Program Overview

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Public Health Nutrition

Overview

Public Health Nutrition involves the promotion of good health through nutrition and the primary prevention of nutrition-related illness in the population. It focuses on applying food and nutrition knowledge, policy and research to improving the nutritional health of the population and high-risk or vulnerable subgroups within the population.

Course Details

Course Title

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Public Health Nutrition

TU Code

TU872

CAO Point Range 2024

390−532

NFQ Level

Level 8

Award Type

Major

Award

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

ECTS Credits

240

Duration

4 years

Number of Places

25

Location

Grangegorman

What is Public Health Nutrition?

Public Health Nutrition involves the promotion of good health through nutrition and the primary prevention of nutrition-related illness in the population. It focuses on applying food and nutrition knowledge, policy and research to improving the nutritional health of the population and high-risk or vulnerable subgroups within the population.

Study Abroad Opportunities

In Year 3, you can complete your research project in Europe through the Erasmus programme and in Year 4, you can choose to undertake your work placement in Europe through the Erasmus programme.

Work Placement

In Year 4, students have the opportunity to undertake a 36 to 52-week professional work placement. Through this professional placement, you’ll gain real-life work experience.

Professional Accreditation

Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be eligible to register as an Associate Nutritionist with the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN) conferred by the Association for Nutrition. Three years further relevant experience will enable you to apply for Registered Nutritionist status.

Equipment Specifications

During Year 1 of the course you will be required to obtain the following items to complete the course work (approximate prices are included): Lab Coat, Safety Goggles and Manual (€60), Hepatitis Vaccinations (€90), Immunity Testing (€20), Chef’s Uniform & Shoes (€100) and Knife Set (€30).

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate Requirements

• Minimum Number of Subjects: 6
• Minimum Grade in Maths: O4/H7
• Minimum Grade in English OR Irish: O6/H7
• At least H4 in one of: Physics, Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry, or Biology.

QQI/FET Requirements

• QQI/FET Award Required: CASLT / 5M3807 Laboratory Techniques, OR CASFX / 5M5267 Food Science
• Additional Requirements: 5 distinctions which must include a distinction in a Maths module 5N1833 or leaving cert Maths grade of 04/H7.

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6.5 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Garda Vetting

Garda Vetting required through TU Dublin.

Sample Timetable

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

Career Opportunities

• Public Health Nutritionist
• Nutritionist
• Nutrition Researcher
• Lab Analyst
• Regulatory Affairs – QC-QA

Module Listing

Year One

• Semester 1:
  • Cellular Dynamics - Biochemical Processes [Mandatory]
  • Food Studies [Mandatory]
  • Infection and Immunity [Mandatory]
  • Introduction to Chemistry for Nutrition [Mandatory]
  • Introduction to Histology, Anatomy and Physiology [Mandatory]
  • Introduction to Professional Practice, Communications and Behavioural Science [Mandatory]
  • Introduction to Research Methodology and Statistics [Mandatory]
  • Nutrition Through The Lifecycle [Mandatory]
• Semester 2:
  • Introduction to Professional Practice, Communications and Behavioural Science [Mandatory]
  • Infection and Immunity [Mandatory]
  • Food Studies [Mandatory]
  • Organ System Physiology [Mandatory]
  • Cellular Dynamics - Molecular Genetics [Mandatory]
  • Nutrition Science 1 [Mandatory]
  • Introduction to Research Methodology and Statistics [Mandatory]

Year Two

• Semester 1:
  • Professional Practice and Communication for Public Health Nutrition [Mandatory]
  • Cell and Molecular Biology [Mandatory]
  • Biochemistry of Metabolism [Mandatory]
  • Microbial Diagnostics [Mandatory]
  • Nutrition Science 2 [Mandatory]
  • Control and Integrative Physiology [Mandatory]
• Semester 2:
  • Nutritional Epidemiology [Mandatory]
  • Professional Practice and Communication for Public Health Nutrition [Mandatory]
  • Pathophysiology [Mandatory]
  • Physical Activity, Exercise & Health [Mandatory]
  • Public Health Nutrition [Mandatory]
  • Public Health Microbiology [Mandatory]

Year Three

• Semester 1:
  • Professional Development for the Public Health Nutrition Placement [Mandatory]
  • Molecular Nutrition [Mandatory]
  • Food Safety, Food Policy and Regulatory Affairs [Mandatory]
  • Food Security and Food Sustainability [Mandatory]
  • Applied Nutrition [Mandatory]
  • Invention, Innovation and Commercialisation [Mandatory]
• Semester 2:
  • Professional Development for the Public Health Nutrition Placement [Mandatory]
  • Research Project [Mandatory]
  • RM2: Data Analysis and Interpretation [Mandatory]

Year Four

• Semester 1:
  • Professional Placement [Mandatory]
• Semester 2:
  • Professional Placement [Mandatory]
  • Consolidation Professional Placement [Mandatory]

Advanced Entry

Advanced Entry was not offered to this course in 2024. We are currently closed for Advanced Entry Applications. The courses that will be open for advanced entry will be listed on the CAO website in January 2025. For information on how to make an Advanced Entry application, please visit our CAO Hub.

What our Students Say

"This course is perfect for anyone interested in diet and health. The great lecturers provided continuous support. There’s a good balance of theory and practical learning, with lots of interesting subjects. It gave me the opportunity to pursue a Dietetics MSc."

Progression

On graduation, you may proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide.