Nutrition has become one of the key issues facing society. Knowledge about human nutrition and the application of this knowledge are essential elements in maintaining a healthy society. Human nutrition is a progressive, multi-disciplinary science requiring knowledge ranging from nutrient supply and metabolic processing by the body to psychosocial and behavioural factors influencing diet. The human nutrition major is designed to give you a clear understanding of basic nutritional principles. Areas covered in your Bachelor of Science (Human Nutrition) include the composition of food, human requirements for nutrients, and how the body processes food and nutrients. The programme also highlights the physiological changes that occur as a result of excesses or deficiencies of various nutrients in the diet, as well as the changes in nutritional needs from conception through birth, growth, adulthood, and ageing. You’ll gain an understanding of factors that influence food choice and awareness of practices to promote dietary change. Topics Some of the topics taught in human nutrition courses include: Food chemistry Nutrition and metabolism Maternal, child and adolescent nutrition Food choice Adult nutrition Human lifecycle physiology Sport/performance nutrition

Careers Qualified human nutritionists contribute to the economic viability of New Zealand as a food producing and exporting nation - they are essential in maintaining the health of our society at minimum cost. Human nutritionists can work with organisations such as Crown Research Institutes, in the dairy industry, and many other food-related companies. Graduates will also play increasingly important roles in the public health sector as the move towards health promotion continues. There is a wide range of career opportunities for human nutrition graduates, including: Health promotion/public health agencies (e.g District Health Boards, Ministry of Health, NZ Heart Foundation) Sports and exercise nutrition (e.g. elite and recreational sports teams, fitness industry) Research in universities and Crown Research Institutes (such as AgResearch, Plant and Food Research) Secondary and tertiary educational institutions Consultancy and private practice Food companies and food industry Government adviser on policy, education, nutrition and physical activity Industry (e.g. corporate health and wellness, private consulting) Media (e.g. writing publications, television, marketing) Medical nutritional companies (e.g. nutrition advisor, nutritional representative) International relief work Our graduates have internationally marketable skills. Many spend time outside New Zealand, working or furthering their studies. After five years in a nutrition-related occupation, graduates can apply to the Nutrition Society of New Zealand for professional accreditation as a Registered Nutritionist. If successful, you can append the title RegNut(NZ) after your name. Many students go on to complete a postgraduate qualification, such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Human Nutrition) or a Master of Science in either Human Nutrition or Nutrition and Dietetics. This allows you to specialise for various working environments. Students who continue their studies to the MSc in Nutrition & Dietetics, are eligible to apply to be registered with the New Zealand Dietetics Board to practise as a dietitian in New Zealand (NZRD), and will become eligible to apply for registration in both Australia and the United Kingdom. Dieticians can be found working in hospitals or health clinics providing meal plans and nutrition counselling, and also in food services within hospitals, prisons and hostels.