BSc (Hons) Food, Nutrition and Health

Program Overview

This BSc (Hons) Food, Nutrition and Health degree from Abertay University explores the relationship between food and health, focusing on nutrition and public health. The program combines academic and practical learning, including a third-year work placement, and prepares graduates for careers in the food and nutrition industry, such as community nutritionist, home economics teacher, and health promotion worker. Accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), the program emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and digital skills.

Program Outline

• Objectives:
• Understand the nutritional function of different foods.
• Analyze how nutrients impact the body and influence health.
• Explore the link between nutrition and public health.
• Develop strategies to improve eating habits.
• Adapt diets to accommodate specific clinical conditions.
• Understand consumer eating behaviors and motives.
• Program Description:
• The program utilizes a blend of academic and practical learning, including access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities worth £3.5 million.
• A third-year work placement offers real-world experience and networking opportunities.
• Ideal for secondary school leavers, further education college entrants, and mature students.
• Recognized by The Guardian Guide 2022 as the top university in Scotland for Food Science and Nutrition degrees.
• Achieved a remarkable 93% score in the 2023 National Student Survey (NSS) for Overall Student Satisfaction.
• Two-year foundation in Food Science, Nutrition, and Wellbeing, followed by specialization in years three and four.

Outline:

• Year 1:
• Core modules: Fundamentals of Nutrition, Applied Biological Sciences for Food and Human Health, Social Science for Sport and Exercise, Nutrition and the Consumer, Safe Food Handling, and Abertay 101.
• MySuccess modules (Term 2): choice of 3 modules from a list focusing on digital skills, research, communication, and career development.
• Year 2:
• Core modules: Key Concepts in Sport and Exercise Physiology, Food Design and Promotion, Nutrition through the Lifespan, Public Health Nutrition and Health Promotion 1, and Food Characterisation.
• Microcredential modules (Term 2): choice of modules totaling 20 credits.
Options include topics like co-creation, anti-racism in communications, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and Chinese culture.
• Year 3:
• Core modules: Food and Behaviour, Clinical Nutrition 1, Professional Skills for Placement and Research, and Placement.
• Year 4:
• Core modules: Project Research Methods and Management, Clinical Nutrition 2, Public Health Nutrition and Health Promotion 2, Current Topics in Food, and Honours Project.

Assessment:

• A combination of examinations and coursework is used to assess students.
• Students are encouraged to critically evaluate information, challenge concepts using evidence-based information, and demonstrate initiative in constructing their own knowledge base.
• Participation in all teaching activities, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, team projects, and practical work, is crucial for successful assessment.

Teaching:

• The program utilizes various teaching methods, including lectures, small group tutorials, and practical lab-based activities, supplemented by private study.
• Practical activities and work placements provide opportunities to contextualize theoretical knowledge in real-life applications.
• The program fosters a student-centered approach, encouraging active learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Careers:

• This program prepares graduates for a range of careers in the food and nutrition industry, including:
• Community/NHS nutritionist
• Home economics teacher
• Community/consumer advisor
• Health promotion worker
• Health improvement officer
• Dietetic support worker
• Food/drink sector careers
• Researcher

Other:

• This program is one of four related courses offered by the university, covering food science, nutrition, fitness, wellbeing, and consumer science.
• Students can choose their specialization after the two-year foundational curriculum.
• The program emphasizes the importance of developing critical thinking, communication, and digital skills.
• The university boasts impressive facilities and resources for students, including a £3.5 million laboratory complex.