COURSE CURRICULUM

The Nutrition major requires students to complete a total of 54 units of coursework that includes core courses and upper division elective courses designed to provide a strong foundation in nutrition science, food systems, and community health. The program begins with required core courses that introduce students to the scientific and practical aspects of nutrition and food management. Students study subjects such as biology and chemistry to understand the biological and chemical processes related to nutrition and metabolism. Courses such as Basic Biological Concepts and General Chemistry provide the scientific background necessary for understanding how nutrients function in the human body. Students also complete introductory courses such as Introduction to Nutrition and Principles of Food Preparation, which focus on the fundamentals of healthy eating, food composition, and food preparation techniques.The core curriculum also includes courses that explore food safety, food systems, and the role of nutrition across different stages of life. For example, Food Safety and Sanitation teaches students about safe food handling practices and food safety regulations. Courses such as Nutrition and Metabolism, Nutrition: Pre-conception Through Childhood, and Nutrition: Adolescence Through Older Adulthood examine how nutritional needs change throughout the human lifespan. Cultural and Social Aspects of Food explores how culture, traditions, and social factors influence food choices and dietary habits. Students also take courses such as Nutrition Education, Communication, and Counseling, which help them develop skills in communicating nutritional information and supporting individuals in making healthy lifestyle choices. In addition, Food Production and Sustainability examines the environmental and economic factors involved in modern food systems.Students also complete Research: Methods and Application in Nutrition and Food and a Senior Seminar, which help them develop research, analytical, and professional skills. In addition to the core courses, students must complete two upper division elective courses from options such as Food Service Management, Community Nutrition, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Sports Nutrition, Nutrition Assessment, or Social Media for Nutrition Communication. These courses allow students to explore specialized areas within the field of nutrition. Along with the major requirements, students must also complete 43 units of General Education courses to ensure a well-rounded academic background in communication, mathematics, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.