Overview

Understand nutrition inside and out

Human nutrition is the branch of science devoted to the study of food and nutrients. It examines the effect that food and nutrients have on our physical, social, mental and environmental wellbeing. At the University of Canberra our emphasis is on the role of nutrition in the maintenance of health and wellbeing in different societies. You will gain specialist knowledge of the physiological, social, biochemical and epidemiological factors influencing diet-related diseases prevalent in societies today.

  Study a Bachelor of Human Nutrition at UC and you will:

• complete a range of foundation subjects to develop a sound scientific background in human nutrition including biochemistry, physiology and food science
• learn to describe all the factors that influence eating behaviour and responses to food today such as the psychological, social and cultural aspects of people’s relationship to food and their maintenance of health and well-being
• be prepared for entry into graduate courses in allied health areas, including dietetics and nutrition, sports dietetics, physiotherapy and pharmacy.

Work-integrated learning

Work-integrated learning (WIL) is learning first-hand through real work or work-like experiences. WIL is a key element to enhancing employability in the workplace and is integral to many of our courses. This reinforces our commitment to preparing professional and highly employable graduates with the right mix of skills and knowledge.

Career opportunities

• Nutrition and community education environments
• Health promotion
• Food industry and food regulation
• Careers in the biological sciences
• Government policy
• Research in nutrition

Course specific information

Graduates of the Bachelor of Human Nutrition are eligible for registration as an Associate Nutritionist with the Nutrition Society of Australia.

Learning outcomes

• Apply evidence-based principles of nutrition science, food science and public health nutrition to describe, assess, and influence the food and nutrient intake of individuals, groups and populations.
• Assess, model and manipulate factors influencing food systems and the relationship between food systems and health.
  
• Influence the capacity for nutrition governance to address sociocultural and behavioural factors on health.
  
• Select, explain, and appraise nutrition evidence and plan the collection of trustworthy nutrition evidence.
  
• Communicate nutrition information accurately, professionally, ethically and effectively in culturally appropriate ways.
  
  

Placements requirements

This course requires students to meet compulsory placement requirements prior to undertaking professional placement (Work-Integrated Learning) in a clinical or professional setting. For information on what these requirements are and how to meet these requirements, please visit www.canberra.edu.au/placement

• UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; and display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload. UC graduates are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; and communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; and adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas.