Bachelor of Nutrition Science (53H)

Overview  2021

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 3 Years, up to a maximum of 7 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Launceston
Semester 1

Commonwealth Supported places available

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 3 Years
Entry requirements

Location

Launceston
Semester 1

“There are so many paths you can go down, there are so many opportunities. It’s a really rewarding job and I’m very lucky”

Erin Jackson, Practising Dietitian
The information on this page is indicative of our course offerings for 2022. Information about our 2022 offerings will be updated in August 2021.
A nutritionist has the expertise to provide a range of evidence-based nutrition services related to nutrition, public health nutrition, policy and research, and community health.

The Bachelor of Nutrition Science will provide innovative and entrepreneurial ideas on how to develop a career in nutrition and how to create your own opportunities within your community from local, national and global perspectives.

This course also provides clear career pathways for graduates seeking employment or postgraduate study in the area of Nutrition and Dietetics to deliver a high quality health service in a variety of settings.

New Course Majors from 2021
Dietetic Pathway

This pathway will allow you to study units which align to the prerequisite requirements for application to postgraduate programs including a Master of Dietetics or a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics in Australia. If you are interested in working with individuals or larger populations, this major will help you understand why and how the foods we eat impact on our health and wellbeing. Along with foundation nutrition science units, this major prepares you to understand the reasons why many health conditions have poor eating practices at their core, and provides an evidence-base for appropriate nutrition in chronic disease prevention. As a graduate of the dietetic pathway major, you may be eligible for registration with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) as an Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) and, after further completion of relevant work experience, as a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr).

Public Health Nutrition

The focus of this major is on the prevention of diet-related disease and the promotion of optimal nutrition and health in populations. Whether you are interested in working at the grass-roots community level or on the global stage, this major will provide you with the theoretical and practical knowledge to protect and improve the health of communities. This major provides a pathway to the Master of Public Health at the University of Tasmania, and a career in public health and health advocacy, working with government, non-government organisations, industry, and community groups. As a graduate of the public health nutrition major, you may be eligible for registration with the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) as an Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) and, after further completion of relevant work experience, as a Registered Public Health Nutritionist (RPHNutr).

Functional Foods and Health

Functional foods are foods and beverages with ingredients that have evidence for providing beneficial effects on human health. The focus of this major is on developing practical and theoretical knowledge of the functional food industry from a nutrition and evidenced-based health perspective. Advances in technology and research are influencing food production practices resulting in human nutrition innovations that change the variety of food available to the consumer with health benefits. This major provides students with knowledge of the chemical composition of foods and their biological effects on the human body. Students will develop skills that prepare them to work in food science, health, supplement and nutrition industries, and government and regulatory agencies.

Learn to create, plan and communicate high quality healthcare and health research and learn about the psychology behind health and lifestyle choices of communities that impact their connection to food. You will also learn about the security and access to food, and the social responsibility of a nutritionist.

  • Exhibit depth and breadth of health science knowledge and skills by:
    • Demonstrating knowledge and skills across the range of foundational disciplinary and cross-disciplinary curriculum areas;
    • Demonstrating well-developed knowledge and skills through a specialised elective stream in health and lifestyle or bioscience.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of health science by:
    • Analysing aspects of health and explaining why these current aspects of health are contestable and open to research and further enquiry;
    • Creating, planning, and justifying high quality healthcare and health research supported by well-developed reasoning.
  • Communicate effectively by:
    • Demonstrating literacy across a broad range of communication modes and technologies in order to convey complex ideas to a range of audiences.
    • Working responsibly to apply their knowledge and skills in individual and collaborative contexts.
  • Exhibit the ethical and professional practice which is central to health science discipline by:
    • Demonstrating social responsibility including equity, social justice, inclusion, and acknowledgement of social and ethical implications of actions;
    • Demonstrating that they know health science theory and practice from a local, national and global perspective, and the importance of inter-cultural competence in their professional lives.

Safety in Practice Compliance

All students enrolling in College of Health and Medicine programs which include a professional experience placement component, laboratory and/or field activity are required to establish and maintain their capacity to practice safely via Safety in Practice Requirements documentation.

Learn beyond the classroom

Studying in Tasmania, our whole Island becomes your campus. Speak with your unit coordinator about how you can gain practical experience by volunteering in research initiatives, becoming an ambassador, or taking part in a work experience program.

Study overseas at one of our partner institutions

Our international exchange program offers opportunities to study at universities around the world, and it counts towards your degree. Exchange can allow you to have an affordable educational and cultural experience in a foreign country for a semester, or a full year. To facilitate this, we offer a range of scholarships and financial assistance. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with their airfares, accommodation and other expenses.

UPDATE (MARCH) 2021: Please note, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Face-to-Face Study Abroad & Exchange programs have been postponed until 2022.

Alternative Virtual Exchange Opportunities can be found on our Virtual Overseas Experiences tab. For more information please contact Global.Mobility@utas.edu.au

Find out more about Student Exchange.

The University of Tasmania is integrated into all areas of industry locally, nationally and internationally be it through research or work placement programs. Talk to your course coordinator about finding an opportunity to take part in a work experience, placement, or extracurricular activities during your degree.

Career outcomes

“I’d like to change the nutrition programs in primary and high schools so kids know how important healthy food is.”

Raquel Andrews, Health Science student

Graduates of the Bachelor of Nutrition Science will be well prepared for careers requiring knowledge of nutrition and health, and will be well suited to careers in areas including

  • Health educator or counsellor
  • Health promotion and communication officer
  • Case manager
  • Health service planning
  • Community engagement
  • Community development
  • Food policy
  • Food regulation
  • Quality assurance and control
  • Food laboratories and research institutes
  • Consumer education and awareness campaigns
  • Private practice
  • Nutrition counselling
  • Community nutrition

Graduates may also gain employment in the food industry where their knowledge of nutrition and food composition will facilitate the creation and marketing of food products that help to improve health.

Professional Recognition

The Bachelor of Nutrition Science may enable graduates to become an Associate Nutritionist with the Nutrition Society of Australia.

Further study opportunities

Graduates will be eligible to apply for higher degrees and honours programs in Nutrition or Masters of Dietetics.

Course structure

A major is an area of focus in your degree. During your studies, you’ll choose an area that interests you, and then study a group of units related to that area. Find out more at What is a Major?

This unit is designed to introduce students to human cells and tissues and the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, defence, musculoskeletal and neuroendocrine systems in the human body. The unit will include: (a) the basic facts and concepts relating…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit is designed to introduce you to the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and digestive systems of the human body. The regulation of body temperature will also be studied in the unit. The unit will…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit introduces the determinants of health and wellbeing including lifestyle factors. Students are introduced to the types of measures that are used in reporting health information and the ways in which this information is presented and utilised. Students will…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit sets the foundation for the study of food and its components. It will describe the role and function of macro and micronutrients essential for human health, their digestion and absorption, and relevance for the health of populations and…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Plus two units from your chosen major     
Plus two elective units

This unit is designed to provide you with an overview of the nutrient needs of individuals for each of the major stages through the lifecycle. By examining the recommended dietary intakes for each stage, common nutritional problems will be explored.…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit covers assessment of the nutritional status of individuals, groups, communities and populations using anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, dietary and ecological methods. In this unit students have the opportunity to examine a variety of approaches to measuring food and nutrition…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

CXA385 Nutrition and Disease is designed to provide you with an increased understanding of metabolism in the human body and the role of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals in both health and under physiological stress of disease. The unit…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit explores how historical, cultural and social elements, as well as previous and contemporary policy frameworks, shape the health and wellbeing of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. Cultural safety, self-determination and collaboration are central concepts within…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 2
HobartNursing Study Period 3
LauncestonSemester 2
LauncestonNursing Study Period 3
Cradle CoastSemester 2
Cradle CoastNursing Study Period 3
Rozelle - SydneySemester 2
Rozelle - SydneyNursing Study Period 3

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Plus two units from your chosen major     
Plus two elective units
Four units from your chosen major
Four elective units

Major Options

Year One

This unit explores the basic chemical concepts with a particular focus on biological systems and processes such as bonding and structure of organic molecules, aerobic respiration, ions in physiological systems, nutrient cycles and photosynthesis.Topics include fundamental chemical bonding theory, molecular…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Biochemistry is an important biological science, often referred to as the chemistry of life, because biochemical processes are essential in order for all living organisms (e.g. humans, fish and plants) to exist. It is biochemistry that allows the mechanisms behind…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

   
Year Two

Metabolic biochemistry entails the study of intermediary metabolism and the structures involved. This unit is concerned mainly with the metabolic processes involved in the inter-conversion and storage of metabolic energy, the regulation of these processes and the associated molecules. Specifically,…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit is designed to introduce you to foundation knowledge relevant to the structure and function of the human body. Concepts in biological chemistry, cell metabolism, microscopy, cell biology and molecular and descriptive genetics will be covered in the unit,…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

   
Year Three

Expands on the understanding of biochemistry obtained in CXA261 Metabolic Biochemistry, concentrated at a molecular level. The unit is a comprehensive study of regulation of cellular metabolism and signalling along with a detailed study of the molecular mechanisms of genetic…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

This unit provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in areas relevant to research in exercise and sports or nutrition sciences. Students will have the opportunity to select a topic of interest from a pre-defined list within their general…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

CXA324 Advanced Concepts in Nutrition is designed to provide you with extended knowledge by investigating current developments in the knowledge base for nutrition science and extending upon the information that you have acquired throughout your degree. The unit is designed…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit is designed to link and complement your program of study by introducing students to the work environment. The professional experience placement (PEP) provides students with 80 hours of industry experience within their general field of study. Students will…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Year One

Pulling together the disciplines of sociology, law and complementary medicine this unit is designed for students who want to develop their knowledge in order to understand, debate and critically analyse the use and place of complementary medicines in the modern…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Sports doping is a truly international problem and has a significant impact on todays society; from cheating, to the politics and ethics of sophisticated doping programs, the enormous bureaucracy and cost of monitoring and prosecuting, along with the impact on…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

   
Year Two

Functional foods are broadly described as providing health benefits beyond basic nutrition. These benefits are mediated through interaction with various biological processes in the body, analogous to drug products, and in fact blur the line between food and medicine. It…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Pharmacology is the study of drugs, including their actions and effects on the human body. This unit introduces you to the discipline of pharmacology by examining key areas of health and disease, the mechanisms whereby drugs elicit responses in cells,…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
HobartSpring school (extended)
Rozelle - SydneySemester 1
Rozelle - SydneySpring school (extended)

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

   
Year Three

Marketing of functional foods, supplements and natural products is a highly regulated area, and the pathway to market can vary considerably with regard to whether a product is considered a food or medicine (which includes nutritional supplements and natural products).…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

This unit will consist of a brief literature review and research plan, enabling students to undertake a short laboratory focussed project relating to functional food or supplement use in practice. Instruction in research design, data analysis and report writing is…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

Knowledge regarding the composition of functional foods and supplements is important from both a regulatory perspective, as well as using the composition of foods to elucidate potentially positive and harmful health effects. This unit will use an integrative approach to…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

CXA324 Advanced Concepts in Nutrition is designed to provide you with extended knowledge by investigating current developments in the knowledge base for nutrition science and extending upon the information that you have acquired throughout your degree. The unit is designed…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Year One

This unit introduces students to the foundation knowledge, skills and conceptual frameworks that underpin contemporary public health practice. It explores the biological, social, economic and environmental determinants of health and wellbeing as a basis for developing strategies and systems that…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
HobartSemester 1
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This is a practical unit providing students with an overview of public health nutrition principles and practices. Students will develop an understanding of public health nutrition priorities such as obesity prevention; economic, geographically and socially disadvantaged communities; international nutrition; food…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

   
Year Two

Chronic health conditions are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in Australia. This unit will explore the aetiology and epidemiology of the most common chronic diseases, exploring the risk factors which contribute to disease, the underlying mechanisms which…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

This unit provides students with the foundation competencies for public health intervention planning. It works students through a cyclical process of working with communities and populations to develop solutions via a process of assessing needs and priorities, building capacity and…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

    
Year Three

Evaluation is a core function and responsibility of public health professionals and provides evidence to improve the design, delivery, reach and impact of health interventions in the many different contexts of the health system. This unit develops foundation competencies in…

Credit Points: 12.5

This unit is currently unavailable.

This unit investigates the components of a healthy and sustainable food system (production to consumption) from a multidisciplinary perspective, focusing on the domains of health, environment, economy and society. Students will critically analyse the concept of the ‘Sustainable Diet’ and…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 1

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

CXA324 Advanced Concepts in Nutrition is designed to provide you with extended knowledge by investigating current developments in the knowledge base for nutrition science and extending upon the information that you have acquired throughout your degree. The unit is designed…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

This unit is designed to link and complement your program of study by introducing students to the work environment. The professional experience placement (PEP) provides students with 80 hours of industry experience within their general field of study. Students will…

Credit Points: 12.5

LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
LauncestonSemester 2

Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.

Entry requirements

This course is available on campus only. Due to a technical issue in the application system you will see an option for “off campus”. Please do not select this option: Only select “on-campus”.

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study.

DOMESTIC APPLICANTS
Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education (completed in the past two years)

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2020, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 64.15. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

To be eligible for an offer, you must also meet the subject prerequisites listed below.

Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

To be eligible for an offer, you must have completed one of the following:

  • Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Nutrition and Dietetics Specialisation),
  • Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology,
  • Certificate IV in Fitness,
  • Certificate IV in Leisure and Health,
  • Certificate IV in Ageing Support,
  • Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques,
  • Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice,
  • Certificate IV in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support,
  • Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy

You must also meet the subject prerequisites listed below.

Domestic applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

  • Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any units the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made

You must also meet the subject prerequisites listed below.

Domestic applicants with work and life experience

This course does not admit students on the basis of work or life experience. You can enquire online for advice on pathways or alternative course options.

Subject Prerequisites

These prerequisites apply to students from all educational backgrounds.

To be an eligible for an offer, you must have studies or experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in one of the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subjects:

  • General Mathematics (MTG315120) (or higher)

You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subjects above. If you have not met this prerequisite you will need to complete a UTAS foundation unit before you start your course.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

SAFETY IN PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS

This course includes compulsory work placements. All students must meet the course’s Safety in Practice Requirements before their first placement. The safety in practice requirements are completed separately to the course admission application.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

Admissions information for international applicants, including English language requirements, is available from the International Future Students site. You can also enquire online to check your eligibility.

Credit for appropriate studies completed at TAFE and/or other university courses may be granted.

Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.

Talk to us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online about your credit transfer.

This course articulates from the 21A Diploma of University Studies (Health Science).

If you meet the minimum ATAR but haven't completed the required prerequisite unit(s), we offer Foundation Units to help you bridge the gap. These are offered at no cost to you (HECS-waived) and many run in spring and summer school so you can meet a prerequisite and not delay the start of your Bachelor level studies.

If you do not meet the ATAR, or you are a mature age student and do not meet the General Entry Requirements, you could consider enrolment in the 21A Diploma of University Studies (Health Science).

Please contact us for further information.

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

International students

2021 Total Course Fee (international students): $96,138 AUD*.

Course cost based on a rate of $30,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).

* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.

International students

International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Scholarships

For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

Domestic
1300 363 864
International
+61 3 6226 6200
Email
Course.Info@utas.edu.au
Online
Online enquiries

Next steps