Human nutrition

Why study Human nutrition?

Nutritionists help translate nutritional science to the lay public and  advise the community about good food choices for  healthy eating. 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.

Here at La Trobe, we’ve been teaching Human Nutrition for over 20 years with a strong focus in human biosciences and public health.

During the course you'll study biosciences, principles of  nutrition, food science, nutrition and disease, nutritional needs over the lifespan and for performance, and the social and public health aspects of nutrition. On completion of the course graduates may apply to the Nutrition Society of Australia to be accredited as an Associate Nutritionist.

Human Nutrition at La Trobe

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers as nutritionists and advisers to the food and health industry, sports clubs, government, research, non-government organisations 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.
For more information please visit the webpage of Frequently Asked Questions
Prerequisite
VCE Units 3 & 4: English (any) and Chemistry.
Extra requirements
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, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.

Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online 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.

For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page.
Selection
ATAR (2013)
Melbourne: 72.2

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
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Human NutritionMelbourne

Want to know more?

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 is also a wide range of scholarships available for local students

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Human nutrition international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Bachelor of Human Nutrition (075872J) Melbourne
3 years Semester 1 (March) $25 060

Bachelor of Human Nutrition continued…

Year
2013
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.
For more information please visit the webpage of Frequently Asked Questions
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level.

La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 70 per cent final result in a course.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

or approved international 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) 2012 (indicative only) - 60.1
International Baccalaureate - 24
GCE A Levels - 8
Hong Kong A Levels - 6
HKDSE - 2 x Level 4
Sri Lankan A Levels - CCB
STPM - 8
MICSS (UEC) - 5
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
Indonesia (SMA) - 8
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 (or equivalent) 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 are eligible for registration as nutritionists with the Nutrition Society of Australia.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
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.

Human nutrition events

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