Overview

This exciting degree course examines nutrition and health of the human body, explores the causes and physiology of disease, and considers ways in which human health can be improved. It involves study of the science of nutrition, human biology and health to explore a range of subjects including nutritional analysis, obesity, food safety, nutritional intervention and disease. The social and behavioural dimension is also recognised as an important factor in many of the nutritional health issues, and this is also feature of the programme. 

The Foundation Year provides a route for those who lack the required qualifications for the three year programme. The aim of the Foundation Year is to provide students with the subject knowledge, study skills and personal confidence to succeed at degree level in a science related subject. This year provides a supportive route to degree level study for students from a wide variety of educational and working backgrounds. Students are given plenty of tutorial help to ease them back into education.

Students can expect to gain a thorough knowledge and understanding of nutrition and human health as well as experience of various techniques including nutritional assessment, physiological assessment and laboratory analysis of nutrition.

Learning and teaching methods are diverse and involve a mix of seminars, lectures, tutorials, practical laboratory work and online learning. There is a supportive, enthusiastic teaching team and excellent student support.

During the course, students will be assessed through a diverse mixture of essays, reports, nutrition assessments, practical laboratory reports, examinations and a dissertation.

Content and Modules

Foundation year consists of six modules delivered over two semesters and is assessed at the end of each semester. The course is delivered over three days each week. Modules studied include:

• Principles of Physical Science
• Biological Basis for Life
• Communication and Study Skills
• Health and Nutrition
• Human Biological Systems and an investigative project

BSc (Hons) modules include:

• Introduction to Health
• Wellbeing and Disease
• Human Physiology and Biomeasurement
• Applied Nutrition and Biochemistry
• Health Psychology
• Obesity and other Contemporary Issues in Nutrition
• Nutrition Across the Lifespan
• Biochemical Nutrition and Analysis
• Research based Dissertation

Further Information

There is an optional work-based experience module in the second year which enables students to utilise and develop their skills within a relevant work environment. This is an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their employability skills and career prospects.

After successful completion of the Foundation Year students automatically progress to the three year Honours degree.

Opportunities exist in a wide range of careers in nutrition and health in both the private and public sectors. Examples include advisers in the nutrition and health industry, health promotion, health research, dietary and nutritional evaluation in the industrial, clinical or service sectors, charities concerned with public health, and local education authorities. Additionally, the course prepares students for higher level study.