Bachelor of Science (Nutrition)

N.B. - The Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) is no longer offered to new students. The information below is for students who are currently enrolled in this degree. If you wish to pursue similar studies, please view the information for the Bachelor of Science/Master of Nutrition course.

Nutrition

The scope of human nutrition extends far beyond the classical study of the physiological and biochemical processes involved in nourishment; that is, how substances in food are converted into energy and body tissues.

Human nutrition has come to involve all the effects on humans of any component found in food; these include most chronic degenerative diseases (for example coronary heart disease), which are now major targets of research activity. The scope of nutrition encompasses the effects of food on human function - for example, mental function, athletic performance, resistance to infection, and foetal health and development.

Nutrition also considers why people choose to eat the foods they do, even after they have been advised that doing so may be unhealthy. The study of food habits and people’s attitudes, beliefs, likes and dislikes overlaps with the social sciences of psychology, anthropology, sociology and economics. Dietetics is the application of nutrition in the health services.

• Degree Profile
• Career opportunities
• Progression Requirements

Degree Profile

The Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) is a four year course for those seeking a career in nutrition and dietetics. Students who would like to obtain accreditation as a dietitian are required to undertake one semester of practical placement in clinical/community/food service/public health, and industry areas in the Masters course.

Students complete units of study in biochemistry, molecular biology, and human physiology which are necessary prerequisites for accreditation by the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA).

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities include dietetics in hospitals, work in the food industry, food provision, education and public relations. Other possibilities include a career in clinical nutrition, sports nutrition, community nutrition, public health or other health related disciplines and clinical studies. A research career and private practice are also possible.

This course is designed to further knowledge of nutritional science and nutrition, to teach this as a scientific discipline and to produce scientists capable of working in and furthering this emerging discipline. The BSc (Nutrition) will produce individuals who will be able to lead the dietetics profession, and maintain and advance its standards.

Students must maintain an average mark of 60 or greater in the first year of enrolment and 65 or greater in intermediate and senior science units, or be transferred to the BSc.

Assumed Knowledge