Human Nutrition

Human Nutrition research explores the links between all aspects of nutrition and human health with the ultimate goal of preventing diseases and enhancing the quality of life.


Significant contributions are being made in the areas of:


Nutrient Requirements: Investigation of nutrient digestion and metabolism with the aim of understanding nutrient requirements. Significant advancements have been made in understanding amino acid and fatty acid requirements as well as impact of dietary intake on the gut microbiome.

Team: Rhonda Bell, Catherine Chan, Catherine Field, Diana Mager, Rene Jacobs, Vera Mazurak, Carla Prado, Caroline Richard, Ben Willing


Nutrition and Disease: Understanding of the role of nutrition on immune function, energy metabolism, and the development and treatment of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome and cancer.

Team: Rhonda Bell, Jean Buteau, Catherine Chan, Catherine Field, Rene Jacobs, Diana Mager, Vera Mazurak, Carla Prado, Spencer Proctor, Caroline Richard, Donna Vine, Ben Willing


Community Nutrition and Dietetics: Understanding the social and behavioural determinants of nutrition and health, childhood obesity and practitioner behaviour.

Team: Heidi Bates, Rhonda Bell, Catherine Chan, Noreen Willows

In the News

Meet the Team

Heidi Bates
Jean Buteau
Catherine Chan
Catherine Field
Rene Jacobs
Diana Mager
Vera Mazurak
Carla Prado
Spencer Proctor
Caroline Richard
Sabina Valentine
Donna Vine
Mich Wilke
Ben Willing
Noreen Willows


nutrition degrees

Undergraduate 

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Food Science

If you have a passion for the food that we eat or assisting others in living their healthiest lives, this degree will provide you with the foundation you need to launch your career. Apply your knowledge and skills while completing real-world projects and case studies that examine issues faced by the food industry and nutritional health sector.

Available programs:

  • Nutrition & Food Science General:  Learn the fundamentals of nutritional science coupled with knowledge in applied chemistry and microbiology related to food products.

  • Dietetics Specialization:  Gain both the knowledge and practical skills needed to practice as a Registered Dietitian

  • Honors in Nutrition:  A specialized, research-based degree focusing on nutritional science and the related physical, health and social sciences.

Graduate 


We offer a variety of science-based graduate degrees, including several specializations that are both course and thesis based. Graduate research opportunities include science and agriculture as well as business and international dual degree options.

  • Master of Science Course-Based (MSc):  The MSc course-based degree is a 2 year course-based degree designed for professionals who have been with government, industry, or private practice and who wish to return for upgrading and specialization. Students are required to complete 8 graduate level courses, AFNS 601 Seminar course, 8 hours of Ethics, Professional Development and a project.

  • Master of Science Thesis-Based (MSc): The MSc thesis-based degree is a 2 year thesis-based degree designed for students wishing to specialize and develop skills in research and scientific communication. It prepares students either for further advanced training or for mid-management positions in government or industry. Students are required to complete 3 graduate level courses, AFNS 601 Seminar course, 8 hours of Ethics, Professional Development and research, write and defend a thesis.

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD):  A four-year thesis-based degree offers an opportunity for independent research at an advanced level in preparation for careers in research, university teaching, and administration. It often builds on research skills gained in the MSc program. Students are required to complete 3 graduate level courses, two terms of registration in AFNS 601 Seminar course, 8 hours of Ethics, Professional Development, Candidacy Exam and research, write and defend a thesis. 

    The Department offers world-class research divisions to compliment graduate studies in nutrition and metabolism: clinical, community, metabolic and public health nutrition, as they relate to nutrition policy, infant and child health, and to chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer. 

Continuing Education

 

Alberta Internationally Educated & Return-to-Practice Dietetic Bridging 

The Alberta Internationally Educated & Return-to-Practice Dietetic Bridging offers significant advantages for Internationally Educated Dietitians and Canadian Dietitians wanting to return-to-practice. Courses are designed specifically to bridge the knowledge, clinical skills, and judgement required to deliver safe and effective dietetic practice in the Canadian context.

More information


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