都柏林圣三一学院

What is Human Nutrition and Dietetics?

This four-year full-time course is run jointly by the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) and Trinity. Students are registered in both institutions. The course is designed to provide an integrated education in the science of nutrition and practice of dietetics and their application to human health and well-being, at both individual and community level.

On successful completion, the B.Sc. (honours) degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics is awarded jointly by DIT and Trinity. Nutrition is a branch of science devoted to the study of nutrients. It spans a broad-ranging area, overlapping with many other disciplines including biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, dietetics, medicine, communications and public health. Dietetics is one of the health and social care professions. Dietitians apply their knowledge of food, nutrition and related disciplines to promote health, prevent disease and contribute to the management of disease.

This course is the only undergraduate programme leading to a qualification in dietetics in the Republic of Ireland. The degree is recognised by the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI), the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and The Nutrition Society.

Human Nutrition and Dietetics: The course for you?

You will need a strong interest in science subjects and a particular interest in the relationship between food and health. Good interpersonal skills and an ability to work with others are important attributes. The course will place considerable demands on your time. Graduates from this course are equipped to practice at entry level as a dietitian, a public health nutritionist or to work as a nutritionist in the industrial sector.

Graduate skills and career opportunities

When you graduate, you will be well placed to find work as a dietitian or clinical nutritionist in a hospital or in the community. You will also be qualified to work in, for example, a food company or in clinical nutrition product sales and marketing. Some of our graduates have also chosen academic careers in research or education.

Your degree and what you’ll study

The modules in this course are designed to enable the acquisition of scientific knowledge relevant to human nutrition and dietetics, the development of analytical and critical thinking, the integration of theory into practice, the ability to work and communicate with others in an ethical and adaptable manner, and to foster interest and capability in research and development.

FIRST AND SECOND (FRESHMAN) YEARS

During the first and second years you will develop a broad understanding of the relevant pre-clinical subjects. You will study: physics, chemistry, clinical chemistry, cell biology, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology/immunology, food studies, nutrition science, nutrition through the life cycle, communications, behavioural science, research methodology and statistics, professional practice studies.

THIRD AND FOURTH (SOPHISTER) YEARS

In the third and fourth years, foundation subjects are strengthened (research methods), specialist subjects are introduced (management, epidemiology, medicine and therapeutics, medical science) and the degree subjects studied to an advanced level (nutrition, dietetics). You will undertake a three-month research project in the final year, with the option to carry this out in a partner European or American university.