Nutrition and Health Science

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Fruit and veg next to beaker for Nutrition and Health Science
Fruit and veg next to beaker for Nutrition and Health Science
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
40
Duration
4 Years
Course Code
MT 876
Entry Requirements
402 Points in 2023 and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below.
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork
Course NFQ Level
Level 8

Dr Aoife McCarthy

T: +353 (0)21 432 6135

Email: (email)

Overview

This course is designed to meet the need for scientists with technical competency in the design, development, production, analysis and upgrading of products that are involved in the maintenance, restoration and promotion of human health and wellbeing. Graduates will be able to apply their understanding of human nutrition and its role in health and disease to various sectors of the food and health industry and identify and address nutrition-related problems in individuals and populations.

First and second year modules provide the student with a strong foundation in biological science modules such as microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, as well as nutrition modules including fundamentals of human nutrition, nutritional analysis methodologies and food and health science. Third and fourth year cover more specialised topics such as nutrition communication, nutritional epidemiology, clinical nutrition, functional foods, food regulation and innovation and food and healthcare chemistry, toxicology and microbiology.

The lectures are supplemented with relevant case studies, projects, assignments and there is a strong focus on gaining in depth practical experience in the laboratory. The work placement module is an integral and essential part of the course programme in which the student is introduced to a structured work environment. The student develops an understanding of the organisation, practices and procedures in the organisation and the area of activity in which it is involved.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

As well as learning the main core science subjects in first year, students will also be exposed to the following:

  • Studying the different groups of food and healthcare products produced in industry
  • Evaluating the role of food in health
  • Describing the basic principles of sports and exercise nutrition
  • Performing experimental laboratory procedures on different food and healthcare products

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in six subjects i.e. H5 in two subjects and O6/H7 in four other subjects. The six subjects must include Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

 

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

A graduate of this course will be employable in food, nutrition, healthcare and animal feed industries, in sectors including research, new product development, production, nutritional analysis, quality assurance, food/nutrition communication and marketing.

  • Research scientist in food and related healthcare industries
  • New product development, production, and marketing in food and related healthcare industries
  • Food safety and food regulation in food industry and governmental agencies
  • Nutrition communication in food information organisations
  • Quality assurance

Progression

Further Studies

This course is an excellent platform for further studies, both in terms of short add-on courses, and more structured postgraduate degrees such as Master of Science and PhD programmes. Graduates have many opportunities to engage in continued education and training (e.g. dietetics).

Question Time

Completion of the BSc (Honours) in Nutrition and Health Science does not qualify the graduate to practice as a dietician. However, graduates of the course can undertake further studies in other third-level institutes to pursue a career as a dietician.

Individuals pursuing a career in nutrition and health science should be dedicated, logical, analytically minded, good with people, a team player, have good attention to detail, and excellent organisational skills.

Yes, the BSc (Honours) in Nutrition and Health Science is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN: AC290) which holds the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN), a register of competent, qualified, nutrition professionals who meet AfN standards for scientific, evidence-based nutrition.

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