University of Maryland College Park Bachelor Degree Program in Nutrition and Food Sciences
University & College Info June 12, 2013Most people today take good food for granted, and may actually rely on others to make decisions for them. A startling number of people in America rely on TV commercials to let them know what tastes good, while some are happy enough with the label of “organics.” However, unless one truly knows what nutrition is, he or she is not quite making an informed decision. Why not go one step further and learn what nutrition and food science encompass? This is what the University of Maryland at College Park teaches in their bachelor degree program in nutrition and food sciences.
The UMD Curriculum for Nutrition and Food Sciences
There are three areas covered in the coursework, and they include dietetics, food sciences and nutritional sciences. Within these areas are subfields of nutritional care, education and community education. Curriculum centers not only on nutritional basics, but also how to apply physical, behavioral and biological sciences to society, as well as how to understand materials, minerals and ingredients that make up the American diet. Students must earn a C- grade to graduate and will be invited to take part in field research assignments.
The program starts out with fundamentals like what makes nutrition, as well as biology and chemistry. As the program progress, writing, composition, algebra, and energetic are discussed, as well as medical nutrition, modern issues in dietetics, and cell biology. While the program is technical in many respects, social studies are also included, and literature, history, art, politics and psychology are also touched upon, in order to present the student with a broad view of why people eat the way they do. This program has been approved and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education.
UMD Facilities of Interest
This program is offered by the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences. There are 200 students enrolled in the program, and the program certainly makes use of the D.C. location. In addition to advising and academic coursework, which provides one-on-one time with a trusted colleague from the University of Maryland campus, students will be qualified to take the national exam and work as a registered dietitian.
Student societies on campus include the Food and Nutrition Club, as well as the Food Science Club. Not only is wholesome association encouraged, but the associations also sponsor community events, host guest speakers and organize various social and learning activities. Students who work in this industry will have their selection of well-paying jobs. Graduates go on to work in the food industry and can travel abroad. There are also some students who continue their education and branch out into public health, nutrition and health care or even biomedical science.
If you have the desire to help others and take special care in food sciences and environmental, green-friendly initiatives, this program is for you. Find out what the University of Maryland at College Park can offer in the way of a technical and social coursework program in one of the most important fields of the modern age.