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Home Study Undergraduate Bachelor of Science (Nutrition and Food Science)
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Grains in baskets
B-NUTR

Nutrition and Food Science

Bachelor degree

Learn the science of nutrition and the best way to promote healthy diet behaviours.

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Course outline
  • ATAR
    Minimum ATAR 70
  • Qualification
    Bachelor of Science (Nutrition and Food Science)
  • Duration
    3 years full-time
  • Credit
    600
  • CRICOS
    003887J
  • Location
    Curtin Perth
  • Fieldwork
    See requirements
Course outline

Select your preferred campus:

2023

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2024

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2025

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2026

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

Course outline

Outline

Outline

In this course you will not only learn the science behind nutrition, but also how you can improve the nutritional status of populations. You’ll also develop high-level communication and teamwork skills.

Your first year is interprofessional and taken with other health sciences students. In your second year you will choose between two streams: Nutrition or Food Science.

Nutrition

In this stream you will develop your understanding of the associations between diet and health outcomes.

You’ll explore the social and cultural influences that impact dietary decisions within populations. You’ll also conduct a nutrition research project.

Course outcomes from the Nutrition stream meet entry requirements for Curtin’s Master of Dietetics course.

In Australia, there is a distinction between dietitians and other occupations in the nutrition and food science field including that of a nutritionist. To qualify as a dietitian you must complete postgraduate studies.

Food Science

In this stream you will focus on the nature and chemical composition of foods, ingredient behaviour under different processing conditions, and the application of this knowledge to improve the safety and quality of food.

You’ll undertake field trips throughout the course and a work placement with an external organisation.

Double degree options

You can study Nutrition as part of a double degree with a Bachelor of Science (Health Promotion).

See our handbook for more course information. 

What jobs can the Nutrition and Food Science lead to?

Careers

  • Dietitian
  • Food scientist
  • Food technologist
  • Home economist
  • Nutritionist

Industries

  • Community health
  • Education and research
  • Food manufacturing
  • Government lobby groups
  • Health and food fitness sector
  • Research and development

What you'll learn

  • integrated discipline knowledge and evidence-based approaches to principles and practices within the field of food nutrition and food science.
  • utilise sound knowledge and critical thinking to formulate solution to contemporary issues in nutrition and food science.
  • apply effective and appropriate strategies to analyse complex nutrition and food science information from a variety of sources.
  • effectively communicate ideas and understandings related to nutrition and food science, to technical and non-technical audiences, through written and oral means in ways appropriate to the audience or situation.
  • confidently evaluate and use current and emerging technologies that are relevant to the field of nutrition and food science.
  • demonstrate initiative and responsibility to deepen and broaden individual and professional learning.
  • apply global perspectives to nutrition and food science issues.
  • demonstrate cultural competence and ethics in to nutrition and food science practice.
  • demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy, accountability and professional practice when interacting with diverse individuals, communities and organisations.

Professional recognition

Graduates of the Nutrition stream are eligible to apply for membership of the Public Health Association of Australia and apply as an Associate Nutritionist with the Nutrition Society of Australia.

Graduates of the Food Science stream are eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Integrated Science or Physics.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Chemistry ATAR or Mathematics Applications ATAR.

     

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • UniReady

    If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.

  • Certificate IV + English Competency

    The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency.

  • Indigenous applicant

    If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.

  • STAT entry

    elements considered are WE and either V or Q. STAT alone is not accepted for entry into this course. Demonstrate an academic score based on a minimum ATAR of 70 or equivalent year 12 studies.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Other requirements and notes for this course

This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the Inherent requirements | Study (curtin.edu.au) before applying. Reasonable adjustments can be made for students with disability.

Although first and second year are available for study on a part-time basis, second and third year units cannot be undertaken before the completion of first and second years respectively.

 

Compulsory field trips are conducted throughout the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

  • STAT entry

    elements considered are WE and either V or Q. STAT alone is not accepted for entry into this course. Demonstrate an academic score based on a minimum ATAR of 70 or equivalent year 12 studies.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Integrated Science or Physics.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Chemistry ATAR or Mathematics Applications ATAR.

     

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the Inherent requirements | Study (curtin.edu.au) before applying. Reasonable adjustments can be made for students with disability.

Although first and second year are available for study on a part-time basis, second and third year units cannot be undertaken before the completion of first and second years respectively.

 

Compulsory field trips are conducted throughout the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

  • TAFE entry

    AQF Certificate IV - Separate evidence of English language proficiency is required; or AQF Diploma; or AQF Advanced Diploma AND Completed the prerequisite. The Chemistry prerequisite can be met with: Chemistry ATAR; or CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry with a grade of 60% or higher; or  CHEM1005 Introduction to Biological Chemistry with a grade of 70% or higher.

  • STAT entry

    elements considered are WE and either V or Q. STAT alone is not accepted for entry into this course. Demonstrate an academic score based on a minimum ATAR of 70 or equivalent year 12 studies.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Integrated Science or Physics.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Chemistry ATAR or Mathematics Applications ATAR.

     

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the Inherent requirements | Study (curtin.edu.au) before applying. Reasonable adjustments can be made for students with disability.

Although first and second year are available for study on a part-time basis, second and third year units cannot be undertaken before the completion of first and second years respectively.

 

Compulsory field trips are conducted throughout the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into this course, you need to have:

• completed a minimum of 75 credits 

• achieved a minimum Course Weighted Average (CWA) of 60 and,

• achieved an academic status of Good Standing  and,

• met the course prerequisite

 

Curtin Units which satisfy the course prerequisite include: 

• CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry 

• CHEM1005 Introduction to Biological Chemistry

• CHEM1007 Fundamental Chemistry for Bioscience 

• HUMB1000 Human, Structure and Function 

 

Higher education course switcher criteria

Higher education course switcher criteria:

• Minimum Curtin entry requirements apply and,

• Completed a unit assessed as meeting the science prerequisite

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    At least one ATAR science course from the following list: Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Integrated Science or Physics.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Chemistry ATAR or Mathematics Applications ATAR.

     

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the Inherent requirements | Study (curtin.edu.au) before applying. Reasonable adjustments can be made for students with disability.

Although first and second year are available for study on a part-time basis, second and third year units cannot be undertaken before the completion of first and second years respectively.

 

Compulsory field trips are conducted throughout the course.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

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You might find your answer in our frequently asked questions.

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Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool
Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

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Essential requirements for admission (including fieldwork requirements)

Many of our courses require students to comply with additional essential requirements. Failure to comply with any of the essential requirements may potentially prevent the successful completion of the course and/or achieving professional registration.

Fieldwork requirements during the course

Please refer to the following statements on the fieldwork component of this course:

Fees and charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2023 Fee year:

$9,200*

Commonwealth supported

Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.

*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.

This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website

If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.

Important fee information

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

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Curtin Perth

2023

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2024

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2025

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2026

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. Please view our application deadlines page for further information.

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  • Curtin course code: B-NUTR
  • CRICOS code: 003887J
  • Last updated on: 3 October 2023