Nutritional Sciences

School/College: CALS


Field of Study

The study of the interrelationship between diet and health. This includes the biochemical and molecular action of nutrients, their physiology and control of metabolism, and the composition of foods and their impact upon health and disease. Students interested in nutrition counseling, diet therapy, or the clinical applications of nutrition should consult the Dietetics degree. Students interested in translating nutritional studies into public health policy and behavior should consult the International Agriculture and Natural Resources degree. Three degrees are available within the Nutritional Sciences major. Natural Sciences emphasizes the chemistry, biochemistry and physiology of nutrient actions upon the body. Dietetics emphasizes clinical training and the application of nutrition within a hospital or other practice (See Dietetics degree). International Studies applies nutrition information to the analysis and development of public nutrition policy.

Possible Careers

Physician, veterinarian, public health, research scientist; technical and administrative positions in food and drug companies or in governmental and non-governmental agencies; dietitian or nutrition counselor; science writer.

Special Opportunities & Additional Information

  • Dietetics/Nutrition Club.
  • Flexibility in the major allows students to prepare for a broad range of post-graduate opportunities.

Selected Required Courses B.S. in Natural Sciences

Intro Biology:
Biology 151-152; or Botany130 and Zoology 101-102; or Biocore 301-304, 323-324, 333
Calculus:
Calculus or statistics course required
General Chemistry:
Chem 103, 104, and 311 or 327 or 329; or Chem 109 and 311 or 327 or 329
Organic Chemistry:
Chem 343, 344, and 345
Physics:
Physics 103-104; or Physics 201-202; or Physics 207-208

Recommended Course Sequence for Freshman Year

Fall
Chem 103 or 109
Math 112 or 114 or 211
Communications A or B
Nutr Sci 200
Spring
Chem 104
Math 113
Biology 151; or Zoology 101-102 or Botany 130
Econ 101 or AAE 215

Advisor

  • Call the department office for referral to one of several advisors.

Departmental Office