Human Nutrition is one of the most important determinants of individual and public health. It is a rapidly evolving science that requires skilled personnel to progress our knowledge of why and how nutrition can influence health. The BSc Human Nutrition programme is aimed at students who wish to obtain an education in nutrition science and the role of nutrition in human health. This accredited programme provides students with the core knowledge and skills to understand detailed nutrient metabolism and how this influences health and disease. In addition, it draws on key facets of public health nutrition, clinical nutrition and nutrition communication to enable students to devise dietary advice based on current scientific evidence and to communicate nutrition science to different audiences both in written language and verbally. We value our students as active, motivated, autonomous learners and to think critically in terms of nutrition and its translation in health and disease. We aim to provide learning environments that will integrate teaching, research, assessment and learning, individually and through group activities so as to develop leadership, critical and reflective practice, effective communication and inquiry skills. The diversity of learning environments and methods ensures that students have a stimulating learning experience. As a result, a multifaceted learning approach is employed incorporating a diverse range of teaching and assessment methods, such as case studies, group work, project work and professional work placements. Throughout all levels, we draw heavily on research-teaching linkages, giving students access to cutting edge knowledge. 

• Analyse nutrition related topics, synthesize and critically assess the scientific evidence and draw concrete conclusions.
• Communicate nutrition science to different audiences in written language and verbally.
• Communicate, devise and design dietary advice based on current scientific evidence
• Contribute to food related policy in different sectors and in society.
• Critique core and advanced concepts in human nutrition
• Critique detailed nutrient metabolism and translate to health and disease
• Critique the role of nutrition in human health
• Demonstrate an ability to be independent, self-directed learners
• Develop research skills in nutrition and disseminate outcomes effectively
• Recognise and value the role of a nutritionist in different sectors and in society.
• Use critical and creative thinking to motivate themselves and others and to progress understanding in nutrition

If you are keen on pursuing a qualification in food and health with a focus on human nutrition, then this new degree programme may interest you.

Nutrition, the interaction between food and health, is becoming increasingly important in our society today. This programme will aim to give you a holistic understanding of food and health, underpinned by a strong scientific background.

Graduating as a nutritionist, you will have the skills to apply your knowledge to promote an understanding of the effects of diet and lifestyle on health and well-being in people. UCD will have this BSc accredited with the Nutrition Society. Thus all graduates will have professional accreditation as a nutritionist.

STAGE 1
Stage 1 focuses on understanding the essential core sciences, and students will also take an Introduction to Food, Diet and Health Module. Having this core basis will aid in understanding the complex metabolic processes associated with food and health.

STAGE 2
You will undertake more general food and health-related modules, where you will begin to build your knowledge of biological systems and their application to the practice of human nutrition. You will also undertake a wide range of topics including areas of food chemistry and production, sensory analysis and human nutrition.

STAGE 3
This is a full Professional Work Experience stage, which can be completed in a number of different areas, including food companies, research institutes or other health-related bodies with an interest in nutrition.

During Stage 3, you will complete a research project and will gain invaluable experience, allowing you to graduate from UCD well prepared for the workforce.

STAGE 4
The final stage of this degree will focus on more specific areas of human nutrition including Molecular Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition. You will consolidate your understanding of all core sciences into a professional understanding of human nutrition.

PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
A dedicated year of Professional Work Experience in Stage 3 provides a unique opportunity to graduate, ready and equipped to enter the working world.

This work placement also provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and broaden your appreciation of the food industry or of nutrition-related employment.

You can expect to be placed in national and international companies and government departments associated with the food industry or nutrition or world-class research groups in universities all over the world and at home in Ireland.

We aim to foster and encourage placement of students in world-class facilities all over the world.

The academic content of this programme, together with the experience gained from placement, leads to excellent employment opportunities in the food industry, nutrition research or health promotion. This course will aid you in continuing to train as a public health nutritionist, through further study and / or applied practice.

UCD Agriculture and Food Science Programme Office,
Agriculture and Food Science Centre,
Belfield,
Dublin 4
Tel: +353 1 716 7194
Email:agandfoodprogrammes@ucd.ie
Web:www.ucd.ie/agfood