Program Overview

Nutrition and Health Science – BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

This BSc (Honours) in Nutrition and Health Science course is a unique interfacial degree with an equal emphasis on both nutrition and health science. This course provides an approach to nutrition that is based on the scientific and academic principles of biology, biochemistry, social and public health aspects of human nutrition, as well as encompassing emerging issues such as biotechnology, food sustainability and security. This course develops students, across the disciplines of nutritional science, health promotion, research and practice-based nutrition, to build competencies towards becoming an accredited nutritionist.

Course Details

• CAO Points: 287
• Location: Athlone
• Years: 4
• Course Code: US950
• Level: 8
• Course Type: Undergraduate
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Department: Sport & Health Sciences

Course Modules

Year 1 – Semester 1

• Academic Skills for Sport and Health Sciences (5 credits)
• Human Physiology 1 (5 credits)
• Chemistry for Sport & Health 1.1 (5 credits)
• Fundamentals of Nutrition 1 (5 credits)
• Introducing Health and Wellness (5 credits)
• Information Technology for Nutrition and Health (5 credits)

Year 1 – Semester 2

• Human Physiology 2 (5 credits)
• Fundamentals of Nutrition 2 (5 credits)
• Chemistry for Sport & Health 1.2 (5 credits)
• Genetics and Molecular Biology (5 credits)
• Quantitative Methods for the Health Sciences (5 credits)
• Lifestyle Behaviours, Health and Wellness (5 credits)

Year 2 – Semester 2

• Nutritional Assessment (5 credits)
• Human Biochemistry 1 (5 credits)
• Microbiology (5 credits)
• Sports Nutrition (5 credits)
• Sports & Health Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 credits)
• Organic Chemistry for Health Science (5 credits)

Year 2 – Semester 2

• Human Biochemistry 2 (5 credits)
• Research Methods and Statistics 1 (5 credits)
• Food Science (5 credits)
• Promoting Health (5 credits)
• Health Policy (5 credits)
• Human Psychology (5 credits)

Year 3 – Semester 1

• Research Methods and Statistics 2 (5 credits)
• Public Health and Community Nutrition (5 credits)
• Sports Nutrition (5 credits)
• Nutrition Across the Lifecycle (5 credits)
• Health Psychology And Sociology (5 credits)
• Epidemiology in Public Health (5 credits)

Year 3 – Semester 2

• Professional Work Experience (30 credits)

Year 4 – Semester 1

• Research Project (Year-Long) (20 credits)
• Health Promotion and Population Health (Year-Long) (10 credits)
• Public Health Nutrition and Behavioural Change (5 credits)
• Biotechnology for Nutrition and Health (5 credits)
• Sustainable Food: Supply, Formulation and Regulation (10 credits)

Year 4 – Semester 2

• Research Project (Year-Long) (20 credits)
• Health Promotion and Population Health (Year-Long) (10 credits)
• Nutritional Biochemistry in Health and Disease (5 credits)
• Nutrition in Health and Disease (5 credits)

Entry Requirements

• Leaving Certificate: Minimum of Grade H5 at higher level in two subjects plus a minimum of grade O6/H7 at ordinary level in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these six subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
• QQI: Places will be reserved for QQI applicants. Any major QQI award with three distinctions and a pass in 5N1833 or 5N0556 or Leaving Certificate Maths at O6/H7.
• Mature Applicants: The Department welcomes application from mature students. Such applicants may not be required to have the minimum entry requirements. However, the TU will look for satisfactory evidence of the applicant’s ability to pursue and benefit from the course. Knowledge and skills gained through experiential learning will be taken into account. Mature applicants may be required to attend for interview at TUS as part of the selection process.
• International Applicants: International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.
• IELTS: Student whose first language is not English must have English Language requirements, which must not be less than 6.5 IELTS (or equivalent), with no individual section less than 6.0 which is a requirement for AfN accreditation.

Career Opportunities

This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to work in nutrition communication, public health, the health sector, health promotion, research, the food industry and organisational bodies. This programme is accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN) and graduates can apply to become Registered Associate Nutritionists.

Further Study

Many students progress to further study in areas such as dietetics, sports nutrition, health promotion and to PhD programmes in Irish and international universities.