Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours)

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours)
Deakin course code	H418
Faculty	Faculty of Health
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Online	No
Duration	1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Course Map - enrolment planning tool	The course map for new students commencing from Semester 1 2025. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
CRICOS course code	065147K Burwood (Melbourne)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Take the next step in your understanding of the effects of nutrition on our population with a Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours). You will complete coursework alongside an original research project, and develop a unique perspective of research occurring within Australia’s $20 billion dollar food industry.

Are you ready to uncover research that could change society’s perception of food?

Discover more about your area of interest within nutrition sciences by completing an honours year. You will not only build on your foundation knowledge of nutrition, but also enhance your skills to confidently conduct an original research project.

Contribute to knowledge in your specialised area while gaining practical research experience among an ever-developing field.

Paired with a supervisor who is an expert in their field, you will complete an original piece of research under their guidance. Along the way, you will gain an understanding of research methods and design, as well as experience in project planning and implementation.

Examples of previous research projects include:

The political construction of obesity: a framing analysis of Australian parliamentary debates about junk-food advertising to children.
The role of visual cues on flavour perception and liking of rice.
Factors predictive of postoperative clinical outcomes in gastrointestinal surgical patients: A prospective observational study.
Some of the research being conducted within our research centres such as the Food and Mood Centre and Global Obesity Centre includes the impact of food on mental health issues, such as depression, and the cost effectiveness of obesity prevention policies in Australia.

Deakin is home to leading Australian research centres CASS (Consumer Analytical Safety Sensory (CASS) Food Research Centre) and IPAN (Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition), whose studies are at the forefront of food and nutrition research. You will also have the opportunity to study in our state-of-the-art food and nutrition facilities – including industry-standard food sensory labs – that will provide you with hands-on experience to put your research to the test.

By completing your honours degree with Deakin’s School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, you will graduate with the relevant industry knowledge to pursue a career or complete further research and study. With over 150 partnerships spanning government and organisations within the health field, your learning will be relevant to industry.

Graduate with the knowledge and skills required to confidently provide evidence-based advice regarding food and its impact on our health within community settings.

Indicative student workload

You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your honours degree.

Career opportunities

With this qualification you will have the knowledge and advanced research skills to apply to careers in areas such as:

education
food policy and regulation
industry researcher
nutrition marketing and research
quality assurance
research

You will also be well equipped with the skills to progress into higher degrees by research or career pathways with a research focus, including industry research or academia. Your understanding of research will ensure you are regarded highly by employers with advanced skills to critically analyse and problem-solve issues within the food, nutrition and health-related sectors.

Participation requirements

Engagement with online course material and scheduled classes (on campus). Regular meeting with project supervisors. On campus participation in other course events as required.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Pathways

This course is a pathway into Higher Degrees by Research.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Acquire advanced knowledge of the philosophies, ethics, methods and principles of research in one or more discipline areas of practice in food science and nutrition/exercise and sports science. Apply this knowledge to plan and execute a substantial research project.
Communication	Demonstrate advanced oral and written communication skills in the clear and coherent communication of research questions, design and outcomes to a diverse audience.
Digital literacy	Acquire advanced skills in using digital technologies to research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate evidence-based information to an academic audience and specialists in the field of food science and nutrition/exercise and sports science. Use appropriate technologies to manage data and apply methodologies applicable for the food and nutrition sciences.
Critical thinking	Employ intellectual independence to critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise scientific literature and to apply appropriate methodologies and analytical techniques to answer the research question. Apply advanced theoretical knowledge to interpret outcomes and to identify how they contribute to advancing the field of food and nutrition science/exercise and sports science.
Problem solving	Identify an original research question and, under supervision, apply appropriate theories and methodologies to address this question in an ethical manner.
Self-management	Take initiative to identify personal learning goals and needs in order to undertake and manage an independent research project including the communication of research outcomes.
Teamwork	Contribute constructively and collaboratively as a member of research and professional team of specialists, peers, academics and others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.
Global citizenship	Apply ethical standards governing research and professional practice in the field of food science and nutrition/exercise and sports science whilst maintaining confidentiality, and respecting inclusive, cultural sensitivities.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours) students must pass 8 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
8 credit points of core units
- including 4 credit points of an independent research project

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.

Note:

Attendance and presentation at the School Honours Conference is a hurdle requirement.

Course structure

Core units

Semester 1

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)

HBS400

Research Methods

HSE401

Developing Research Skills

Semester 2

HSE403

Honours Research Project - Part A

HSE404

Honours Research Project - Part B

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

Orientation

Orientation for this course is mandatory and it normally takes place the week prior to semester starts; i.e. the first week of February.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central

Research and research-related study

All 8 credit points of the course are comprised of research-related study (2 x 2 credit point units) or research. 100% of the course’s research and research-related study is specifically assessed.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or 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.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.