BS in Nutrition in Nutritional Science Option

Boston University’s BS in Nutrition, Nutritional Science option, provides a strong foundation in nutrition, biology, chemistry, and human physiology for students preparing for medical, dental, veterinary, or other health-professional programs. It also suits students interested in nutrition research and biomedical science, helping them understand how nutrients affect the human body and how scientific evidence can support better health outcomes.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build a foundation in the biological and chemical sciences through CAS BI 107 – Biology 1, CAS CH 101 – General Chemistry 1, and CAS PS 101 – General Psychology. In the spring, CAS BI 108 – Biology 2 and CAS CH 102 – General Chemistry 2 deepen their understanding of living systems and chemical principles, while writing courses strengthen academic communication.

Year 2: Students progress into specialised science and nutrition coursework through CAS BI 203 – Cell Biology, CAS CH 203 – Organic Chemistry 1, and SAR HS 251 – Human Nutrition Science. They then study CAS BI 315 – Systems Physiology and CAS CH 204 – Organic Chemistry 2, developing knowledge of cellular processes, body systems, and the biochemical foundations of nutrition.

Year 3: Students strengthen their preparation for health-professional and research pathways through CAS CH 373 – Principles of Biochemistry, CAS PY 105 – Physics 1, and CAS MA 121 – Calculus for the Life and Social Sciences 1. Additional courses include CAS BI 114 – Human Infectious Diseases, SAR HS 230 – Food Science, and SAR HS 281 – Nutrition Throughout the Life Cycle, connecting scientific principles with food composition, nutritional needs across life stages, and human health.

Year 4: Students apply their knowledge through advanced courses such as SAR HS 384 – Medical Nutrition Therapy 1, SAR HS 385 – Medical Nutrition Therapy 2, and SAR HS 467 – Research Methods in Nutrition. The recommended SAR HS 415 – Undergraduate Nutrition Practicum offers an opportunity to gain experience in a professional setting, while electives and public health or ethics coursework can broaden students’ understanding of healthcare and evidence-based practice.

Focus Areas

Nutritional science, human biology, biochemistry, cell biology, human physiology, food science, nutrient metabolism, nutrition and chronic disease, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition research, biomedical science, pre-health preparation.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop an understanding of macro- and micronutrients, digestion, metabolism, and the relationship between nutrition and human health. They learn to interpret scientific research, evaluate nutrition-related evidence, understand physiological processes, and apply critical-thinking skills to health and biomedical questions. The program also prepares students for further study in health professions and life sciences.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Nutritional Science option is designed primarily as a pre-health and scientific research pathway. It supports preparation for medical, dental, veterinary, and other health-professional programs. It should not be confused with the Dietetics track, which includes the accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics requirements. Students planning to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists should verify that they complete the required accredited education and subsequent professional requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Boston University’s Sargent College combines nutrition education with scientific coursework and opportunities to explore human health and biomedical research. The university identifies nutrition research, biomedical science, and further professional education as potential directions for students completing the Nutritional Science option. A specific employment rate or average salary for graduates of this particular option was not identified in the official program information.