BSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics

The Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics at Abu Dhabi University (ADU) offers a comprehensive four-year education blending foundational sciences, nutrition theory, dietetic practice, and supervised clinical experience to prepare graduates for careers as licensed dietitians and nutrition professionals. It suits students who want to work in healthcare, community nutrition, food systems, or pursue advanced study, emphasizing evidence-based practice, research, and hands-on learning.

Curriculum structure

First Year:

In the first year, students develop essential academic and scientific foundations, beginning with general courses like STT 100 General Statistics alongside key sciences such as CHE 205 General Chemistry I and BIO 205 General Biology I. Students also take HND 221 Principles of Human Nutrition, which introduces the core concepts of nutrient functions and their impact on health, helping them to connect basic science with the fundamentals of human nutrition. This blend of general education and introductory dietetic science establishes the groundwork for more advanced study.

Second Year:

The second year deepens students’ technical understanding and practical skills in nutrition and dietetics through modules like HMG 380 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, HND 222 Assessment of Nutritional Status, and HND 225 Management of Foodservices. In Human Anatomy and Physiology I, learners explore body systems relevant to nutrient metabolism, while in Assessment of Nutritional Status, students learn methods to evaluate dietary intake and health indicators. Management of Foodservices introduces operational principles of food production and services, preparing students for roles in clinical and food system environments.

Third Year:

In the third year, students engage in advanced discipline-specific modules such as HND 224 Nutritional Metabolism, HND 223 Menu Planning and Evaluation, and HND 331 Food Microbiology and Sanitation, enabling them to link biochemical nutrient processes with practical diet planning and food safety. Nutritional Metabolism explores how nutrients are processed at the cellular level, while Menu Planning and Evaluation develops skills in designing nutritious and practical diets. Food Microbiology and Sanitation ensures students understand microbial risks in food and how to maintain safety and quality—critical for dietetics practice.

Fourth Year:

The final year focuses on professional practice and integration of research with courses like HND 332 Medical Nutrition Therapy I & II, HND 437 Seminar: Current Research in Nutrition, and extensive Dietetic Practicum I–IV. In Medical Nutrition Therapy, students apply nutrition science to the clinical management of disease, while Seminar: Current Research in Nutrition enhances critical thinking and evidence-based practice. The practicum sequences provide supervised, real-world experience in clinical and community settings, cementing students’ readiness for professional practice and eligibility for dietitian registration.

Focus areas (in a string):
Human nutrition science, nutritional assessment, metabolic physiology, medical nutrition therapy, menu planning, food microbiology and safety, foodservice management, dietetic practicum.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Apply scientific nutrition and health principles; assess nutritional status; plan and evaluate therapeutic and community diets; manage foodservices; apply evidence-based practice; conduct nutrition research; perform supervised clinical dietetic practice.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The program is accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) and includes a substantial supervised practice component, qualifying graduates to pursue professional dietitian registration in the UAE.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Abu Dhabi University is ranked globally, with QS placing it among the top Arab region and UAE institutions, enhancing the credibility and employability of its graduates in health sciences.