Program Summary

NUTRITION AND DIETETICS - Associate in Science for Transfer

The Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer degree (AS-T in Nutrition and Dietetics) prepares students for success in a baccalaureate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics with the lower-division coursework required to transfer into the CSU system. Students learn about chemicals and nutrients in food and their effects on the human body and the world.  The study of nutritional science contributes to preparing students for careers as nutritionists, registered dietitians (RD), food scientists, or other dietetics professionals. The study of Nutrition provides a broad foundation in a practical and personally applicable exposure to a variety of scientific areas of nutrition such as chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and biology. Popular topics include microbial pathogens, environmental contaminants, nutrigenomics, macronutrient balance, energy metabolism, obesity, global issues, biochemistry of exercise, and micronutrient and phytochemical utilization. Students in the program learn how the scientific method and process contributes to nutritional requirements and how nutrients function from a cellular to more practical level, and then apply this knowledge to their own health. The program also helps students understand the role of nutrition in disease prevention throughout the lifecycle and as an impact on society as a whole.

 The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system in a similar major, although not necessarily to a specific campus. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors. Students who are planning to pursue an AA-T or AS-T are strongly advised to meet with a counselor for additional information about this transfer program.

 The Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer degree requires:

 (1) Completion of 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
   
  (A) California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).

  (B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

 (2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

(3)  Earn a “C” or better grade in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for courses in the major.

Career Opportunities
Core Courses (16 credits)
Units: 16.0
NUTR 210
INTRODUCTION TO NUTRITION SCIENCE
3.0
PSYC C1000
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
3.0
CHEM 201A
GENERAL COLLEGE CHEMISTRY I
5.0
BIO 204
MICROBIOLOGY
5.0
List A. Select 2 courses from the following (7-10 credits). Only one Statistics class may be used towards the degree.
Units: 7.0-10.0
CHEM 201B
GENERAL COLLEGE CHEMISTRY II
5.0
CHEM 212A
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
5.0
BIO 206
GENERAL HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
5.0
BIO 205
HUMAN ANATOMY
4.0
 
3.0-4.0
MATH 236
INTRODUCTION TO APPLIED STATISTICS
3.0
OR
STAT C1000
INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS
4.0
List B. Select 1 course from the following (3 credits).
Units: 3.0
NUTR 222
CULTURAL ASPECTS OF FOOD
3.0
NUTR 232
PRINCIPLES OF FOOD WITH LAB
3.0
Total: 26.0-29.0
Program Outcomes
Explain the basis of the scientific method as it is used in developing hypotheses and theories, then apply the scientific method-based research, such as in peer-reviewed intervention, epidemiological, lab, and case studies, to the critical evaluation of nutrition-related literature and media, thus differentiating between proven scientific based research and myth.
Student self assessment surveys and scientific method quiz (standardized for all classes)
Examine the basic chemical structures of the six classes of nutrients and the substances therein; their action, interaction, and balance in relation to health and disease.
Student self assessment surveys and macronutrient testing methods within Connect and midterms
Examine the process by which the human body ingests, digests, absorbs, transports, utilizes and excretes food substances.
Student self assessment surveys and the human body chapter testing methods within Connect and midterms
Judge the effect of nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle factors that contribute to chronic diseases, assess one’s own diet for nutritional adequacy, and establish goals personally and practically to apply lifestyle changes, based on health status, body weight differences and goals, optimal sports performance, differing lifecycle stages, and differing environmental conditions.
Student self assessment surveys and "Diet Analysis Projects"
Evaluate food customs of a specific culture and incorporate sources based on reliability and credibility; Assess the stigmatization, prejudice and/or discrimination experienced by individuals or groups who choose to adhere to non Western and/or non dominant food practices and recommend strategies to facilitate their acceptance.
Food and culture class project