Bachelor of Nutritional Sciences: Physiology & Metabolism at University of California, Berkeley

Bachelor of Science (BS)

The Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology offers three undergraduate major program specializations: Physiology and Metabolism, Dietetics, and Toxicology leading to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. NOTE: The Nutritional Science - Dietetics major specialization is in the process of transitioning to a graduate program following the ACEND guidelines which will require a graduate degree for participation in the required dietetic internship for licensure. Students graduating after Spring 2023 are encouraged to pursue the Physiology and Metabolism specialization in the major, as described below.

The Physiology and Metabolism and Toxicology specializations offer ideal preparations for health-related careers such as medicine, pharmacy, optometry, and dentistry. The curricula include many courses required for professional school admission. NST graduates who have entered health-related professional schools report appreciation for the in-depth preparation afforded by these specializations.

Now is an exciting time to explore the sciences of nutrition and toxicology. The media have highlighted many questions about the role of diet in development and aging, the safety of genetically modified foods, links among diet, cancer, and chronic diseases, and the problems of global malnutrition.

The curriculum, driven by NST faculty research, covers a breadth of topics including functions and mechanisms of nutrient actions to the benefits and hazards of chemical agents, cultural and socio-economic determinants of human diets, and development of programs and policies to address human and environmental health and safety.

Overview of Specialization

The Physiology and Metabolism specialization provides a strong foundation in the biological and chemical sciences. The advanced course work focuses on the biochemistry and physiology of nutrients, phytochemicals, and diet-borne toxicants. The Physiology and Metabolism specialization addresses the following topics: nutrient absorption, distribution, and metabolism; functions of nutrients in human health and disease; cellular and molecular regulatory mechanisms by which humans respond to changes in diet; dietary patterns related to health and disease; conceptual and technical processes of nutrition research.

Admission to the Major

Advice on admission for freshmen and transfer students can be found on the Rausser College of Natural Resources Prospective Student website. Freshmen students apply to the Nutritional Science B.S. major and then declare their specialization in Physiology and Metabolism once they have completed the required subset of prerequisites for this major specialization. Freshmen applying to Rausser College may also select the Rausser College undeclared option and declare the major by the end of their fourth semester. Transfer students may apply directly to the major and indicate their intended specialization through the UC application.

Information for current Berkeley students who would like to declare the major after admission, including information on a change of major or change of college, please see Rausser College's Change of College page.

Rausser College Honors Program

The honors program is individual research, NUSCTX H196, for two semesters under the supervision of a faculty member. The supervised independent honors research is specific to aspects of the Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology major, followed by an oral presentation, and written thesis report. Acceptance in the Rausser College Honors Program is required through an application process. Students who are interested in the Honors program should apply during their junior or senior year. Students must have a 3.6 grade-point average (GPA) in order to be eligible for the honors program.  Please visit Rausser College's Honors webpage to learn more.

Minor Program

The department offers a minor program in Nutritional Sciences. The course work for the minor addresses topics in Human Nutrition and Nutrient Function. Elective options range from Nutrition in the Community to Metabolic Regulation to Medical Nutrition Therapy. The minor is best suited for students already pursuing a bioscience degree: a background in chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and biochemistry is necessary to be prepared to do upper division work in this field.  Visit the Nutritional Sciences minor page for information regarding how to declare the minor.

Other Minor offered by the Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology

Toxicology 

Visit Department Website

Nutritional Science and Toxicology Learning Goals

1. To provide preparation in critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills.
2. To provide insight and in-depth information on the interaction of natural and man-made toxicants with people and their impact on human health and disease (depth).
3. To provide strong academic preparation for successful contributions to research, education, industry and government, and/or participation in advanced studies in health and biosciences (breadth).
4. To inspire students to advance the health and well-being of citizens (value).