COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Nutrition Science at Deakin University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to address major nutrition-related health challenges such as disease prevention, obesity, and lifespan nutrition. The course includes hands-on laboratory experience in food preparation, food analysis, and sensory evaluation through well-equipped, commercial-style laboratories. Students complete at least 75 hours of industry placement, gaining valuable workplace training that prepares them for a career focused on improving health through nutrition. The program also provides a pathway to the Master of Dietetics, where a significant proportion of places are reserved for Deakin graduates. Throughout the course, students study a broad range of topics including nutritional physiology, the role of food in disease prevention, food regulation, sustainable food systems, and the science of food. To broaden career opportunities, students can select elective units in related areas such as food innovation, health promotion, psychology, physical activity, and exercise science. Those interested in the food industry may choose the food innovation major, preparing them for careers in product development and marketing that promote health. The course structure requires students to pass 24 credit points, including compulsory units on academic integrity and laboratory safety, 13 credit points of core nutrition units, 5 credit points of nutrition and food electives, and 6 credit points of open electives which may form a major sequence. Students must complete a maximum of 10 credit points at the introductory level and at least 6 credit points at an advanced level to ensure depth of knowledge. Full-time students typically study four credit points per trimester over two trimesters each year. This balanced combination of theory, practical experience, and industry placements ensures graduates are well-prepared for careers in various health and nutrition fields, making a positive impact on population health and wellbeing.