About the Program
The Food Science and Human Nutrition Department (FSHN)- Location: Gainesville, FL
- Length: 4 years
- Tuition: $25,520
- Website: https://catalog.ufl.edu/UGRD/colleges-schools/UGAGL/NUT_BS/
The Nutritional Sciences major at the University of Florida is a science-intensive Bachelor of Science program that requires the completion of 120 credits.
It is designed for students planning to pursue medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, or other health-related professional schools, as well as graduate study in health and science fields.
The curriculum emphasizes biology, chemistry, physiology, and nutrition, providing a strong pre-professional foundation.
Curriculum
Students complete core courses in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, microbiology, genetics, and human physiology, alongside specialized nutrition coursework such as Nutrition Through the Life Cycle, Nutrition and Metabolism, and Nutrition and Disease.
Coursework includes:
CHM 2045 General Chemistry 1
Covers core chemical concepts including atomic structure, bonding, periodic trends, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, and gas laws, with an emphasis on scientific reasoning and problem-solving for science majors.
CHM 2045L General Chemistry 1 Laboratory
Laboratory course supporting CHM 2045, featuring hands-on experiments that reinforce key chemical principles and laboratory techniques.
MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1
Introduces limits, derivatives, integrals, and their applications for algebraic, exponential, and trigonometric functions, focusing on analytical reasoning and mathematical modeling.
CHM 2046 General Chemistry 2
Continues the general chemistry sequence, exploring acids and bases, chemical equilibria, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and descriptive chemistry.
CHM 2046L General Chemistry 2 Laboratory
Lab course aligned with CHM 2046, applying advanced chemistry concepts through experiments involving equilibrium, thermodynamics, and electrochemical reactions.
BSC 2010 Integrated Principles of Biology 1
Explores cellular biology, molecular biology, genetics, and metabolism while applying the scientific method to understand biological systems.
BSC 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology Laboratory 1
Hands-on laboratory experience that complements BSC 2010, emphasizing experimental methods in molecular and cellular biology.
BSC 2011 Integrated Principles of Biology 2
Focuses on evolution, genetics, ecology, and energy flow in ecosystems, preparing students for advanced studies in biological sciences.
BSC 2011L Integrated Principles of Biology Laboratory 2
Laboratory course accompanying BSC 2011, providing experience in ecological, evolutionary, and population biology experiments.
BCH 3025 Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Introduces biochemical principles with a focus on the pathways and regulation of intermediary metabolism.
BCH 4024 Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Covers protein and nucleic acid structure and function, enzyme activity, and major metabolic pathways, along with molecular mechanisms of gene expression.
HUN 3403 Nutrition through the Life Cycle
Examines how nutritional needs change across human life stages, considering biological, cultural, and psychological factors.
HUN 4445 Nutrition and Disease: Part 1
Analyzes the biochemical and physiological foundations of diseases requiring specialized nutrition and medical dietary interventions.
HUN 4221 Nutrition and Metabolism
Explores the metabolic functions and interactions of nutrients in the human body, with attention to physiological adaptations under stress.
See detailed course information here:
Learning Outcomes
Students develop skills in scientific analysis, communication, and clinical nutrition assessment, preparing them to address health issues at individual and population levels.
Duration and Delivery Format
The program follows a traditional four-year, in-person format with fall and spring enrollment. It is not available fully online, though some general education courses may be offered in online formats.
Tuition and Costs
Tuition for the program is $25,520.
UF’s undergraduate tuition for in-state students is approximately $6,380 per year, while out-of-state tuition is higher.
- 4 years: $6,380 × 4 = $25,520
Admissions Requirements
Admission requires a strong academic background with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and B grades in prerequisite courses such as general and organic chemistry, biology, and calculus.
Transfer students must meet additional coursework and GPA criteria. Students must maintain academic progress by completing specific courses each term with at least a 2.5 GPA in critical-tracking subjects.
Ideal Candidate
This major is well-suited for pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-veterinary, and pre-PA students, as well as those pursuing graduate research in nutrition or biochemistry. It is also ideal for students interested in nutrition policy, extension education, or government roles.
Career Outcomes
Graduates go on to professional schools, graduate programs, or careers in pharmaceutical sales, public health, and nutrition-related research. The program’s comprehensive science base and nutrition training make it a competitive option for any health-focused career.