Nutritionists help translate nutritional science for 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).

The Bachelor of Food and Nutrition aims to provide graduates with a thorough understanding of food and human nutrition, as preparation for careers in various fields related to the promotion of health at individual and community levels. During the course, students will study biosciences, principles of nutrition, food science and food skills, nutrition and disease, nutritional needs over the lifespan and for sports performance, and the social and public health aspects of nutrition. On completion of the course graduates may self-register with the Nutrition Society of Australia as an Associate Nutritionist.

There is a growing demand for specialists in food and nutrition science with a wide range of career options available for graduates.

The Bachelor of Food and Nutrition will prepare students for careers in:

• nutrition and agribusiness
• government – food policy and regulation, quality assurance, community health programs
• sports industry
• food industry - food safety, food manufacture
• marketing – product development
• media – consumer education and awareness
• other areas of nutrition and biosciences – food laboratories and research institutes.

On completion of the course graduates may apply to the Nutrition Society of Australia to be accredited as an Associate Nutritionist.