If you are passionate about food and nutrition and want to learn more about the science of how what you eat affects health, then Massey’s BSc (Human Nutrition) is for you. What is it Like? 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 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 With Massey’s BSc (Human Nutrition) you’ll gain an integrated understanding of nutrition, biochemistry and physiology all related to the human body. This will give you the basis of knowledge required for enhancing health and fitness in individuals of all ages, and in groups and communities. The major will provide training in practical skills such as dietary assessment and body composition assessment and general skills required for critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. With this knowledge you’ll be able to work at promoting good nutritional practices to individuals, communities and industry. In addition to the professional skills you’ll gain, the programme provides an excellent general education in how diet contributes to optimal personal health and well-being. 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. 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 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. Note: July start will take 3.5 years to complete