admitted in To ensure we develop and strengthen He said graduates from presented to the Senate of the the second year of the programme. agricultural capacity, the Fiji National this programme will be university.” Interested students who may not meet University’s (FNU) College of Agriculture, adequately equipped to “Our approach, like other the requirements mentioned above, but Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF) has manage workers at the Colleges, has been to provide who can demonstrate their ability to developed a Master of Science in lower levels and also be graded levels of knowledge to succeed in the programme at this level Agriculture (MScAg) programme, which able to develop work programmes for Fiji and the rest of the region. CAFF has based on maturity, work experience, or will be offered from Semester 1 in 2020. different industries. delivered knowledge at the Certificate, prior learning can also be admitted into the According to Dean CAFF Professor Paul The importance of agriculture in the Diploma and Bachelor degree levels, Master’s Degree. Iji, MScAg is a coursework and research- Pacific is also as critical as ever due to the which generally meets the workforce However, the Dean may place any based programme designed to equip catastrophic impacts of climate change, requirements of the country,” said Prof Iji. relevant prerequisite requirement for students with more extensive specialist which has impacted crop and animal “However, it is imperative that we such a student to progress, or require professional knowledge in conceptual, production. examine certain areas more deeply, the applicant to sit for any specific or scientific and technical competencies According to Professor Iji (pictured, which is what postgraduate training general examination as a prerequisite for related to the candidate’s background and above), farming in the Pacific involves generally offers. The MScAg offers one enrolment, or may restrict enrolment only area of research. crop and animal production as well as such opportunity to deeply explore issues to certain prescribed courses that must be “The programme is the most management of marine food resources. pertaining to agriculture and will do the passed to progress further. comprehensive in the country, covering “The region has been largely engaged in same when we develop the programmes The programme is offered at FNU all areas of agriculture – from soil agriculture only to support the family but for fisheries, forestry and animal health, Koronivia Campus with a duration of two science to bio-system engineering, crop there is increasing need for commercial which already has Masters by research years on a full-time basis and four years science, animal science, horticulture, crop production, to supply to the rest of the programmes,” Professor Iji added. for part-time. FNUNIKUA

FNU ROADSHOW 2020 DATES/VENUE

Nabouwalu- In front of Market 4 Jan 2020, 11am to 2pm Seaqaqa, Seaqaqa Shopping Center 3 Jan 2020, 9am to 12pm Rakiraki - Veileka Parade 4 Jan 2020, 2pm to 4pm

Tavua- Max Value Car Park Nabouwalu- In front of Market 4 Jan 2020, 11am to 2pm 4 Jan 2020, 10am to 12pm Seaqaqa, Seaqaqa Shopping Center 3 Jan 2020, 9am to 12pm Rakiraki - Veileka Parade 4 Jan 2020, 2pm to 4pm Savusavu- In front of Market 4 Jan 2020, 9.30am to 2pm Tavua- Max Value Car Park 4 Jan 2020, 10am to 12pm

Korovou - BDM Oﬀice Korovou Town 3 Jan 2020, 2pm to 4pm Savusavu- In front of Market 4 Jan 2020, 9.30am to 2pm

Sigatoka - Wishing Well Nausori - Nausori Market 3 Jan 2020, 11am to 3pm 3 Jan 2020, 9am to 12pm Navua, Beside B Prasad & Sons Building 4 Jan 2020, 10am to 3pm

New Skills | Practical Experience | Real Opportunities

Visit us: www.fnu.ac.fj | Call us: 339 4000

For Enquiries | Email: [email protected] For Application | Email: [email protected]

The Fiji National University’s Nikua is a monthly newsletter which aims to promote the University’s activities to the wider community. This newsletter is produced by the University Marketing and Communications team. For views or comments please email [email protected] or contact 3394000. Published in partnership with

Publisher: Fiji National University | Editor: Ranbeer Singh | Design & Layout: Rusiate Vada | Division Head: Director Marketing and Communications Jenies Mudiliar Writers: Kalpana Kaajal, Shireen Lata, Charlene Lanyon, Ronish Kumar. Contributors: Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching, Professor James Pounder, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Professor Mohini Singh

FNUNIKUA wants FNUNIKUA welcomes submissions by staff and students for publication in the newsletter. to hear from you Please send your suggestions, comments or articles for consideration to [email protected]