Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences

The growing awareness of nutrition and food quality as determinants of human wellbeing requires highly competent graduates who can evaluate and communicate the most up-to-date findings in these fields.

We offer some great on-campus learning resources, such as a commercial kitchen, sensory laboratory and microbiology laboratory, located in our dedicated nutrition and food science hub.

The commercial kitchen is where interactive food preparation and cooking activities take place, such as cheese making, adapting recipes to make them nutritionally sound for different life stages, texture modification of foods for the elderly, designing food quality assurance plans (in line with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and food and beverage fermentation (kimchi, sourdough bread, kombucha and beer). Our sensory laboratory is one of only a few in Australia and is an interactive tutorial room where you will complete group work and research on topics including environmental sustainable food practice. Our microbiology laboratory is a space where you will be able to analyse microorganisms and explore key topics like food contamination.

You will also benefit from our strong links with the food and nutrition industry and the community, which will be beneficial as you begin to build important industry relationships and networks.

This unique degree offers practice-based and theoretical learning to ensure you are career-ready.

During the first two years you will explore both nutrition and food science topics, gaining a solid understanding of the key elements of each.

You will develop knowledge in:

• biology
• chemistry
• health in our society
• human and lifespan nutrition
• biochemistry
• physiology
• the chemistry of food
• food quality and safety
• relationships between food bioactives, functional foods and medicines
• consumer education
• influences of the senses on consumer food choice.

In the third year you will select either a nutrition or food science stream:

If you choose nutrition, you will focus on:

• developing essential communication skills across a variety of platforms
• developing skills to promote good health through food and nutrition in the community
• developing personalised dietary and exercise plans to manage weight
• nutrition for sports, exercise and activity.

If you choose food science, you will focus on:

• food microbiology
• quality assurance in food processing and manufacturing
• developing safe and nutritionally sound foods for the marketplace
• food and beverage fermentation.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

In Australia, the nutrition profession is expected to grow very strongly over the next five years, with an expected 5,000 job openings.1

Nutrition and food science experts require an enthusiasm for food and its effect on health. You should also possess a variety of personal skills such as problem-solving attributes, creative thinking and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.

As the health, nutrition and wellness industries continue to grow, employment prospects for graduates of this degree are promising.

You may gain employment as a:

• Community nutritionist: create changes in attitude toward nutrition and health; provide advice, guidance and support to the community.
• Health promotion officer: use social and environmental interventions to improve the health of groups and individuals.
• Sports, exercise and fitness nutritionist: responsible for improving the health and optimising the performance of athletes.
• Food Scientist: use chemistry and biology to look at the microbiological, chemical and physical properties of food and ingredients. Analyse nutritional content, discover new food sources, and ensure that the manufacturing process is safe.
• Product development manager: develop new and innovative products to meet strategic business objectives.
• Microbiology specialist: work in food manufacturing or government to research microorganisms in order to prevent disease.
• Food policy advisor: provide health and nutrition advice to the public.
• Food safety advisor: conduct food and safety reviews and monitor procedures to ensure standards are met.
• Quality assurance officer: conducts assurance audits of production facilities to ensure consistent products are developed and to oversee quality, efficiency and production issues. Research scientist: plan and conduct laboratory-based investigations, experiments and trials and analyse results to broaden scientific understanding.
• Food technician: conduct research and assist with experiments on various food products, along with the maintenance and repair of equipment involved in the production process.
• Flavor technologist: sample products and conduct experiments to alter the ingredients in food and beverages to make it taste better, replicate a taste, or develop a new taste.
• Research scientist: design, undertake and inspect issues to provide recommendations across problems or questions related to nutrition and food sciences.
• High School Nutrition teacher (with further study - Master of Teaching (Secondary))

1Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business, 2023 Small Business Projections.