Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy Course Details

Year 1

These modules provide a biomedical understanding of how the human body works. Students are introduced to anatomical and medical terminology, given a basic understanding of cells and tissues and are presented with an overview of the integrated organ systems that make up the human body. Each system is studied from the perspectives of structure (anatomy) and function (physiology). This foundation is essential for the study of pathology and symptomatology in later modules.

This module takes a closer look at the molecular level of human physiology and prepares students for aspects of advanced anatomy, physiology, pathology, nutrition and herbal medicine.

This module helps students to develop their personal skills and equips them with effective basic counselling and communication skills. It also aims to build students’ self-esteem and self-confidence in preparation for clinical practice.

This module is designed to provide students with advanced skills to assist in tertiary-level studies. In addition to providing knowledge and skills in independent learning, sound study methods and effective assignment and essay writing, Critical Study Methods develops skills in critical evaluation of information to enable students to independently determine its appropriateness and relevance. The module also introduces the concept of evidence-based practice, providing an introduction to health research models and analysis of research-based evidence.

This module explores the origin and history of flower essence therapy. The original Bach Flower Remedies are covered in detail, and students are introduced to the unique world of Australian flowers, and the healing potential of a number of these flowers when used as essences. Critical evaluation of the flowers’ healing properties and their indications for use is encouraged. Students learn how to prepare, prescribe and dispense the essences.

This module introduces the student to the chemical building blocks of all living organisms with a special focus on the elements comprising the human body, food and plants. The module prepares students for naturopathic biochemistry, herbal medicine and nutrition.

This module provides the foundation for the same and effective application of massage techniques. Students learn practical skills and techniques to give a thorough full body massage. Training includes the history and principles of massage, muscular and skeletal anatomy, contra-indications, correct methods of using body right, positioning and professional draping.

Herbal Studies 1 provides students with an introduction to the world of plant medicine. In this, the first of 6 herbal studies modules, students learn about the global history of herbal medicine, its use in different cultures, traditional and research-based plant medicine knowledge, principles of herbal medicine practice, herbal therapeutics, dosage, pharmacognosy and botany. This foundation is then built upon by other herbal studies modules, preparing students with the knowledge and skills to provide herbal medicine treatments.

This module continues on from Herbal Studies 1 providing students with detailed information about individual herbs (materia medica study) and their therapeutic uses. The herbs are covered according to the body systems which they most closely apply to (e.g. circulatory herbs, digestive herbs, respiratory herbs). The range of herbs covered includes European, North American, South American, Chinese, Indian and Asian plants.

This module provides a foundation for the study of naturopathic nutrition. Concepts introduced in this module include the functions, effects and metabolic influences of nutrients in the human body, food sources of nutrients, the relevance of optimum digestion to nutritional status. Nutritional Medicine 1 commences the in-depth study of macronutrients and micronutrients. In later nutrition modules, students will draw on these essential concepts and information and apply them to health and wellbeing management.

In Nutritional Medicine 2 students continue their in-depth study of the micronutrients that commenced in Nutritional Medicine 1. By the completion of this module students will have a sound understanding of the vitamins and minerals, and their importance for the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health.

Starting with the fundamentals of disease processes, these modules explore the common pathologies for each organ system, emphasising clinical course and underlying causes of disease. The material is presented from a biomedical perspective to give students an understanding of “conventional” diagnosis and treatment.

This module provides an introduction to naturopathic philosophy and principles, and how these are applied to contemporary naturopathic practice. Students also gain an appreciation of the history of medicine and healing globally and the place of natural medicine within this history. Various natural medicine systems and modalities are introduced and critically discussed with reference to their scope of practice, benefits and limitations. The concept of evidence-based medicine is introduced and critically discussed in relation to its application to naturopathic and natural medicine practice.