Bachelor of Nutrition Science
2023 Deakin University Handbook
Year | 2023 course information |
---|---|
Award granted | Bachelor of Nutrition Science |
Course Map | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2023. This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2023. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne) |
Online | No |
Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
CRICOS course code | 095521M Burwood (Melbourne) |
Deakin course code | H315 |
Approval status | This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework. |
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7. |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Mandatory student checks
- Pathways
- Fees and charges
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Major sequences
- Minor sequences
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Details of major sequences
- Details of minor sequences
Course overview
More than 7% of total burden of disease in Australia is due to poor diet*. Study Deakin's Bachelor of Nutrition Science and help tackle the challenges facing our society including disease prevention, lifespan nutrition, obesity, the spread of misinformation, and the social and physiological effects of food on our wellbeing. Modelled on commercial laboratories, our food preparation, food analysis and two sensory laboratories give students hands-on real-world laboratory experience preparing you for the workplace.
Gain at least 75 hours of workplace training through industry placement. These experiences ensure you have the practical skills to improve health through food and nutrition – skills that are increasingly in demand as society grapples with nutrition-related diseases and their impact on wellbeing. This course provides a pathway to the Master of Dietetics, which allocates 60% of places to Deakin graduates.
Do you want to have a real impact on population health, and improve the wellbeing of communities?
In this course, you will study a broad range of subjects that unlock a variety of career opportunities across health and nutrition industries. Gain a comprehensive understanding of:
- the role of food in disease prevention
- nutrition education and research
- food choice and intake
- food regulation
- nutritional physiology
- lifespan nutrition
- sustainable food systems
- the science of food.
To add diversity to your degree and expand your career opportunities, you can choose elective units in complementary areas such as food innovation, health promotion, psychology, physical activity and health or exercise science.
Gain extensive practical experience through the Food and Nutrition Practicum unit in your final year. This allows you to build industry experience and connections while applying your skills alongside established nutritionists.
The major in food innovation will prepare you for a career in the food industry, where your knowledge of nutrition and food composition will facilitate the creation and marketing of food products that help to improve health.
You can also learn about nutrition perceptions and issues in different cultures by taking your studies abroad to gain an international perspective. Find yourself learning about food policy in Thailand, enjoying an Amish dinner, visiting Hershey’s in the US or even travelling to the Netherlands to study organic farming.
*Australian Government, Department of Health: www.health.gov.au/health-topics/food-and-nutrition/about
Indicative student workload
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Professional recognition
While studying, you are eligible to apply for student membership with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA). Graduates with a Bachelor of Nutrition Science can apply for ordinary membership of NSA or apply to become a registered Associate Nutritionist. Registration will ensure you are recognised as a qualified nutrition professional in the field.
Additionally, if you have completed this degree with a major in food innovation, you may also seek membership into the Australian Institute of Food, Science and Technology (AIFST).
Graduates are eligible to apply to become a Registered Associate Nutritionist with the:
- Nutrition Society of Australia
- Hong Kong Nutrition Association
- UK Association for Nutrition.
Career opportunities
As a nutritionist, you will have the knowledge and skills to confidently provide evidence-based advice to communities regarding food and its impact on our health. Graduates of the Bachelor of Nutrition Science will be well prepared for careers requiring knowledge surrounding:
- nutrition
- individual and population health
- food analysis
- food sustainability
- food policy
- nutrition for disease prevention
- assessing and evaluating food intake.
Students completing the food innovation major will be prepared for careers requiring knowledge of:
- consumer behaviour
- education and research
- the food industry
- food policy and regulation
- sensory analysis
- product development
- food quality and safety
- food manufacturing.
You will gain the skills required to perform a range of roles across:
- advocacy
- nutrition promotion
- nutrition media and marketing
- quality assurance
- self-employment and consulting
Visit our nutrition careers page for more on the different pathways available to you.
Students can choose to study the prerequisite subjects for further study in Dietetics and apply for the Master of Dietetics on completion of their Bachelor degree. 60% of places in Deakin’s Master of Dietetics are allocated to Deakin graduates.
Mandatory student checks
Working with Children Check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for the relevant state prior to undertaking placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their placement unit.
Police Record Check
Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for placements as part of this course. Further information and guidance will be provided to students when they enrol into their placement unit.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to:
- H418 Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Sciences (Honours)
- H714 Master of Human Nutrition
- H718 Master of Dietetics
- H748 Master of Nutrition and Population Health
Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our Current students fees website.
Course Learning Outcomes
Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply food and nutrition and health knowledge from a range of perspectives. |
Communication | Select and use a variety of engaging communication modes to disseminate knowledge to individuals, groups, government and non-government organisations and health professionals. |
Digital literacy | Select and use appropriate technologies to source, understand, evaluate, and communicate information to professional networks and communities. |
Critical thinking | Source and critically analyse the food and nutrition literature to apply an evidence-based approach to the field. |
Problem solving | Identify and apply practical solutions to a range of changing and complex food and nutrition and health issues. |
Self-management | Employ self-directed, reflective work and learning practices in a responsible manner to professionally contribute to nutrition sciences. |
Teamwork | Work collaboratively as part of interdisciplinary teams with a range of stakeholders to advance the field of nutrition sciences. |
Global citizenship | Engage in professional and ethical practice that demonstrates awareness of, and adaptability to, diverse social, cultural and environmental contexts in nutrition sciences. |
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Nutrition Science, students must attain 24 credit points. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. In order to gain 24 credit points, you will need to study 24 units (AKA 'subjects') over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.
The course comprises a total of 24 credit points, which must include the following:
- 13 core units (these are compulsory)
- Completion of HSN010 Food and Nutrition Laboratory Safety and SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program, prior to your first laboratory based unit in this course.
- 5 HSN coded (nutrition and food) elective units.
- 6 elective units which may form a major sequence and can be selected from any faculty (you can choose which ones to study)
- No more than 10 credit points may be taken at level 1 and at least 6 credit points must be taken at level 3
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete HAI010 Academic Integrity in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory unit).
Burwood students will need to enrol into the Burwood unit offerings.
Geelong students can choose one from the below two options:
- A. Online unit offering: Attend two x 2 day intensive practical classes (one day for HSN104 and one day for HSN106). These intensive practical sessions are typically conducted on a Saturday or Sunday at Burwood (Melbourne) Campus.
- B. Burwood unit offering: attend four practical classes at Burwood. Geelong students who choose to enrol into Burwood offering can only do so if there is capacity and via manual enrolment.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Major sequences
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
It is recommended that students that commenced their first year in 2018 take the Food Innovation major sequence.
Note: Students who commenced H315 Bachelor of Nutrition Science in 2018 and received credits, please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central before you enrol into the Food Innovation major.
Alternative major sequences can be undertaken from undergraduate courses offered by any faculty at Deakin University (subject to unit and course rules).
Students can choose to undertake majors from other courses as long as they can fit the major into their course structure and the majors are available for you to undertake.
Please ensure you discuss your request with a Student Adviser to ensure you are still meeting your course rules
Other major sequences available include:
- Disability and Inclusion
- Exercise Science
- Family, Society and Health
- Health Promotion
- Physical Activity and Health
- Psychology
Minor sequences
Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.
Health, Nature and Sustainability
Course structure
Core units
Course structure applies for students who commenced in 2022 onwards. Students who commenced prior to 2022 should refer to previous online Handbooks or contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
Please refer to the Course Map page for course map information.
Level 1 - Trimester 1
HAI010 | Academic Integrity (0 credit points) |
SLE010 | Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit points) |
HSN101 | Foundations of Food, Nutrition and Health |
HBS109 | Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology |
HSN105 | Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems |
SLE133 | Chemistry in Our World |
Level 1 - Trimester 2
HSN010 | Food and Nutrition Laboratory Safety (0 credit points) |
HSN104 | The Science of Food |
HSN106 | Food Fundamentals |
plus two elective units (recommended at Level 1)
Level 2 - Trimester 1
HSN211 | Nutritional Physiology |
plus 2 HSN-coded units
plus 1 elective unit (recommended at Level 1 or Level 2)
Level 2 - Trimester 2
HSN202 | Lifespan Nutrition |
plus 1 HSN-coded unit
plus two elective units (recommended at Level 2)
Level 3 - Trimester 1
HSN301 | Diet and Disease |
HSN309 | Food Policy and Regulation |
plus 2 HSN-coded units
Level 3 - Trimester 2
HSN302 | Population Nutrition |
HSN305 | Assessing Food Intake and Activity |
HSN311 | Food and Nutrition Practicum |
plus 1 HSN-coded unit (selective or Food Innovation major sequence)
Students who want to complete H718 Master of Dietetics pre-requisites must enrol in ALL the following elective units. You can find detailed information on the course entry requirements and frequently asked questions relating to the Master of Dietetics here.
HSN107 | Physiology of Human Growth and Development |
HSE208 | Integrated Human Physiology |
SLE155 | Chemistry for the Professional Sciences |
SLE212 | Biochemistry |
SLE222 | Biochemical Metabolism |
If an exercise physiology unit has been completed at level 2 (e.g. HSE201 Exercise Physiology, it must be combined with one of these units to meet H718 Master of Dietetics pre-requisites:
SLE211 | Principles of Physiology |
SLE221 | Systems Physiology |
Elective units
Electives are offered subject to availability of resources and quotas where applicable.
Trimester 1
HSN206 | Food Analysis and Quality Assurance |
HSN223 | Sensory Evaluation of Food |
HSN307 | Sports Nutrition: Theory and Practice |
HSN315 | Food Manufacturing and Process Innovation |
HSN319 | Consumer and Sensory Innovation of Food |
Trimester 2
HSN204 | Food Safety |
HSN210 | Nutrition and Food Promotion |
HSN308 | Food, Nutrition and Society |
HSN320 | Trends in Product Development |
HSN360 | International Perspectives in Food and Nutrition |
Work experience
Work Integrated Learning
You will enhance your employment prospects by consolidating your knowledge and skills through realistic field experience, you are encouraged to consider undertaking an industry placement or volunteering experience in HSN311 Food Science and Nutrition Practicum in your final year.
Details of major sequences
Food Innovation
Campus
Burwood (Melbourne)
Unit set code
MJ-H000036
Overview
By completing the Food Innovation major you can also establish a career in the food industry, where your knowledge of nutrition and food composition facilitate the creation and marketing of food products that help to improve health.
You may also gain employment in food regulation, food safety and Quality, food product development and sensory analysis.
Units
Note: Students who commenced H315 Bachelor of Nutrition Science in 2018 and received credits, please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central before you enrol into this major.
HSN204 | Food Safety |
HSN206 | Food Analysis and Quality Assurance |
HSN223 | Sensory Evaluation of Food |
HSN315 | Food Manufacturing and Process Innovation |
HSN319 | Consumer and Sensory Innovation of Food |
HSN320 | Trends in Product Development |
Psychology
Campus
Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online
Unit set code
MJ-H000008
Overview
This sequence develops students’ understanding of a range of topics in psychology, which is the science concerned with unravelling questions about human behaviour and mental processes.
This six unit major is not intended for the purpose of registration as a psychologist.
Units
To obtain the six unit major students must complete HPS111 and HPS121 plus:
- any two level 2 units from the psychology units list below.
- any two level 3 units from the psychology units list below.
Core units
HPS111 | Introduction to Psychology: Human Behaviour |
HPS121 | Introduction to Psychology: Individual and Social Development |
Plus two units from the list below:
HPS201 | Psychology Research Methods (Introductory) |
HPS202 | Developmental Psychology (Child and Adolescent) |
HPS203 | Cognitive Psychology |
HPS204 | Social Psychology |
HPS206 | Forensic Psychology |
Plus two units from the list below:
HPS301 | Psychology Research Methods (Intermediate) |
HPS302 | Developmental Psychology (Adult) |
HPS304 | Social Psychology (Human Relationships) |
HPS307 | Personality Psychology |
HPS308 | Psychopathology |
HPS310 | Biological Psychology (Brain and Behaviour) |
HPS395 | Biological Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) |
Details of minor sequences
Disability and Inclusion
Campus
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-H000025
Overview
Completion of this minor will equip students with skills to be an inclusion professional, working to overcome the social and structural barriers that contribute to disability.
Units
HDS101 | Communication and Diversity *+ |
HDS106 | Diversity, Disability and Social Inclusion *+ |
HDS209 | Inclusive Services * |
HDS210 | Diversity At Work + |
HDS301 | The Inclusive Practitioner + |
HDS310 | Human Rights and Advocacy * |
*Units required for Minor sequence focusing on inclusive services and advocacy
+Units required for Minor sequence focusing on inclusion practice in diverse professions
Exercise Science
Campus
Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online
Note: Online offering has on campus intensive workshops of 2-4 days for HSE201, HSE202 and HSE301.
Unit set code
MN-H000016
Overview
This minor provides students with a sound understanding of the core sciences underpinning both competitive sport and recreational physical activity. A variety of learning approaches is adopted, allowing students to integrate their sporting interests with their studies, as well as to match these with their employment objectives.
Units
HBS109 | Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology |
HSE201 | Exercise Physiology |
HSE202 | Biomechanics |
HSE301 | Exercise Prescription for Fitness and Health |
Family, Society and Health
Campus
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-H000002
Overview
This minor focuses on the household and family as a setting for public health. It explores the issues facing households and families, such as the link between healthy human development and healthy households, economic wellbeing and health, and the need for supportive environments.
Units
HSH105 | Understanding Families and Health |
HSH206 | Human Development and Healthy Families |
HSH207 | Socio-Economic Status and Health |
HSH306 | People, Health and Place |
Health, Nature and Sustainability
Campus
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-H000043
Overview
This minor will explore the inextricable links between human health and the health of the planet. Sustainability issues such as climate change, ecological footprints, sustainable food systems and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be explored.
Units
HSH112 | Local and Global Environments for Health |
HSW235 | Community Development: Social Work Theory and Practice D |
HSH202 | Creating Sustainable Futures |
HSH306 | People, Health and Place |
Health Promotion
Campus
Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online
Unit set code
MN-H000004
Overview
This minor will equip students with a sound knowledge of the causes of health and illness and of effective strategies for prevention of the latter, as well as practical skills in health education and communication, health planning and management.
Units
HSH102 | Disease Prevention and Control |
HSH208 | Health Communication |
HSH212 | Professional Practice |
and one of
HSH302 | Politics, Policy and Health |
HSH313 | Contemporary Health Issues |
Medical Biotechnology
Campus
Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Unit set code
MN-H000032
Overview
Medical Biotechnology uses cells and cell materials to produce pharmaceutical and diagnostic products that help treat and prevent human diseases. This minor provides students with an understanding of the core sciences underpinning biotechnology for medical advancement.
Units
HMM101 | Introduction to Medical Biotechnology |
HMM102 | Principles of Gene and Genomic Technology |
HMM201 | Medical Nanotechnology |
HMM305 | Cell and Tissue Engineering |
Physical Activity and Health
Campus
Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online
Unit set code
MN-H000023
Overview
This minor provides students with an understanding of how behaviour influences health, with a particular emphasis on the relationships between physical activity and health.
Units
HSE111 | Physical Activity and Exercise for Health |
HSE212 | Physical Activity Promotion and Evaluation |
HSE213 | Children's Physical Activity and Sport |
HSE316 | Physical Activity and Population Health |
Psychology for Allied Health
Campus
Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online
Unit set code
MN-H000035
Overview
This sequence prepares students for work in complementary professional fields upon graduation.
Units
HBS110 | Health Psychology (Behaviour Change) |
HPS226 | Health Psychology (Chronic Illness) |
and either
HPS202 | Developmental Psychology (Child and Adolescent) |
HPS302 | Developmental Psychology (Adult) |
or
HPS207 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
HPS328 | Psychology At Work (Internship) |
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Further information
Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.
- Contact Student Central