Food Science and Human Nutrition

 

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Human Nutrition and Dietetics Concentration

This area of study emphasizes the effect of nutrients on people's health and the role of diet in prevention or treatment of chronic diseases. Nutrition is a diverse, rewarding and growing field that requires a strong background in science. 

  Suggested Plan of Study | Admission Requirements

The B.S. degree with a concentration in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (also known as the Didactic Program in Dietetics) provides undergraduate preparation for students who wish to become registered dietitians and prepares students to pursue a broad range of careers in nutrition or to continue with graduate studies, including those at medical schools with completion of additional courses in physics, chemistry and mathematics.

Human Nutrition and Dietetics majors may choose to take electives in exercise science, business administration, psychology or other areas in preparation for future careers. Students may be involved in research or teaching by taking credits for special projects, or through work-study and/or work-merit positions. The Nutrition Club (link to Nutrition Club site) sponsors guest speakers and community nutrition education projects. Outstanding students are eligible for the Kappa Omicron Nu and Phi Tau Sigma honor societies.

Competitive scholarships are available within the department and college and through the American Dietetic Association.

The Didactic Program in Dietetics at the University of Maine is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association, 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 312/899-5400. After graduation, students receive a verification statement and are eligible to complete a dietetic internship. Additional information about applying for dietetic internships, can be found on the applying for internships page. Upon the successful completion of an internship, students are eligible to take a national exam to become a Registered (RD) and/or Licensed (LD) Dietitian. Many positions in nutrition require RD and/or LD credentials.

The Human Nutrition and Dietetics concentration provides undergraduate preparation for those who wish to become: 
  • Clinical Dietitians
  • Nutrition Educators
  • Public Health Nutritionists
  • Foodservice Administrators
  • Nutrition Consultants

Employment opportunities exist in wellness and community programs; hospital dietetics; private practice; home health care; government; foodservice; food industry; health-oriented organizations such as the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society; and research laboratories. Starting salaries for entry-level Registered Dietitians range from $32,000 to $40,000 depending upon geographic location. The future outlook for employment in nutrition is promising, since more people are realizing the role of nutrition in health. 

Human Nutrition and Dietetics Suggested Plan of Study

First Year
FSN 101 - Introduction to Food & Nutrition
NFA 117 - Issues & Opportunities
ENG 101 - College Composition
MAT 111 – College Algebra
FSN 103 - Science of Food Preparation
CMJ 103 - Fund. Public Communication
BIO 100 - Basic Biology
BIO 208 - Anatomy & Physiology

Second Year
FSN 202 - Foodservice Management
BMB 207, 209 - Fundamentals of Chemistry and Lab
BUA 201 - Principles of Financial Accounting
BMB 208 - Elementary Physiological Chemistry
FSN 238 - Applied Food Micro and Sanitation
FSN 230 - Nutritional and Medical Terminology
ECO 254 - Small Business Economics and Management
Western Cultural Tradition – General Education requirement

Third Year
FSN 301 - Life Cycle Nutrition
FSN 330/340 - Intro to Food Science, Food Processing Lab
BMB 221/222 - Organic Chemistry
BMB 322/323 - Biochemistry
PSY 100 - General Psychology
MAT 232 - Principles of Statistical Inference
ENG 317 - Business and Technical Writing
FSN 430 - Counseling & Diet Therapy

Fourth Year
NUR 303 - Pathophysiology
FSN 401 - Community Nutrition
FSN 410 - Human Nutrition Metabolism
FSN 412 - Medical Nutrition Therapy I
FSN 420 - Medical Nutrition Therapy II
FSN 436 - Food Law
FSN 270 - World Food and Nutrition
Artistic and Creative Expression General Education Electives


Admission Requirements

Scholastic Aptitude Test

High School Courses:
English 4 units
Algebra 2 units
Geometry 1 unit
Other Mathematics 1 unit
Chemistry 1 unit
Biology 1 unit
History/Social Science 2 units
Academic Electives 5 units


TOTAL 17 units

(1 unit = 1 full year course)


Transfers from other programs at the University of Maine or other colleges and universities are expected to meet these minimum requirements. Transfer students should consult the Undergraduate Coordinator (below) for more information prior to applying.

Inquiries:

Dr. Susan Sullivan
Undergraduate Coordinator
Food Science and Human Nutrition
103 Hitchner Hall
(207) 581-3130
Fax: (207) 581-1636
susan_sullivan@umenfa.maine.edu

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