Human Nutrition
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Human Nutrition
Length
3 years full-time or up to 6 years part-time.
Campuses
Melbourne
Course description
This program has foundations in biosciences - including chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology. It also has foundations in the nutritional sciences including food chemistry, food science, the role and function of nutrients, nutrition in health and disease, public health nutrition and nutrition research skills. Graduates can choose careers in nutrition such as a nutritionist employed by local or state governments, non-government organisations, food industries, and other health industries. Graduates gain the prerequisites for graduate entry into the Masters of Dietetics Practice at La Trobe University and many other postgraduate programs in dietetics and public health in Australia.
Course structure
The first two years of the program focus on human biosciences and foundations in nutritional science, such as food chemistry, principles of nutrition and nutrition and disease. The third year of the program focuses on food science, nutrition through the lifecycle and nutrition research methods. Students may choose a major stream of study in human physiology, genetics, microbiology or biochemistry or choose a suite of subjects in public health.
Contact hours
24 hours a week (average) in first year
Subject details
Major areas of study
Biochemistry, physiology, eating behaviour and disorders, dietary and nutritional implications for disease, social and behavioural aspects of nutrition, nutritional defects
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Application
VTAC
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesAdditional costs (AUD)
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs of field trips - food, accommodation and travel - may also apply.
Middle Band
Successful completion of Biology, Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Physics facilitates an aggregate score 1.5 points higher per study, to a maximum of 3 points. Performance in prerequisite studies is also considered.
Selection
ATAR 61.75 (2011)
Guaranteed Entry (Year 12 applicants only): applicants with an ATAR of 75 or above receive a first-round offer; those with lower ATARs are considered through normal selection processes.
Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any) and Chemistry.
Semester starts
Semester 1 (February)
Additional information
Modifications to this course to align it with postgraduate courses in dietetics are under discussion.
Career opportunities
Graduates are likely to find work in food science, animal and human nutrition, and health science, as well as in general professions in the biological science field. Prospective employers include government bodies, community health centres, food companies, food manufacturing and processing, animal health companies and sports clubs.
Professional recognition
Graduates may apply to the Nutrition Society of Australia for accreditation as a Registered Nutritionist. The course also provides prerequisites for entry into postgraduate courses, including those professionally accredited by the Dieticians Association of Australia. However, please note that entry to postgraduate courses is competitive and places are limited.