Welcome to the School of Nutrition and Dietetics

Check out our School video!

 

Why Acadia Nutrition & Dietetics?

Check out our June 2020 Nutrition & Dietetics information webinar about the program

The School of Nutrition and Dietetics has a long and distinguished history at Acadia. Since 1928, the School has been graduating high-caliber individuals, well grounded in the art and science of nutrition, and equally capable of obtaining work in the dietetic profession or continuing their studies in graduate school, education or the health professions, such as medicine, physiotherapy, nursing and dentistry.

Students in this program build on a foundation of food and develop an appreciation for current issues in nutrition and dietetics. Nutrition students gain solid knowledge in biology and chemistry which is applied to studies of food and nutrient metabolism. This background, combined with courses in areas such as communications, nutrition education, psychology and statistics, prepares students to work effectively with individuals, families and communities to plan, develop and manage relevant nutrition programs.

The curriculum of the four year Bachelor of Science in Nutrition degree program supports students to develop an area of interest in human nutrition and/or take courses which enable them to qualify for the postgraduate training required to become a professional dietitian. Students can also pursue combined studies in nutrition and biology which serve as excellent preparation for careers in the medical and health professions. Students intending to pursue postgraduate studies are encouraged to complete the honours program.

A joint program developed with the School of Recreation Management and Kinesiology allows our Nutrition students to pursue Kinesiology courses in the Nutrition/Kinesiology option. This is ideal for those students interested in nutrition as a part of fitness and athletics and supports an overall healthy lifestyle.

ATTENTION STUDENTS FROM NEWFOUNDLAND:  If you are interested in the joint dietetics program with Memorial University of Newfoundland and Acadia (two years are completed at MUN and two years at Acadia), further information is available from this website

 

Programs

Dietetic Practicums

In the summer of 1999, the School of Nutrition and Dietetics initiated a Dietetic Practicum Program in partnership with the Western Zone of the Nova Scotia Health Authority. A maximum of 11 students per year work with Western Nova Scotia dietitians for the summers after their third and fourth years of study or for a year post-graduation. In this way, they are able to meet all the requirements mandated by the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP) to earn the Professional Dietitian designation. The program provides practicum spaces for Acadia students and supports the two streams - integrated and graduate. The Acadia University Dietetic Practicum Program is highly competitive and there is no guarantee of acceptance. Entry to the practicum program is based on a strong academic standard, participation in course work, active involvement in volunteer activities, favourable references and a positive interview. Further information on other dietetic practicums can be found on the Dietitians of Canada website. 

 

Centre for the Sensory Research of Food

The School also houses the Acadia Centre for the Sensory Research of Food, one of the best sensory testing facilities in the region. The Centre offers opportunities for Nutrition students to learn valuable skills and to work with food industries. As well, the School faculty and students who complete Nutr 4223 (Sensory Evaluation of Food) may have oppportunities to volunteer for industry projects related to sensory science.

 

Real World Experience

The School of Nutrition and Dietetics provides students with opportunities to gain valuable real world experience. School facilities, including the sensory evaluation facility and management in dietetics lab, provide students with excellent learnings for their work in basic food science, quantity foods, institutional management, and quality assurance. Students can also participate in the cooperative education option which combines study with work experience.

 

Careers

Graduates of the School of Nutrition and Dietetics have a variety of postgraduate and professional opportunities. Nutrition graduates who complete a dietetic internship/practicum are employed as community nutritionists, food service managers, nutrition information specialists for the food industry, clinical dietitians, researchers and nutrition counsellors. Further information on careers can be found on the Dietitians of Canada website.  Other careers include health educators, teachers, work with commodity groups and food service supervisors.  

Summary listing of nutrition careers.