Human nutrition

Why study Human nutrition?

Nutritionists advise individuals about good food choices for a healthy diet. They use their knowledge and training to interpret the nutrition value of foods, what the body needs and advise on the health and the prevention of disease in individuals. We’ve been teaching Human Nutrition for 20 years with a strong focus in human nutrition science and public health.
You'll study eating disorders, dietary management, nutrition and disease, nutrition and performance, and the social and public health aspects of nutrition.Graduates may apply to the Nutrition Society of Australia for accreditation as a Registered Nutritionist.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers as nutritionists and advisers in the food and allied industries, sport, government, private research, and the biotechnology and health education industries.

Courses

Local students

Human nutrition courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Bachelor of Human Nutrition Melbourne
3 years full-time or up to 6 years part-time. Semester 1 (March)

Bachelor of Human Nutrition continued…

Course description
Nutritionists help individuals and communities make the right food choices for a healthy diet. To do this, nutritionists consider the nutritive value of foods, the nutrients bodies need at different stages of development, and the role nutrients and diet play in health and in disease prevention. They can also do research: for example working on new food products, or examining the relationships between nutrients/dietary patterns and disease. However, they do not help treat disease through nutrition - this is the role of dietitians. This multidisciplinary course aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of human nutrition, as preparation for careers in various fields related to the promotion of health and fitness at individual and community levels.
Prerequisite
VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any) and Chemistry.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Selection
ATAR 60.10 (2012) Guaranteed Entry (Year 12 applicants only): applicants with an ATAR of 75 or above receive a first-round offer; those with lower ATARs are considered through normal selection processes. Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.
Middle band
Successful completion of Biology, Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Physics facilitates an aggregate score 1.5 points higher per study, to a maximum of 3 points. Performance in prerequisite studies is also considered.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Additional costs
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs of field trips - food, accommodation and travel - may also apply.
Additional information
Modifications to this course to align it with postgraduate courses in dietetics are under discussion.
How to apply
VTAC
Professional recognition
Graduates may apply to the Nutrition Society of Australia for accreditation as a Registered Nutritionist. The course also provides prerequisites for entry into postgraduate courses, including those professionally accredited by the Dieticians Association of Australia. However, please note that entry to postgraduate courses is competitive and places are limited.
Full course details
Human NutritionMelbourne

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Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.

Fees and scholarships

Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.

There are also a wide range of scholarships available for local students. 

International students

Human nutrition international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2012 Bachelor of Human Nutrition (075872J) Melbourne
3 years Semester 1 (February) $23 000

Bachelor of Human Nutrition continued…

Year
2012
Course description
This program has foundations in biosciences - including chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology. It also has foundations in the nutritional sciences including food chemistry, food science, the role and function of nutrients, nutrition in health and disease, public health nutrition and nutrition research skills. Graduates can choose careers in nutrition such as a nutritionist employed by local or state governments, non-government organisations, food industries, and other health industries. Graduates gain the prerequisites for graduate entry into the Masters of Dietetics Practice at La Trobe University and many other postgraduate programs in dietetics and public health in Australia.
English Language Requirements
Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70%) PG1) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne. IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 575 with a score of 5 or better in the Test of Written English; or TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 233 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 88 with no individual score less than 22; or Satisfactory completion of an English language subject at Year 12 or equivalent level. This must have been completed in the last two years and at an academic level acceptable to the University; or Approved equivalent. If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe Melbourne's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe Melbourne's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Academic entry requirements
La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies - 65 Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2010 (indicative only) - 60.00 International Baccalaureate - 24 GCE A Levels - 8 Hong Kong A Levels - 6 Sri Lankan A Levels - CCC STPM - 8 MICSS (UEC) - 3A 3B Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 65 Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.5 Sweden Slutbetyg - G All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 65 Vietnam (Year 12) - 8 Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 2.6 GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.3 GAOKAO - see: the website If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Subject prerequisite
A minimum grade of 65 per cent in Year 12 Chemistry.
Additional costs
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs of field trips - food, accommodation and travel - may also apply.
Professional recognition
Graduates with one year of work experience, an Honours degree, or evidence of continuous professional development, may apply to the Nutrition Society of Australia to be recognised as a Registered Nutritionist. Graduates with five years of work experience may be eligible for the Accredited Nutritionist credential with the Dietitians Association of Australia.
Course details
Human NutritionMelbourne

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Your study experience

Overseas study opportunities

You may be eligible for our student exchange program.

Student profiles

Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Health Sciences or focus on staff in Human nutrition.

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