Food, Nutrition and Human Health

Year 1

You will be introduced to the properties and production of the main food commodities and the scientific principles that underpin these. You will explore components of key nutrients, energy intake and expenditure, the impact of food microbiology and food pathogens, methods of food analysis, and the international and cultural aspects of food and nutrition.

Year 2

You will learn about human anatomy and physiology, how nutrients are metabolised in the body, how to determine individuals’ nutritional status, and the importance of plant foods on health. You will work through nutritional requirements throughout the lifespan, exploring the changes as we develop and age. You will also learn more about food science and the systems and processes used in food production.

Year 3

You will focus on the main specialisms of food and nutrition, exploring how nutrition impacts athletic performance, the role of nutrition in improving public health, and develop a new food product in conjunction with a company.

You will undertake a 12-week work-based placement to learn about the role of a nutritionist or food scientist within the workplace and develop your professional skills.

Year 4

You will study the relationships between diet, nutrition, and a range of relevant diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. You will further explore how these relationships are impacted by our genetics and the impact this can have on health, as well as finding out how why the role of our gut has an increasingly important role to play in disease development. Finally you will undertake an individual research project chosen from a range of areas reflecting the different specialisms within food and nutrition.

Learning Methods

The course is taught in two semesters each year (September-December, and January-April/May). Teaching consists of lectures, tutorials, workshops, and laboratory practical sessions in the molecular biology, microbiology, analytical science, and food handling laboratories. In addition, there are visits and placements off-campus, and you will also undertake self-directed learning. 

Class sizes can vary from 20 or less (for BSc (Hons) Food, Nutrition and Human Health students only) to nearly 100 (for classes shared with students on other courses). Lectures and tutorials usually last for one-two hours, and laboratory practical classes usually last for three hours.

How long is a BSc (Hons) Food, Nutrition and Human Health course?

The Food, Nutrition and Human Health degree can be successfully completed in 4 years.

Activity Summary

Year 4

• Lectures, seminars, tutorials or workshops – 20 students per group, approximately 6 hours / week in semester 1 and 2 hours / week in semester 2, plus private study time
• Project supervision – 20 students per group, 1-2 hours per week in semester 2 plus research time

Independent Study

In addition to scheduled class time and practical classes you are expected undertake independent study to supplement your learning and development. The total learning time for all years of the course equates to approximately 40-hours per week during each semester. Independent study includes supplementing class materials with your own notes and reading based on recommended reading lists, conducting your own research, meeting with peers for any group activities, preparing for tutorials and workshops, and completing assessments.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Key staff members teaching on this course include Registered Nutritionists and Lecturers in biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, and food quality and food safety. Staff may have a clinical and/or a research background, and some staff are active in research. 

Our lecturers have excellent links with the food industry, NHS, research institutes, and national and international agencies. These links are fully used to provide external speakers, study visits, projects and placements, which means that our course is aligned to employer needs.

Our staff feature in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 1

• 5 written exams, typically for 2 hours
• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 2 reports
• 1 set exercise

Year 2

• 3 written exams, typically for 2 hours
• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 2 reports
• 1 portfolio
• 3 oral assessments

Year 3

• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 1 report
• 1 portfolio
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 practical skills assessment

Year 4

• 2 written assignments, including essays
• 1 dissertation
• 1 portfolio
• 2 oral assessments

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

A compulsory 12-week, full-time, unpaid placement is included in this course. It is carefully and collaboratively arranged by you and the university. We aim to match the placement with your career aspirations to ensure that you have the necessary work experience that employers are looking for within that field. You may work alongside a Nutritionist, Dietitian, Food Technologist or Researcher in public health, sports nutrition, the food industry, a government agency or research.

Study Abroad

You may choose to undertake your Nutrition Placement in the UK or abroad.

What are the entry requirements for a BSc (Hons) Food, Nutrition and Human Health degree?

Standard Entry Requirements

• SQA Higher: BBCC to include Biology or Chemistry.  Biology, English, Maths and one further science (Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science or Health and Food Technology) are required at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level: CCC to include Biology or Chemistry.  Biology, English, Maths and one further science (Chemistry, Physics or Environmental Science) are required at GCSE grade 4/C or above if not held at A Level
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3H3 to include Biology or Chemistry. Biology, English, Maths and one further science (Chemistry, Physics, Agricultural Science or Health and Food Technology) are required at grade O3 or above if not held at Higher
• IB Diploma: 26 to include Biology or Chemistry at Higher Level grade 4. Biology, Chemistry,  English and Maths required at Standard Level grade 4 if not held at Higher

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

• SQA Higher: BCC/CCCC to include Biology or Chemistry.  Biology, English, Maths and one further science (Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science or Health and Food Technology) are required at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.

Alternative Qualifications

We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Advanced Entry

Applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.

International Students 

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 6.0, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• £85 Specialist Clothing
• £30 Induction fee (project expenses, travel to and from offsite visits, glassware breakages, and lab consumables)