Dietetics Track
Jump to the degree requirements.
Please review the BU Hub requirements before planning your schedule.
Curriculum
First Year
Fall
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 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)
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)
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 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 WR151 / WR152 / WR153: Writing Research and Inquiry
Elective/BU Hub requirements outside the major
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 MA115: Statistics I
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)
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, lobal Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Scientific Inquiry II. (Credits: 4)
Elective/BU Hub requirements outside the major
Spring
CAS BI114: Human Infectious Diseases
Not for Biology major or minor credit. A study of the world's major human diseases, their causes, effects on history, pathology, and cures. Principles of immunology. Emphasis on present maladies such as AIDS, herpes, cancer, mononucleosis, tuberculosis, influenza, and hepatitis. This course is appropriate for non- majors and students in the health and paramedical sciences (Sargent College). 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 I, Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
CAS MA116: Statistics II
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)
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)
Note: CAS BI114 may be taken with SAR HS230.
Summer
Human anatomy modules
Junior Year
Fall
CAS CH373: Principles of Biochemistry
Undergraduate Prerequisites: CAS BI 105 or CAS BI 108 or CAS NE 102 or ENG BE 209; and CAS CH 204 o r CAS CH 214 or CAS CH 212 or CAS CH 174; or equivalent. - Introductory biochemistry focusing on structure/function with applications to medicine, nutrition, and biotechnology, including acid/base chemistry, protein structure, enzyme mechanisms, thermodynamics, and kinetics; nucleic acid structure/function and information transfer, carbohydrates and carbohydrate metabolism, lipids and lipid metabolism, and bioenergetics of oxidative energy metabolism. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS384: Medical Nutrition Therapy 1
Prerequisite: SAR HS281. Course is limited to nutrition majors in the dietetics and nutrition science tracks. Cannot be taken for credit with SAR HS397. This course covers the pathophysiology of diseases paired with appropriate medical nutrition therapy related to nutrition care and disease management. Nutrition screening, nutritional assessment and nutrition care plan formulation will be discussed. Individual disease states covered include malnutrition, osteoporosis, anemias, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, eating disorders, and weight & hormones. Diet plans and nutrition education interventions are discussed along with documentation and monitoring/evaluation of the nutrition care plan. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS385: Medical Nutrition Therapy 2
Prerequisite - SAR HS384. This course is a continuation of SAR HS384 and is limited to nutrition majors in the dietetics and nutrition science tracks. This course focuses on medical nutrition therapy for various disease states, including gastrointestinal disease, kidney disease, cancer, AIDS, cystic fibrosis, and inborn errors of metabolism. This course also covers the metabolic response to trauma and critical illness and the importance of nutritional therapy in these states. The use of parenteral and enteral nutrition, intravenous catheters, and feeding tubes will be covered. Diet and drug interactions and nutritional genomics also will be discussed. Students will use case studies to learn to apply their knowledge of nutrition care to the treatment of patients with various diseases. (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)
Note: Essentials of Public Health is recommended, not required.
Spring
SAR HS310: Management of Food and Nutrition Services
Prerequisite: SAR HS230. Course is limited to nutrition majors in the dietetics track or with consent of instructor. - This course provides an in-depth exploration of foodservice systems, emphasizing key subsystems such as procurement, production, distribution and service, and food safety and sanitation. Students will apply management theories to operation and service development, examine strategies to optimize quality, control costs, enhance customer and employee satisfaction, manage conflict, and interpret financial data to enhance financial accountability. The course also examines regulatory compliance and continuous quality improvement methods. Students will demonstrate their knowledge through practical applications and the development of a comprehensive plan for a foodservice organization. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS486: Applied Nutrition Care
Prerequisites: SARHS 385. - Course is limited to nutrition majors in the dietetics track. This course provides a review of and an opportunity to implement all aspects of the nutritional care process. Through classroom discussion of case studies as well as experiences at in- and out- patient facilities, students will gain expertise in the provision of nutritional care. (Credits: 4)
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 diet in the prevention of the major nutrition-related health problems in the U.S. 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, food insecure, pregnant/lactating women, and members of minority populations. The course will include the study of nutrition policy and community-based interventions targeting at-risk segments of the population to promote health and lower risks for chronic disease. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS588: Applied Nutrition Counseling
This course is limited to nutrition majors in the dietetics track and 2nd year DPD/-MS/-DI students. This course is designed to help nutrition students develop the education and counseling skills needed to communicate effectively with diverse individuals. Students will be introduced to motivational interviewing, the RESPECT model of communication and relational behaviors, and a habit-based approach to behavior change with the goal of gaining skills and experience promoting sustainable behavior change. Students will focus on developing positive relationships with clients of diverse cultural backgrounds, clients that may have experienced bias in the medical community, and clients that are potentially resistant to lifestyle change. Learning activities will include classroom discussion, role playing, practice with volunteer and standardized patients, and observation, reflection, and discussions with Sargent Choice Nutrition Center RDNs. (Credits: 4)
Senior Year
Fall
CAS PH150: Introduction to Ethics
This course focuses on a set of interrelated questions about morality: What is morality? How should I live? What does morality require of us in our daily lives, if it requires anything at all? Are there any universal moral truths? Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings, Ethical Reasoning, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
CAS PH251: Medical Ethics
Undergraduate Prerequisites: one philosophy course or sophomore standing. - This course will survey ethical issues that arise in connection with medicine and emerging biotechnologies. It will examine topics such as the right to healthcare, research on human subjects, euthanasia, abortion, cloning, genetic selection, disabilities, and the biomedical enhancement of human capacities. Students can expect to gain not only training in the concepts and methods of moral philosophy and the logic of argumentation, but also the resources needed for assessing ethically difficult questions that healthcare professionals routinely face. Carries humanities divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings, Ethical Reasoning, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS415: Undergraduate Nutrition Practicum
Undergraduate Prerequisites: Senior Nutrition Majors only - Practical experience working with a Registered Dietitian or related health care professional in a community, medical or private practice setting. (Credits: 2)
Elective/BU Hub requirements outside the major (8+ credits)
Note: Introduction to Ethics or Medical Ethics, and Undergraduate Nutrition Practicum are recommended, not required.
Spring
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 HS342: Exercise Physiology
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI211 OR CASBI315) or consent of instructor. - What are the limits of human performance' Why can't we run 25 miles at the same speed we can sprint 40 yards' How do common diseases impact tolerance to physical activity' In exercise physiology we will discuss these questions and more, eventually uncovering principles that determine how our bodies respond to various forms of stress (like exercise). Through hands-on group experiments and collaborative projects in laboratory and lecture, we will also explore how scientists have come to these conclusions through the implementation of the scientific method in a research setting. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry II, Teamwork/Collaboration. (Credits: 4)
Elective/BU Hub requirements outside the major (8+ credits)
Degree Requirements
To enter the Junior Year:
- Earn a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Meet Gateway Criteria: A minimum grade of C+ (2.3) or better in each of the following four courses, BI 107/BI 108, CH 171/CH 174
- Complete all required first-year and sophomore courses
To enter the Senior Year:
- Earn a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Complete all required junior courses
To graduate and obtain an ACEND DPD Verification Statement:
- Complete a minimum of 128 credit hours (Note: PDP coursework does not count toward minimum)
- Earn a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Receive no more than 16 credits of D
- Complete all required senior courses
- Complete all required activities and cognate paperwork associated with the DPD
A student may repeat a course only once to meet the above requirements. If courses are repeated, both grades are used to calculate GPA.
*Please note that external transfer students can enroll in the Nutrition and Health track or the Nutrition Science track, but not in the Dietetics track due to professional accreditation requirements.