Program description
The Human Nutritional Sciences program includes foundation courses in basic sciences, fundamental courses in metabolic and applied nutrition, and applied courses in food utilization and management with an overall emphasis in human nutrition in any of the options that are available. Students will master key competencies in specializations in nutrition, foods or the food industry. All students receive a solid theoretical foundation in both food and nutritional sciences. Topics of study include energy and exercise, nutrients and nutritional supplements, food labels and health claims, diet and disease prevention, nutrient metabolism and disease states, nutrient requirements and diet evaluation, nutrition education and dietary change, and food quality and ingredient technology.
Program options
Degree options
B.Sc. (HNS) Bachelor of Science in Human Nutritional Sciences - 4 years
A second degree option is available for students who have completed other degrees and wish to pursue specializations in dietetic preparation, human nutrition, or foods. This program is 60 credit hours but may take more than two academic years to complete due to course prerequisites.
Interesting courses and unique opportunities
Interesting Courses- Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals
- Nutrition & the Elderly
- Maternal & Child Nutrition
- Nutrition Management of Disease States
- Food Quality Evaluation
- Sensory Evaluation of Food
- Food Product Development
- Culture and Food Patterns
- Nutrition Through the Life Cycle
Each option provides students with the opportunity to complete a practicum course in a setting related to the field of study. Students will interact with professionals in the field, completing projects related to an area of academic interest. The Food Industry option provides an extensive practicum based in the food industry. Students are required to complete 280 hours of work-based experience as part of the training to meet the need for skilled staff and managers in the food industry.
Professional opportunities
- Food Product and Recipe Development
- Pharmaceutical Sales Rep
- Dietitian
- Sensory Research Scientist
- Health Educator
Admission requirements & prerequisites
Direct entry option
- Manitoba high school graduation with five full credits at the Grade 12 in courses designated S, G, or U.
- A minimum of 85% average over the following, with no less than 60% in each course:
- English 40S
- Chemistry 40S, Biology 40S, or a Mathematics 40S
- A third 40S course
Advanced entry option
24 credit hours in U1 (or approved bachelors program)
This entry option is open to students who have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of university level study. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
High school prerequisites
High school prerequisites: Pre-Calculus Math 40S or Applied Math 40S, Biology 40S (most programs), and Chemistry 40S are required.
Many programs will require or recommend specific high school courses over and above their admission requirements. These high school prerequisites are not always required to enter the program, but they must be completed to enrol in certain university courses within it. If a student does not have a particular prerequisite when they enter the program, they may complete an equivalent upgrading course at university that will satisfy the prerequisite requirement.
More details on admission requirements, application dates and how to apply is available on the Faculty of Human Ecology apply for admission page.
What is unique about this program at the U of M?
The nutrition option focuses on the role of nutrition in health promotion and disease prevention for individuals, families and communities across the life span. Students taking this option have the opportunity to complete pre-professional requirements to apply for dietetic internships, medicine, law, and dentistry. Students completing courses for dietetic preparation can meet the educational requirements to qualify for a dietetic internship and membership with the College of Dietitians of Manitoba (CDM) or dietetic colleges in other Canadian provinces. The option also provides comprehensive training for graduates working as professionals in a wide range of settings including personal care homes, hospitals, social and public health agencies, food industry, food processing and marketing facilities.
Important links
Faculty of Human Ecology
Human Nutritional Sciences
Graduate Program in Human Nutritional Sciences
