Program Overview

Human Health and Nutritional Sciences

The Human Health and Nutritional Sciences program explores the biological, physiological, and nutritional foundations of human health, with a particular emphasis on the importance of lifestyle choices and the potential for innovative products to prevent illness, boost performance, and promote long-term well-being.

Why Study Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at U of G?

After building a foundation in the biological sciences in the first year, students investigate how foods, beverages, and nutritional supplements affect human health and wellbeing, from a molecular and cellular level to entire systems. In senior years, students dive deeper, taking courses on the role of nutrients in maintaining health and preventing and treating disease, the connection between foods, nutritional supplements, and pharmaceutical drugs, the impacts of exercise and lifestyle choices on health, and regulatory policies, among other courses.

Develop a Foundation in Human Health and Nutrition

Offered within the Department of Human Health Sciences, this major provides a broad grounding in the biology of nutrition, anatomy, physiology, and lifestyle medicine.

Help Solve Contemporary Nutrition Issues

Tackle pressing problems in the growing food, wellness, and nutritional supplement industries through a deep understanding of how nutrients, phytochemicals, toxins, and food processing affect the human body. With courses focused on functional food development and clinical trials for functional foods, students have the tools to evaluate new products, address misinformation, and innovate responsibly.

Gain Hands-on Research Experience

Complete a research course with a faculty member in a discipline related to nutrition, food, nutritional supplements, health, and disease to further skills and experience. Access cutting-edge research institutes working to further our understanding of nutrition and health, including the Human Nutraceutical Research Unit and the Guelph Family Health Study.

Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op

The Human Health and Nutritional Sciences co-op is a five-year program that includes four paid work terms. Apply what you've learned in the classroom to the real world, with hands-on work experiences available in private, non-profit, and governmental organizations. Benefits of co-op include:

• Relevant work experience
• Up to 2 years of work experience
• Earning while learning
• Career exploration
• Professional networking

Sample Co-op Roles

• Laboratory Assistant
• Product Developer
• Quality Assurance Student
• Research and Development Co-op in Sports Nutrition
• Recipe Developer and Nutrition Expert
• Research Assistant
• Sensory Evaluator

Careers in Human Health and Nutritional Sciences

Our graduates find work in health care, the food and nutrition industry, government regulatory bodies, and advisory agencies, or pursue related graduate studies. Students interested in becoming registered dietitians should learn more about the BASc Applied Human Nutrition program.

Career Paths

• Clinical Biochemist
• Clinical Research Coordinator
• Community Health Worker
• Family Physician
• Formulation Specialist
• Naturopathic Doctor
• Occupational Therapist
• Paramedic
• Pharmaceutical Research and Development
• Product Development Specialist
• Registered Nurse
• Regulatory Specialist
• Research & Development Scientist
• Research Assistant
• Scientific Project Coordinator

Alumni Testimonials

Various alumni share their experiences and the value they gained from the Human Health and Nutritional Sciences program, highlighting its wide range of topics, hands-on learning, and the opportunities it provided for their careers.

Admission Requirements

Explore admission requirements for Canadian, international, transfer, and mature students.

Scholarships & Bursaries

The University of Guelph offers a wide range of financial aid programs to assist with funding education.

Note

The Human Health and Nutritional Sciences major was previously known as Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences. The new name is effective for the incoming fall 2026 class.