M2016 Bachelor of Human Nutrition

The course is structured in 4 themes: Theme 1: Foundation of medical, food and nutritional sciences, Theme 2: Nutrition and Health, Theme 3: Nutrition professional and skills development, Theme 4: Research and practice in nutrition. Themes develop personal and professional capabilities, knowledge about food science, public health and nutrition as well as nutrition fundamentals of health and disease. The themes are drawn together in a final research project and internship that entails application of the acquired knowledge and skills in actual nutrition research and practice.

Theme 1: Foundation of medical, food and nutritional sciences
Through these studies, you will be introduced to fundamental concepts of medical, food and nutritional sciences. The inter-related units will assist you in understanding the human body, and subsequently comprehending critical principles in human nutrition and food science. These studies form the basis for a deeper understanding of other themes in this program. 

Theme 2: Nutrition and health
Through these studies, you will be able to determine the social and behavioural aspects that affect individuals, communities and population. You will consider the broad aspect of religion, culture and political belief within a community. You will also be exposed to a greater understanding of nutritional needs and issues of specific groups. Besides, you will also learn about the roles of nutrition in the context of human health and disease. 

Theme 3: Nutrition professional and skills development 
Through these studies, you will develop professional ethics and values related to nutrition practices. This includes learning of communication skills, critical thinking, technical and research skills. Specifically, you will learn the development and potential application of scientific and technical skills in promoting good health and develop competency in assessing the nutritional status of individual, group and community. You will also learn the necessary skills for safe food preparation and service.

Theme 4: Research and practice in nutrition
These studies revolve around the application of the acquired knowledge and skills in actual nutrition practice. You will learn interviewing and counselling skills and public health nutrition principles and practices. You will also learn how to design and implement nutrition intervention activities and programs in the community. Nutrition internship in the final semester will provide an opportunity to gain practical experience in real-life settings, as it will enable you to understand the role of nutritionist within the context of the health care system and/or workplace.

Elective study

Elective studies have been designed to deepen/apply the knowledge of human nutrition. You may also choose one elective unit from the recommended list for Free elective study or any Monash University unit provided you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on enrolment.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

This course comprises 162 points. It includes 30 points of work placement, 18 points of research project and 18 points of free elective study.

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Theme 1: Foundation of medical, food and nutritional sciences (30 points)

You must complete:

• NUT1021 Fundamentals of human nutrition
• NUT1022 Fundamentals of biomedical sciences
• NUT1023 Nutritional biochemistry and nutrigenomics
• NUT1025 Food science and analysis
• NUT1030 Nutrition and mental health

Theme 2: Nutrition and health (30 points)

You must  complete:

• NUT1024 Nutrition, health and behaviour
• NUT1026 Nutritional epidemiology
• NUT1028 Nutrition throughout lifecycle
• NUT2020 Nutrition in exercise and sports
• NUT2023 Nutrition and chronic diseases

Theme 3: Nutrition professional and skills development (36 points)

You must complete:

• NUT1029 Assessment of nutritional status
• NUT2022 Food preparation, safety and service (12 points)
• NUT2025 Research methods in nutrition  
• NUT2026 Community nutrition and health promotion (12 points)

Theme 4: Research and practice in nutrition (48 points)

You must complete:

• NUT2024 Internship 1 (12 points)
• NUT3026 Applied research in nutrition (18 points)
• NUT3027 Internship 2 (18 points)

Elective study (18 points)

You must complete 18 points as follows:

You must complete one of the following units:

• NUT2029 Nutrition education and counselling
• NUT2030 Communication in clinical nutrition

AND

You must complete one of the following units:

• NUT3024 Contemporary development in nutrition
• NUT3025 Food and nutrition policy 

AND

You must complete one elective unit from the recommended list* or any Monash University unit provided you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on enrolment.

*Recommended elective units:

• PSY1011 - Foundations in psychology
• PSY1013 - The science of thriving
• PSY1014 - Introduction to contemporary mental health practice
• PSY1023 - Introduction to psychological Inquiry
• PSY1024 - Psychology: Allies in Indigenous health
• BTH1802 - Fundamentals of biotechnology
• SCI1000 - Science communication to influence change
• MGW1010 - Introduction to management
• ACW1020 - Accounting in business
• ENG2801 - Leadership & innovation
• AMU1017 - Academic literacies
• AMU1018 - Learning in higher education