About the Nutrition & Health Track
The Nutrition and Health track is designed for students passionate about building healthier communities. Students learn to improve food and wellness programs, shape nutrition policies, leverage evidence-based nutrition communications, and contribute to a healthier marketplace. The curriculum combines public health nutrition coursework with a concentration area such as global health, communications, psychology, hospitality administration, or exercising populations. Students may propose a unique concentration in consultation with their academic advisor and faculty mentor.
Jump to degree requirements.
The BU Hub is Boston University’s general education program. Each semester, students work with their academic advisor to plan their schedules, including concentration area and Hub requirements.
Curriculum
First Year
Fall
CAS BI105: Introductory Biology for Health Sciences
Principles of biology; emphasis on cellular structure, genetics, microbiology, development, biochemistry, metabolism, and immunology. This course is appropriate for non-majors and students in the health and paramedical sciences (Sargent College). Students may not receive credit for CAS BI 105 if CAS BI 108 has already been passed. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Carries natural science divisional credit (with lab) in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I, Research and Information Literacy. (Credits: 4)
CAS BI107: Biology 1
For students who plan to major in the natural sciences or environmental science, and for premedical students. Required for biology majors. No prerequisite. The evolution and diversity of life; principles of ecology; behavioral biology. Three hours lecture, three hours lab including several field studies. Carries natural science divisional credit (with lab) in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking, Research and Information Literacy. (Credits: 4)
CAS CH171: Principles of General Chemistry
Introduction to chemistry: separation and purification of matter, atomic theory, structure of atoms, molecules and chemical bonding, chemical formulas, equations, stoichiometry; water, solutions, concentration, acids, bases, pH and buffers; gases; reaction kinetics and equilibrium, and radioactivity. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion, one hour prelab lecture, and three hours lab. Carries natural science divisional credit (with lab) in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I. (Credits: 4)
CAS MA115: Statistics 1
CAS MA 115 may not be taken for credit by any student who has completed any MA course numbered 300 or higher. Students may receive credit for not more than one of the following courses: CAS MA 113, MA 115, or MA 213. Numerical and graphical summaries of univariate and bivariate data. Basic probability, random variables, binomial distribution, normal distribution. One- sample statistical inference for normal means and binomial probabilities. Primarily for students in the social sciences with limited mathematics preparation. Carries MCS divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Quantitative Reasoning II. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
CAS WR120: First-Year Writing Seminar
Undergraduate Prerequisites: CASWR 112, placement results, or transfer credit for WR 02TR (for English language learners only). - Topic-based seminar in critical reading and writing. Engagement with a variety of sources and practice in writing in a range of genres with particular attention to argumentation, prose style, and revision, informed by reflection and feedback, including individual conferences. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: First-Year Writing Seminar. (Credits: 4)
SAR HP150: First-Year Sargent Seminar
This course is designed to facilitate successful integration into Sargent College for first-year students. Resources and guidelines will be made available to aid first-year students in making informed academic decisions while clarifying and enhancing the students' experiences with the Boston University community. Interaction with faculty and student leaders is provided. (Credits: 0)
SAR HP151: Introduction to Health Professions
Through readings, discussion and written work, we explore the functions of the health and rehabilitation disciplines. An introduction to the health care system and social impact of health and disability is also considered especially with respect to allocation of resources to improve outcomes. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Oral and/or Signed Communication. (Credits: 2)
Note: Students will take either CAS BI105 or CAS BI107.
Spring
CAS BI108: Biology 2
For students planning to major in the natural sciences and for premedical students. Required for biology majors. It is strongly recommended students complete CAS CH 101 (or equivalent) before this course. High school biology is assumed. Biochemistry, cell & molecular biology, Mendelian & molecular genetics, physiology, and neurobiology. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Carries natural science divisional credit (with lab) in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry II, Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking, Teamwork/Collaboration. (Credits: 4)
CAS BI210: Human Anatomy
Undergraduate Prerequisites: CASBI 105, CASBI 108 or equivalent. - Intensive Preprofessional course for students interested in or heading towards health careers whose programs require anatomy. Systems-based approach to learning the gross and microscopic structure of the human body. Three hours lecture, two hours lab (lab requires dissection). Not for biology major or minor credit. Students cannot receive credit for both BI210 and BI310. Effective Spring 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Digital/Multimedia Expression, Creativity/Innovation. (Credits: 4)
CAS CH172: Principles of Organic and Biochemistry
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASCH171 OR CASCH102 OR CASCH110 OR CASCH112 OR CASCH131) - Introduction to organic and biochemistry: Classes of organic compounds and biomolecules; nomenclature, physical properties and reactions of organic molecules; techniques for synthesizing, isolating and characterizing molecules; structure, reactivity and properties of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids; structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids and membranes; and the biochemical pathways associated with sugar and lipid metabolism. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion, one hour pre-lab lecture, and three hours lab. Carries natural science divisional credit (with lab) in CAS. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Scientific Inquiry II. (Credits: 4)
CAS CH174: Principles of Organic Chemistry
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASCH171 OR CASCH102 OR CASCH110 OR CASCH112 OR CASCH131) - Structure, stereochemistry, functional groups, and reactions of carbon- containing compounds; emphasis on compounds and reactions of biochemical interest. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion, one hour prelab lecture, and three hours lab. Effective Spring 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Scientific Inquiry II. (Credits: 4)
CAS MA116: Statistics 2
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASMA115) or equivalent. - CAS MA 116 may not be taken for credit by any student who has completed any MA course numbered 300 or higher. Students may receive credit for not more than one of the following courses: CAS MA 116, MA 214, or MA 614. This course introduces basic statistical modeling techniques. One- or two- sample inference for unknown means, proportions and variances, categorical data analysis, introduction to design of experiments and analysis of variance, analysis of simple and multiple linear regression models, non- parametric methods. Carries MCS divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Quantitative Reasoning II. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
CAS WR151 / WR152 / WR153 - Writing Research and Inquiry
Note:
- Students will take either CAS BI108 or CAS BI210.
- Students will take either CAS CH172 or CAS CH174.
Sophomore Year
Fall
CAS BI211: Human Physiology
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI105 OR CASBI108) & (CASBI106 OR CASBI210); or equivalent. First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) or equivalent. - Some knowledge of chemistry and anatomy assumed. Not for biology major or minor credit; Biology majors/minors should take CAS BI 315. Introduction to principles of systemic mammalian physiology with special reference to humans. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry II, Writing-Intensive Course, Critical Thinking, Teamwork/Collaboration. Effective Fall 2025, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Critical Thinking, Digital Multimedia Expression, Scientific Inquiry II. (Credits: 4)
CAS PS101: General Psychology
Basic introduction to field of psychology; topics include theories and findings governing learning, memory, perception, development, personality, social and abnormal psychology. Three hours large lecture and one hour discussion section or three hours of small lecture class with no discussion sections. Students are required to participate as subjects in psychology studies. 4 cr. either sem. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking. Effective Fall 2019, this course will fulfill a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking, Ethical Reasoning. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS251: Human Nutrition Science
Prerequisites: CAS BI105 OR CAS BI108. This course draws on principles of anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry to deepen students’ understanding of macro- and micronutrients, digestion, and metabolism in preparation for applied discussions on individual- and policy-level tools to support healthy eating, dietary patterns for chronic disease prevention, and global nutrition challenges. This course is intended for pre-health and nutrition majors. For non-majors, see SAR HS 201 – Intro to Nutrition. Effective Fall 2025, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Critical Thinking, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Scientific Inquiry II. (Credits: 4)
Introductory-level concentration course
Spring
CAS BI114: Human Infectious Diseases
Not for Biology major or minor credit. A retrospective review of infectious disease pathogens, one per semester, its causes, effects on history, pathology, and cures. Principles of immunology. Emphasis is on a single pathogen discovered decades ago (e.g. Smallpox, Ebola) with a review of pivotal publications throughout the decades. This course is appropriate for non-majors and students in the health and paramedical sciences (Sargent College). Emphasis is on critical analysis of publications and data presentation. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS230: Food Science
Prerequisites: CAS CH172, CAS CH174 or CAS CH204, SAR HS251, CAS BI114 or CAS BI311. Course is limited to nutrition majors, or with consent of instructor. This course provides an in-depth didactic and laboratory review of the physical and chemical properties of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and water. Each macronutrient is discussed from its smallest starting molecule to its complex role in food items. Other related topics include food safety and food-borne illness, food preservation and processing, culinary techniques, food regulations and standards, food additives, food technology, and subjective evaluation of food. The laboratory requirement applies the food science principles through hands-on experiments in the kitchen setting. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS281: Nutrition Throughout the Life Cycle
Prerequisites: SAR HS251 & CAS BI211 or CAS BI315. Limited to nutrition majors or with consent of instructor. This course focuses on the changing nutritional requirements from infancy, childhood, and adolescence through older adulthood. Nutritional needs specific to pregnancy and lactation will be discussed. Emphasis is placed on understanding biological requirements as well as the behavioral, socioeconomic, and cultural factors associated with meeting nutrition requirements throughout the life span. (Credits: 4)
Elective/BU Hub requirements outside the major
Note: CAS BI114 may be taken with SAR HS230.
Junior Year
Fall
SAR HS300: Epidemiology 1
Undergraduate Prerequisites: none - Examines the distribution of health and diseases across the population, and the factors that impact health. Which group of people is more likely to experience a heart attack or develop diabetes' Do our level of education, race or income impact our health and our life expectancy' This course studies how we approach understanding disease distribution within the population. Through in class presentations, real world examples, exercises and discussions students become proficient in research methods, disease screening, and infectious disease outbreak investigation. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Scientific Inquiry II. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS397: Nutrition and Chronic Disease
Prerequisite: SAR HS201 or SAR HS251. Cannot be taken for credit with SAR HS384. In this course, students will examine relationships between nutrition/diet and chronic disease in adults on a group and/or population-level. The roles of nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns in the promotion, prevention and treatment of several chronic diseases within groups and populations will be explored. Chronic disease states to be discussed include but are not limited to cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis. (Credits: 4)
Intermediate-level concentration course
Elective/BU Hub requirements outside the major
Spring
SAR HS395: Food, Supplements, and Consumer Health
Prerequisite: SAR HS201 or SAR HS251. Students will conduct a detailed "aisle by aisle" review of foods available in today's marketplace with special attention to functional foods. Students will gain an understanding of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act and become familiar with methods for evaluating dietary supplements with regards to product quality, safety and effectiveness. The influence of nutrition marketing on consumer purchasing patterns will be explored. Students will apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course by comparing the nutrient content of specific foods and dietary supplements to the nutrient needs of consumers according to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). The role of nutrients, foods, supplements, and dietary patterns in the promotion, prevention and treatment of several chronic diseases will also be explored. (Credits: 4)
SPH PH510: Essentials of Public Health
Students will gain an understanding of public health as a broad, collective enterprise that seeks to extend the benefits of current biomedical, environmental, social, and behavioral knowledge in ways that maximize its impact on the health status of a population. The course will provide an overview of the public health approach including epidemiology, disease surveillance, sustainable solutions, social determinants of health, and disease prevention. Through active learning, students will learn skills in identifying and addressing an ever-expanding list of health problems that call for collective action to protect, promote and improve our nation's health, primarily through preventive strategies. Specific topics will include: food safety, toxics reduction, HIV/AIDS & COVID-19, vaccines, and tobacco control and prevention. PH510 is a requirement for obtaining an undergraduate minor in public health. It is appropriate for undergraduates and others who are not in an SPH degree program. It does not carry degree credit for MPH students. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Ethical Reasoning, Social Inquiry II, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
Intermediate- or advanced-level concentration course
Elective/BU Hub requirements outside the major
Note: SPH PH510 is recommended, not required.
Senior Year
Fall
SAR HP353: Organization and Delivery of Health Care in the U.S.
Undergraduate Prerequisites: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) - The focus of this interdisciplinary course is on increasing the student's understanding of the health care system, the social, environmental, and behavioral factors that affect health care, and on increasing the student's ability to work in interdisciplinary teams. The student will actively engage in individual work, group discussion and teamwork through written, oral, and web site assignments. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Writing-Intensive Course. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS415: Undergraduate Nutrition Practicum
Senior Nutrition Majors or instructor permission. Practical experience working with a Registered Dietitian or related health care professional. Placement sites include health care, community, sports, culinary, school, food service, research, industry, and private practice settings. (Credits: 2)
Advanced-level concentration course
Elective/BU Hub requirements outside the major
Note: SAR HS415 is recommended, not required.
Spring
SAR HS489: Lifecourse Approach to Community Nutrition
Prerequisite: SARHS 201 or 251. This course will introduce students to nutrition in the community with special emphasis on the role of nutrition environments and food systems in health promotion and disease prevention. Taught in the context of a public health model, this course will address the nutritional needs of individuals within specific subgroups of the population -- infants, children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, with specific focus on nutritionally vulnerable segments of the population at each life stage including those who are urban, of low education and/or low SES, nutrition insecure, pregnant/lactating women, and members of minority populations. The course will include the study of nutrition policy, large food programs, and community-based interventions targeting at-risk segments of the population to promote health and lower risks for chronic disease. (Credits: 4)
Elective/BU Hub requirements outside the major (12+ units)
Degree Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 128 credit hours.
- Earn a minimum GPA of 2.0. A student may repeat a course only once to meet the requirement. If courses are repeated, both grades are used to calculate the GPA.
- Receive no more than 16 credits of D grades.
- Complete all required courses, including concentration area and BU Hub requirements.
Concentration Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 16 credits of coursework in a related concentration area, with the following requirements:
- 4 credit hours in the area of concentration at an introductory level (e.g., 100-200 level course).Note: The introductory course for a public health concentration area is SPH PH 510.
- 8 credit hours in the area of specialization at an “intermediate/advanced” level (e.g., 200-300 level course)
- 4 credit hours in the area of concentration at an “advanced” level (e.g., 300-400 level course)
All concentration area courses must be in a single area of concentration. For example, all Business Administration, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Education, Media Science, Psychology, Public/Global Health. See the undergraduate handbook for guidance for selecting concentration area coursework.
