Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science

Access to nourishing food is a basic human right. Deepen your passion for health, food and nutrition in a career that can help others live their healthiest lives. Understanding how food supports all processes in the human body is an exciting and applied field of study. You’ll learn about the chemistry, properties and nutritional values of food, which can be applied to various industries including food product development and health and wellness.

Academic Programs and Specializations

Graduates will align their understanding of nutrition with human physiology and function throughout the lifespan under a variety of health conditions, as well as disease prevention and/or management. You can choose from a selection of programs to focus on the area of your interest or career goals.

Dietetics Specialization

Dietetics is the specialized study of human nutrition in health and disease. The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Food Science, Dietetics Specialization is the only accredited dietetic education program in Alberta. This program includes extensive training in nutritional biochemistry, metabolism, physiology, food chemistry and food safety, nutrition program planning, community nutrition, clinical nutritional care and nutrition counselling to equip graduates with the skills and training to become Registered Dietitians. You won’t get this unique learning experience anywhere else.

BSc Honors in Food Science or Nutrition

The BSc Honors in Food Science or Nutrition programs are intended for highly-motivated students who aim for research-oriented careers, such as a research officer or technologist, or plan to pursue graduate-level studies. They are more specialized and research-intensive degrees that require a higher standard of academic achievement for both admission and ongoing performance. Students will apply chemistry, microbiology and engineering to the technological processes used in the development, manufacturing, preservation, storage and distribution of food products.

Experiential Learning and Research Facilities

Apply your knowledge and skills while completing real-world projects and case studies that examine issues faced by the food industry and nutritional health sector. For instance, the Science Internship Program provides U of A students with an excellent opportunity to apply knowledge gained in academic studies to the workplace through a full-time, paid 4, 8, 12 or 16 month internship experience.

In addition to workplace experience, the U of A is home to the world-class Human Nutrition Research Unit, which houses the equipment needed to perform comprehensive nutritional assessments, including a DEXA scan machine and Bod Pod. Their Whole Body Calorimetry Unit is one of two units in Canada!

Professional Pathways and Career Impact

Registered Dietitians are in-demand care professionals who assess, develop, deliver and evaluate strategies and programs related to food and nutrition. They translate scientific, medical and nutrition information into practical, individualized therapeutic diets and meal plans. Collaboration with clients, patients, caregivers and other health care professionals is central to their practice. Dietitians are essential members of interprofessional health care teams who work in hospitals, health clinics, private practice, government, industry and community organizations.

Key Professional Data:

• Average Salary: $76,537
• Regulatory Body: The College of Dietitians of Alberta
• Key Application Deadline: March 1
• Career Roles: Registered Dietitian, Food Scientist, Product Development Technologist, or Research Officer.

Specialized Coursework and Global Study

Regarding specific academic courses, NUTR 452 - Nutrition in the Prevention of Chronic Human Diseases is a lecture and reading course to review current research and the scientific basis of nutrition intervention. Students also explore environmental factors affecting the growth, activity and destruction of microorganisms in food and their application to control foodborne illness and spoilage. Furthermore, students can travel to France to study nutrition and food sciences at the Institut Polytechnique LaSalle Beauvais, where the From Field to Plate course integrates culinary arts, health sciences and professional practice.