Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science

The Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science at United Arab Emirates University offers a comprehensive education in human nutrition, integrating basic sciences with applied nutrition and community health to prepare students for careers improving health and well-being. It suits students who aspire to become nutrition professionals, researchers, or community health practitioners, blending scientific understanding with practical skills in nutrition assessment, food systems, and health promotion.

Curriculum structure

First Year:

In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in life sciences and nutrition that supports all later study, taking core units like BIOC100 Basic Biology I, CHEM111 General Chemistry I, and NUTR101 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology. Through these modules, learners grasp basic biological, chemical, and physiological principles, laying the groundwork for understanding how nutrients interact with human body systems and influence health outcomes. Early focus on the science behind nutrition helps students approach later, more specialized topics with confidence.

Second Year:

In the second year, students deepen their scientific and nutritional expertise with courses such as NUTR220 Nutrition and Dietetics: Principles and Practices, NUTR320 Macronutrient Nutrition and Metabolism, and NUTR321 Nutrition Assessment I. These units help students learn how to analyze dietary intake, explore how essential nutrients are broken down and used by the body, and apply practical assessment techniques. At the same time, modules like FDSC330 Fundamentals of Food Science begin linking nutrition science with food properties and safety, strengthening analytical and practical skills.

Third Year:

In the third year, learners engage in advanced nutrition topics and applied practices, studying courses like NUTR330 Micronutrient Nutrition and Metabolism, NUTR352 Human Nutrition in Various Ages Stages, and NUTR360 Immunology and Nutrition. These modules allow students to understand nutrient roles across the life course and in immune function, enriching their ability to design and evaluate nutrition plans. Students also tackle applied teaching and research skills in NUTR355 Nutrition Seminar, encouraging critical thinking and discussion of current nutrition challenges.

Fourth Year:

In the final year, students complete professional-level and research components such as NUTR401 Nutrition Education and Communication, NUTR410 Nutritional Product Development, and the NUTR480 Senior Research Project (NS Program) alongside a semester-long NUTR491 Internship (NS). These modules focus on applying nutritional science in real-world settings — from designing effective education programs to creating nutritious products — and the internship strengthens workplace readiness. NUTR482 Community Nutrition (NS Program) ensures students can translate evidence into community and public health practice before graduation.

Focus areas (in a string):
Human nutrition science, nutritional assessment, nutrient metabolism, life-stage nutrition, food science, nutrition communication, community and public health nutrition, product development.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Explain scientific basis of human nutrition; conduct nutritional assessments and dietary planning; evaluate food system and food choice influences; demonstrate ethical professional conduct; apply research, statistical, and communication skills in nutrition practice.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The Nutritional Science program at UAEU is part of the Department of Nutrition and Health and aligns with academic standards for nutrition education; graduates are prepared for entry-level practice and for further graduate studies in nutrition and health sciences.

Reputation (employability rankings):
United Arab Emirates University is ranked among the top universities globally and regionally, including a #229 position in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, enhancing the degree’s recognition and graduates’ employability in nutrition-related careers.