Human Nutrition  (HMS1)

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. 

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

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.

A 10-month PWE programme allows you to graduate with the skills necessary to enter the working world.

Opportunities for international study exist through the PWE component and, upon graduation, through world-class research groups in international universities.

Graduates have found employment in:

• The food industry
• Nutrition research
• Health promotion

You can also train as a public health nutritionist through further study and/ or applied practice. A number of students also progress to postgraduate taught study each year with the MSc in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics programme at UCD a particularly popular option.

Building a healthy world is a core strategy for UCD and the internationally recognised research groups in food and health have resulted in substantially increased recruitment into PhD and MSc (research) posts.

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

Stage 1

In addition to 55 credits of core and option modules, students must take an elective module amounting to 5 credits.

Stage 2

In addition to the 50 credits of core modules, students must take elective modules amounting to 10 credits.

Stage 3

Students must take HNUT30170 (60 credits)

Stage 4

In addition to 50 credits of core modules students must take elective modules amounting to 10 credits.

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

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