Nutrition BSc Honours

At the beginning of the course, you'll review the basic sciences that underpin nutritional practice. These include molecular biology, biochemistry, human physiology, and human nutrition.

The main aim of this module is to introduce and familiarise you with the key metabolic pathways of energy metabolism. You will acquire the skills and underpinning knowledge to pursue further studies in biochemistry.

This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology required to underpin your future learning. The unifying theme of homeostasis is used to show how a healthy structure and function are maintained and how failures of homeostasis can result in disease.

The module aims to provide you with a wide range of practical, analytical and data handling skills that you will need throughout your degree. It will also give you a solid foundation in employability skills such as teamwork, using information technology, communicating information and study skills.

The module introduces you to the principal aspects of human nutrition. The aim of module is to provide you with a wide breadth of knowledge in human nutrition. On completion of the module you should be able to recall key nutritional facts and concepts covered on the syllabus, as well as outline the current global nutrition issues.

This module explores the cell as the basic functional unit of life investigating the structure and function of cell components and introducing the cell cycle and the biology of disease. Concepts of evolution and the principles of inheritance are explained at the molecular level.

In your second year, you'll explore advanced topics in nutrition, including the relationship between diet and health, food science, nutritional biochemistry and nutritional research.

This module covers not only the nutritional requirements but also their functions of nutrients at the cellular and molecular level. It also aims to give you an appreciation of metabolic disorders and the current knowledge of nutrient-gene interactions in health and disease.

The module introduces you with an understanding of aspects of nutrition, food chemistry, food microbiology, sensory science, functional food ingredients, food packaging, food safety, and food regulations so you can provide informed nutritional advice and evaluate food products. It also aims to provide you with a wide range of practical, analytical and data handling skills.

The module covers issues relating to human nutrition during the life cycle in both health and disease. It also explores scientific evidence and current issues relating to diet, health and disease. Additionally, you will gain an appreciation of the genetic, molecular, and physiological basis of nutritional disorders.

After completing the second year, you can transfer to the BSc in Nutrition (Professional Practice) and undertake a year-long public or private sector placement in your third year before returning to complete your studies in year 4. Please note the sandwich year cannot be studied part-time.

The module aims to develop your employability skills by achieving the set of agreed learning outcomes in the Three Way Negotiated Learning Agreement and other skills learned in placement. This practical experience module provides the means for you to link your academic work with the 'real world' situation in order to conceptualise the meaning of theory in the wider world context. This module facilitates the embedding of transferable and graduate skills necessary for future career paths and employment. You will reflect upon areas of knowledge relevant to the placement learning experience and develop personal knowledge through a review of your learning. The placement learning experience provides you with the opportunity to enhance your skills of self-expression, communication, self-reliance and co-operation.

In your final year, you will examine specialised topics in clinical nutrition, sport and exercise nutrition, and public health nutrition as well as carry out your own research.

This module will build on the skills you acquired when undertaking a Research Methods and Professional Practice module and from the knowledge gained throughout the course to date. Further development of analysis, critical thinking and scientific literary style will be promoted. You will pursue areas of individual interest in the subject area appropriate to your target award and have the opportunity of gaining increased theoretical and practical knowledge in a chosen specialist field. You will gain individual research experience  in an area that may provide future employment opportunities. Personal responsibility for your own learning through self-directed study and supervised preparation will be fostered. This is an integral part of the degree programme, furthering the development of skills in critical analysis and reflection.

The module is designed to provide you with the theoretical and practical knowledge of how optimal nutrition can help to minimise the risk of sports injuries, enhance performance or promote recovery from injury.

This module aims to cover the scientific basis underlying nutritional support, medical ethics and nutritional counselling. It provides a review of the relevant physiology, pathophysiology, nutritional support and dietetic application for the common disorders.

The module takes an interdisciplinary and intercultural approach to nutrition and health challenges facing the world. It aims to provide you with understanding of the nutritional factors that influence health from a local, national and global perspective. Additionally, it examines evidenced based approaches to the prevention, management and control of nutritional disorders of public health concerns.

How we'll teach you

The course is delivered with at least 75% on-campus sessions, including all laboratory sessions and most lectures and seminars, and no more than 25% online sessions delivered using a number of learning platforms, e.g. Kaltura Newrow, Teams or Zoom.

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience – and who are passionate about their subjects.

You will learn by attending lectures, seminars and practical workshops. Seminars and workshops are a great opportunity to discuss what you have learnt in lectures and through independent study with your peers and tutors.

Work is divided into credits of approximately 10 hours of study time. You will need to complete 120 credits per year, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits.

You will be studying at both our Hendon campus and our new West Stand facility at StoneX Stadium, Barnet.

If you choose to take a placement, you may spend your time with a research establishment, a not-for-profit voluntary organisation, a food or fitness company, or an NHS hospital.

Timetable

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Typical weekly breakdown

During your first year, your weekly timetable will look something like this:

• 4 hours of lectures
• 6 hours of seminars
• 1 hour per month of one-to-one meetings
• 1 hour of group work
• 1 hour of support from a Student Learning Advisor
• Additional support as offered.

Independent learning

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.

Teaching and independent learning

Here is an indication of how you will split your time:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Coursework and assessments

There are no exams but your coursework including seminar presentations, problem-based assignments, laboratory reports, portfolios, and project work will be assessed. These will require you to apply your knowledge and skills in real-world settings.

Assessments

We'll test your understanding and progress with informal and formal assessments.

The informal assessments usually take place at least once per module, from which you’ll receive feedback from your tutor. These are 'formative' meaning the grades from these tests don’t count towards your final marks.

There are formal assessments for each module, usually at the end. These are summative which means it will count towards your module and your final marks.

To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.