Bachelor of Science (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
• UAI, Intake and Assumed Knowledge
• Information for International Students

Degree Profile

The BSc (Nutrition) is a four year Honours degree 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 fourth year. In the first year students enrol in four junior subjects per semester. These
must include mathematics, chemistry, biology, molecular biology and one subject chosen from computer science, physics or psychology.

After completing first year, students will begin to focus on their major area of study, nutritional science. In second year, all students take subjects in nutritional science, biochemistry and physiology. Nutritional science is taught at the advanced level. In third year, students study advanced units in nutritional science as well as one semester of biochemistry (metabolic & medical) and choose an optional senior unit.

A fourth (Honours) year will be offered to those who meet the entry criteria - minimum credit average in senior units of study.

This degree requires some units to be completed at the advanced level.

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

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.

Progression Requirements

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.

UAI, Intake and Assumed Knowledge

Information for International Students

Accreditation of Nutrition Courses at the University of Sydney

BScience (Nutrition)
BApplied Science (Exercise and Sport Science)/BScience (Nutrition)
Master of Nutrition and Dietetics

Following the DAA site visit on November 1-2, both the Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) Honours in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, and the Master of Nutrition and Dietetics programs have received full 5-year accreditation. Please click here to view details on the DAA website.