BSc Honours in Food and Human Nutrition (Singapore)
The Bachelor of Science Honours programme in Food & Human Nutrition based at Nanyang Polytechnic, explores the links between diet and health, and factors which influence consumer food choice. Our health and general well-being depend on eating the right amounts of food of the right kind. Scientific research has given us an excellent understanding of the fundamental aspects of nutrition:
- a balanced diet
- use of different foods by our bodies
- food safety confidence
In studying this field, you'll learn about food issues that scientists are tackling today.
Key Features and Benefits of the Degree Programme
- Access to well-equipped laboratories
- Staff specialising in biological and nutritional sciences
- Quality teaching in this subject area which has received the highest rating in the current quality assurance exercise
- Backing of a specialist Human Nutrition Research Centre
Our External Examiners tell us that "the standards of teaching and assessment have been consistently high and the pastoral care of the students is clearly excellent. Professor Seal and his colleagues are to be commended on quality of the degree and the graduates it produces" (Professor Salter, University of Nottingham)
This degree is professionally accredited by the UK's Association for Nutrition.
Course Aims
This course encourages you to develop an informed interest in the science of food, consumer behaviour, human nutrition and health and to develop and an awareness of the:
- environmental impact of food production and processing
- sustainability of food production and processing
- societal impact of food-related activities
Course Content
The first year of study provides the core knowledge and understanding of nutrition principles and food science whilst developing experimental skills important for human nutrition research and the development and assessment of food quality. You will also focus on food safety in the production of a range of foods common in our diets and how food quality changes during storage and cooking.
You will be exposed to knowledge at the forefront of some aspects of nutrition through the Experimental Human Nutrition module - in this module you will gain experience in how to design and carry out experiments on people by taking part in a nutrition experiment yourself.
Communication skills are important for nutritionists, but are particularly important when communicating with the food consumer, so we have a specialist module given you the latest knowledge in this area.
The final year of the programme builds on the material covered in your first year. You consider nutrition and its relation to health, disease and exercise and the significance of plants as food as well as contemporary issues in food and nutrition.
Practical skills and the ability to plan and organise are developed by carrying out a research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff with current research activity in a related area. You write up the project as a dissertation and present your results to fellow students as a poster; this project counts for a quarter of the final year marks.
Topics by previous students have included :
- use of spices and herbs in various ethnic communities in Singapore
- the impact of food advertising on the eating behaviours of children
- consumption of fastfood or takeaway food and beverages amongst adolescents in Singapore
- therapeutic potential role of probiotics/prebiotics in immunity, obesity or Type 2 diabetics
You further enhance your skills in researching, report writing and presenting information through a seminar module that deals with current issues in food and nutrition. Advanced topics in human nutrition, nutrition and disease and food chemistry complete the complement of modules.
Academic Year
The academic year is aligned with the academic year in Newcastle, starting in September and ending in June. The year is split into two semesters with a short break in the middle and a longer break between each year of study. At the end of each semester is an examination period that matches Newcastle University which will be in January and May/June.
Teaching and Assessment
You have access to well-equipped laboratories based at Nanyang Polytechnic and you are taught by staff specialising in biological and nutritional sciences. The quality of teaching in this subject area has received the highest rating in the current quality assurance exercise.
Most of our modules are a mixture of lectures, tutorials and practical classes, supplemented by independent guided reading. In addition you will:
- work within our laboratory facilities
- utilise IT for analysing and presenting data
- undertake visits visits to see applications of food and nutrition research in a range of organisations
During the Overseas Immersion Programme visit you will have the opportunity to attend research seminars and visit laboratories run by staff in Newcastle University’s Human Nutrition Research Centre
All modules are formally assessed. The types of assessment you will encounter include :
- traditional exams: multiple choice, short answers
- essays
- practical reports
- oral and poster presentations
Sometimes in-course work is completed as group tasks and peer assessment is encouraged.
Entrance Requirements
This programme is particularly designed for polytechnic diploma graduates or holders of equivalent qualifications: you can view a list of relevant Singapore Polytechnic Diplomas at the SIT website (click on the "eligibility" tab).
Employment Opportunities
There is great demand for biologists with knowledge of nutrition. A wide range of opportunities exist across the sector, including:
- product development or quality assurance in the food industry
- with non-commercial bodies such as research councils and government departments
- in research and development
- in an advisory capacity with groups concerned with food safety
How To Apply
To apply for this programme please visit the Singapore Institute of Technology website.
Degree Programme Handbook
You will receive a copy of the current degree programme handbook when you start your course.
Further information
- School of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development at Newcastle University