College of Agriculture, Food & Environment

Human Nutrition

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Wayne Centers

Director of Student Relations

College of Agriculture, Food & Environment

College of Agriculture, Food & Environment

N6 Agricultural Science Center

Program website

859-257-3469

  • BS
Other programs from the College of Agriculture, Food & Environment:
Community & Leadership Development
Agriculture - Individualized Curriculum
Natural Resources & Environmental Science
Merchandising, Apparel & Textiles
Landscape Architecture
Hospitality Management & Tourism
Horticulture, Plant & Soil Sciences
Forestry
Food Science
Family Sciences
Equine Science & Management
Dietetics
Career & Technical Education
Animal Sciences
Agricultural Economics
Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology

Interested in how diet and exercise play a role in improving and preventing disease?  The Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition prepares you for future studies in nutritional sciences and health-related sciences, particularly public health, pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, physician assistant school, optometry, and nutrition research.

Preparing for Advanced Education in Health Professions

With a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition you will be prepared for a number of career possibilities as well as advanced academic study. Students have also used their degree to prepare them for further advanced study in nutritional or health-related fields such as:
  • Public Health
  • Pharmacy
  • Medicine
  • Physician Assistant Studies
  • Physical Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Dentistry
  • Optometry
  • Nutrition research
As Albert Einstein wrote, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” I strive to do this on a daily basis with each of my students.

Dr. Tammy Stephenson

Director of Undergraduate Studies & Recipient of the 2016 UK Alumni Great Teacher Award

Courses You Will Take

Access Major Map

source: myUK: GPS

Human Nutrition (BS) 122 - 125 hours
Freshman Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year
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Total Freshman Year Credit Hours : 32 - 33

Fall Semester
15 - 16 Credit Hours
UK Core - Comp. & Comm. I
3
GEN 100
3
GEN 100 - ISSUES IN AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT

GEN 100

**UK Core - Community, Culture and Citizen**

3 credit hours

An introductory course requiring critical analysis of the major social, economic, political and scientific issues in agriculture and related disciplines. The historical development of agriculture will be surveyed, followed by discussions of major issues related to agriculture, food and environment. Development of skills in information gathering, critical analysis of issues, and written and oral communication will be emphasized. Satisfies the U.S. Citizenship area of UK Core. Prereq: Students enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; freshmen only in fall semesters and transfer students only in spring semesters.

Prereq: Students enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment; freshmen only in fall semesters and transfer students only in spring semesters.

CHE 105
4
CHE 105 - GENERAL COLLEGE CHEMISTRY I

CHE 105

**UK Core - Natural, Physical and Math** Must be taken with CHE 111 to satisfy UK Core.

4 credit hours

A study of chemical principles and their application to pure and mixed substances. Not open to students who have already completed both CHE 109 and CHE 110.

Prereq: Math ACT of 23 or above (or Math placement test), or MA 109, or MA 110.

CHE 111
1
CHE 111 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY

CHE 111

**UK Core - Natural, Physical and Math** Must be taken with CHE 105 to satisfy UK Core.

1 credit hours

A laboratory course, to accompany CHE 105 or CHE 110, dealing with the properties of chemical substances and providing an introduction to quantitative chemical analysis.

Prereq or coreq: CHE 105 or CHE 110.

BIO 148
3
BIO 148 - INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY I

BIO 148

3 credit hours

BIO 148 introduces the student to the biological mechanisms operating at the molecular, cellular, and population level that contribute to the origin, maintenance, and evolution of biodiversity including the origins and history of the evolutionary process. Course material is presented within a phylogenetic context, emphasizing the shared history of all living organisms on earth through common ancestry. The first semester of an integrated one-year sequence (BIO 148 and BIO 152).

Prereq: Math ACT of 24 or above, or MA 109, and past or concurrent enrollment in CHE 105.

UK 101
1 - 2
UK 101 - ACADEMIC ORIENTATION

UK 101

***Optional**

1 - 2 credit hours

This course is designed to assist undergraduates in adjusting to the academic life of the University. Through lectures, discussions, exercises, and out-of-class assignments, UK 101 helps first-year students: articulate the purpose and nature of a college education at a research university; articulate UK’s expectations of its students; gain an appreciation of the University’s mission, history, and traditions; develop skills for achieving academic success such as study strategies and library research skills; increase awareness and use of campus resources; reflect on personal and social issues that first-year students often face in a college environment; become involved in the total life of the University; and form beneficial relationships with students, faculty, and staff.

Spring Semester
17 Credit Hours
UK Core - Comp. & Comm. II
3
CHE 107
3
CHE 107 - GENERAL COLLEGE CHEMISTRY II

CHE 107

3 credit hours

A continuation of CHE 105. A study of the principles of chemistry and their application to elements and compounds.

Prereq: CHE 105 or CHE 110 (with a C or better).

CHE 113
2
CHE 113 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY

CHE 113

2 credit hours

A laboratory course, to accompany CHE 107, emphasizing qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis.

Prereq: CHE 111. Prereq or coreq: CHE 107.

BIO 152
3
BIO 152 - PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY II

BIO 152

3 credit hours

The second semester of an integrated one-year sequence (BIO 148 and 152) that is designed to develop understanding and appreciation for the biocomplexity of multicellular eukaryotes, with emphasis on animals and terrestrial plants. Structure and function relationships will be explored at many levels of organization.

Prereq: C or better in BIO 148 or permission of Department.

BIO 155
1
BIO 155 - LABORATORY FOR INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY I

BIO 155

1 credit hours

This course is designed to provide a broad introduction into the data, results, and information associated with biological research, and into some of the analytical approaches used to test biological hypotheses. Communication of these aspects of biological research is crucial, and much of this lab course will be focused on the development of effective writing skills for the delivery of this information.

Prereq: Math ACT of 23 or above or MA 109, past or current enrollment in CHE 105.

PSY 100
4
PSY 100 - INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

PSY 100

**UK Core - Social Sciences**

4 credit hours

An introduction to the study of behavior covering theories, methods and findings of research in major areas of psychology. Topics covered will include the biological foundations of behavior; learning, perception, motivation, personality; developmental, abnormal, and social behavior; and methods of assessment. This course is a prerequisite to a significant number of courses in this and related areas of study. Lecture, three hours; laboratory/discussion, two hours.

CHE 197
1
CHE 197 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY WORKSHOP II

CHE 197

(optional)

1 credit hours

Peer-led team problem solving. Two-hour workshop offered on a pass-fail basis only. Enrollment in CHE 107 need not be accompanied by enrollment in CHE 197.

Prereq: Concurrent registration in CHE 107 required.

Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).

Total Sophomore Year Credit Hours : 31

Fall Semester
15 Credit Hours
CHE 230
3
CHE 230 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I

CHE 230

3 credit hours

Fundamental principles and theories of organic chemistry.

Prereq: CHE 107 and CHE 113.

CHE 231
1
CHE 231 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I

CHE 231

1 credit hours

Laboratory for CHE 230 or CHE 236. Laboratory, three hours per week.

Prereq: CHE 113; prereq or concur, CHE 230 or CHE 236

BIO 208
3
BIO 208 - PRINCIPLES OF MICROBIOLOGY

BIO 208

3 credit hours

The course introduces fundamental microbiological principles and techniques. Emphasis is placed on the interactions between humans and microorganisms, especially bacteria and viruses, the use of antimicrobial agents, microbial antibiotic resistance, and the structural, functional, and evolutionary relationships among microorganisms.

Prereq: High school chemistry recommended. Note: Does not count for an upper division course for majors in Biology.

MA 123
4
MA 123 - ELEMENTARY CALCULUS AND ITS APPLICATIONS

MA 123

**UK Core - Quantitative Foundations** MA 113 may substitute for MA 123

4 credit hours

An introduction to differential and integral calculus, with applications to business and the biological and physical sciences. Not open to students who have credit in MA 113 or MA 137. Note: Math placement test recommended. Prereq: Math ACT score of 26 or above, or Math SAT of 600 or above, or MA 109, or appropriate math placement score, or consent of department.

Prereq: Math ACT score of 26 or above, or Math SAT of 600 or above, or Math SAT2016 of 620 or above, or a grade of C or better in MA 109, or appropriate math placement score, or consent of department. Note: Math placement test recommended.

DHN 212
3
DHN 212 - INTRODUCTORY NUTRITION

DHN 212

3 credit hours

An elementary study of the principles of nutrition and the application of these principles to providing adequate nutrition to humans. The chemical and physiological approach to nutrition is emphasized.

Prereq: CHE 105 or CHE 103 or CHE 108; plus, past or concurrent BIO 103 or BIO 148 or BIO 152 or BIO 208.

DHN 241
1
DHN 241 - FOOD SERVICE SANITATION

DHN 241

1 credit hours

This course covers the principles of food microbiology, important food borne diseases, standards that are enforced by regulatory agencies, and applied measures for the prevention of food borne diseases and other microbiological problems. It leads to certification from the National Restaurant Association.

Spring Semester
16 Credit Hours
CHE 232
3
CHE 232 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II

CHE 232

3 credit hours

A continuation of CHE 230.

Prereq: CHE 230 with grade C or above.

CHE 233
1
CHE 233 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II

CHE 233

1 credit hours

Laboratory for CHE 232. Laboratory, three hours per week.

Prereq: CHE 231; pereq or concur: CHE 232.

DHN 302
3
DHN 302 - PRINCIPLES OF FOOD PREPARATION

DHN 302

3 credit hours

The physical and chemical principles involved in the preparation of foods and the application of these principles to control for quality outcomes. Laboratory experiences link theory to practice to ensure that the standards of safety and overall quality factors are applied to maximize nutrient retention while maintaining the acceptability and nutritional qualities of foods produced for individuals and groups. Lecture, one hour; Laboratory, four hours.

Prereq: DHN 241; Limited to DHN and Family Consumer Science (FCS) department majors and with permission of instructor.

STA 296
3
STA 296 - STATISTICAL METHODS AND MOTIVATIONS

STA 296

**UK Core - Statistical Inferential Reason**

3 credit hours

Introduction to principles of statistics with emphasis on conceptual understanding. Students will articulate results of statistical description of sample data (including bivariate), application of probability distributions, confidence interval estimation and hypothesis testing to demonstrate properly contextualized analysis of real-world data.

Prereq: MA 113, MA 123, MA 137, or equivalent.

PGY 206
3
PGY 206 - ELEMENTARY PHYSIOLOGY

PGY 206

3 credit hours

An introductory survey course in basic human physiology.

Prereq: One semester of college biology.

UK Core - Arts and Creativity
3

Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).

Total Junior Year Credit Hours : 30

Fall Semester
15 Credit Hours
DHN 311
3
DHN 311 - NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY

DHN 311

*Class only offered in Fall.

3 credit hours

An introductory study of the biochemical basis of nutrition--the physiochemical properties of nutrients and other essential biochemicals and their role in physiological and metabolic processes.

Prereq: CHE 230 or CHE 236 must be completed prior to DHN 311; PGY 206 must be taken concurrently or prior to DHN 311. Limited to Dietetics, Human Nutrition, and Food Science Majors only; other majors by Consent of Instructor.

DHN 312
3
DHN 312 - LIFE CYCLE AND COMMUNITY NUTRITION I

DHN 312

*Class only offered in Fall.

3 credit hours

A study of the physiological changes occurring in the human life cycle with associated nutrient needs. The course focuses on assessment and determination of nutrition issues and nutrition education for individuals from in-utero to toddlerhood. Nutrition education programs on a community level will be addressed at each stage of the life cycle.

Prereq: DHN 212; Limited to Dietetics and Human Nutrition Majors only.

UK Core - Global Dynamics
3
UK Core - Humanities
3
Professional Support Elective
3
Spring Semester
15 Credit Hours
DHN 313
3
DHN 313 - LIFE CYCLE AND COMMUNITY NUTRITION II

DHN 313

**Class only offered in Spring.

3 credit hours

A study of the physiological changes occurring in the life cycle with associated nutrient needs. The course focuses on assessment and determination of nutrition issues and nutrition education for individuals from childhood to old age. Nutrition education programs on a community level will be addressed at each stage of the life cycle. Program planning, evaluation and grant writing will also be covered and applied in this course.

Prereq: DHN 312; limited to Dietetics and Human Nutrition majors only.

DHN 315
3
DHN 315 - NUTRITION ISSUES IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

DHN 315

**Class only offered in Spring.

3 credit hours

This course explores the special nutritional needs of a person engaged in regular physical activity. Emphasis will be placed on selecting a diet to achieve optimal performance and overall wellness. Athletic performance enhancing supplements will be examined to determine the efficacy and safety of such products.

Prereq: DHN 212 and restricted to dietetics or Human Nutrition majors.

DHN 510
3
DHN 510 - ADVANCED NUTRITION

DHN 510

**Class only offered in Spring.

3 credit hours

Application of biochemistry, physiology and nutrition to the understanding of the utilization and function of nutrients in the body as related to the structure, function and metabolic needs of cells/organ systems.

Prereq: DHN 311 or BCH 401G or equivalent; PGY 206; Dietetic and Human Nutrition Majors or admission to graduate program.

ANA 209
3
ANA 209 - PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN ANATOMY

ANA 209

3 credit hours

The structure of the human body will be examined at various levels: cellular, tissues and organ systems. The gross anatomical arrangement of the body will be studied in a system-by-system format relating structure to function and the fundamentals of human embryology/malformation with adult anatomy. The central nervous system will be emphasized. The course includes an online laboratory component for each system covered. Prereq: Introductory biology or zoology.

Prereq: Introductory Biology or Zoology.

Professional Support Elective
3

Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).

Total Senior Year Credit Hours : 29 - 31

Fall Semester
15 Credit Hours
DHN 304
3
DHN 304 - EXPERIMENTAL FOODS

DHN 304

3 credit hours

Chemical and physical properties of food and the changes resulting from processing and preparation. Experimental study of variations in ingredients and preparation methods on food quality. Design, execute and report an independent research project. Lecture 2 hours; laboratory and discussion 3 hours per week.

Prereq: DHN 302; CHE 230 or CHE 236.

DHN 474
3
DHN 474 - RESEARCH IN NUTRITION: THEORY

DHN 474

*Class only offered in Fall. A grade of C or higher in DHN 474 and DHN 475 will complete GCCR

3 credit hours

A required course which allows the student to explore research opportunities in the health field, identify potential funding sources, review institutional review board requirements, and develop and grant proposal based on their own interests in nutrition. This course is a Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course in certain programs, and hence is not likely to be eligible for automatic transfer credit to UK.

Prereq: Human Nutrition majors only. Senior standing. DHN 311 (may be taken concurrently with consent of instructor).

PHI 305
3
PHI 305 - HEALTH CARE ETHICS

PHI 305

3 credit hours

A consideration of the ethical issues and difficult choices generated or made acute by advances in biology, technology, and medicine. Typical issues include: informed consent, healer-patient relationships, truth telling, confidentiality, problem of birth defects, abortion, placebos and health, allocation of scarce medical resources, genetic research and experimentation, cost containment in health care, accountability of health care professionals, care of the dying, and death.

Professional Support Elective
3
Professional Support Elective
3
Spring Semester
14 - 16 Credit Hours
DHN 318
3
DHN 318 - HUNGER, FOOD BEHAVIOR, AND THE ENVIRONMENT

DHN 318

**Class only offered in Spring.

3 credit hours

This course brings together the role of the biological processes that influence hunger with the physiological responses to cues in the social and neighborhood environment that influence what we eat. The connection between what we eat and lifelong health consequences of dietary patterns can be seen at the individual, familial, and community level. Topics in this course will include hunger and satiety, taste preferences and food aversions, food policy, sustainability, the role of the food environment, and nutrition policy.

Prereq: DHN 101, DHN 212, or consent of instructor.

DHN 408G
1
DHN 408G - SEMINAR IN DIETETICS AND HUMAN NUTRITION

DHN 408G

1 credit hours

Investigation of recent research in dietetics and human nutrition. May be repeated to a maximum of three credits. Nutritional Sciences graduate students may not enroll for graduate credit.

Prereq: DHN 510 or consent of instructor.

DHN 475
3
DHN 475 - RESEARCH IN NUTRITION: APPLICATION

DHN 475

**Class only offered in Spring. A grade of C or higher in DHN 474 and DHN 475 will complete GCCR

3 credit hours

A required course which allows the student to design a research study, write a grant, prepare a comprehensive literature review, design a survey, conduct statistical analyses on collected data, and prepare a professional article and poster to present at University and regional events. This course is a Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR) course in certain programs, and hence is not likely to be eligible for automatic transfer credit to UK.

Prereq: Human Nutrition majors only. Grade of “C” or better in DHN 474. Graduation Writing Requirement Course - Credit is awarded to students meeting the GWR prerequisites.

Professional Support Elective
3
Professional Support Elective
3
Free Elective
1 - 3

Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).

Imagine Your Future

Dentists

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$156,240

per year in 2018

Imagine Your Future

Physicians and Surgeons

Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Imagine Your Future

Physical Therapists

Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$87,930

per year in 2018

Imagine Your Future

Health Educators and Community Health Workers

Health educators teach people about behaviors that promote wellness. Community health workers collect data and discuss health concerns with members of specific populations or communities.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$46,080

per year in 2018

Imagine Your Future

Dietitians and Nutritionists

Dietitians and nutritionists advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$60,370

per year in 2018

In addition to professional development and research opportunities, our students are leaders in a number of service groups and projects - including the UK Farm to Fork program. 

 

Our professors do more than teach. Many of them are very active in Kentucky communities which provides meaningful, real-life learning opportunities for Human Nutrition students. 

 

Historical Major Sheets 

2016-17 Major Sheets 2015-16 Major Sheet 2014-15 Major Sheet 2013-14 Major Sheet 2012-13 Major Sheet 2011-12 Major Sheet

Apply for Our Scholarships

In addition to automatic and competitive scholarships from the University of Kentucky, Human Nutrition students are also eligible for a variety of awards from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. With one of the largest college-based scholarship programs, we have awarded more than $3 million over the past four years. These awards are based on a variety of criteria such as hometown, major, career goals, high school extracurriculars, and more. 

The deadline to apply is December 1 for first-semester freshmen and March 2 for current students and transfer students. For more information, click here. 

Apply for Our Living Learning Program

Named after UK's first female graduate, Belle C. Gunn, this first-year program is open to all University of Kentucky freshmen.  We seek students who, like Gunn, have passion and determination.  Through field trips, professional development workshops, and service programs, we apply student passions to global issues at the intersection of food, economics, and environment.  All students in this program will also enroll in connected courses, share study groups, and have an assigned peer mentor - all to help with the transition to college life. 

While all students will enjoy the same benefits, some events and projects will be geared toward students' preferences and career goals. Depending on interests, each student will join one of the following tracks: 

  • Food & Health 
  • Family & Community 
  • Nature & Landscapes 
  • Livestock & Equine 

 

 

 

 

All students participating in our living learning program will live in Woodland Glen IV, one of UK's newest residence halls.  To apply, select the "Agriculture, Food and Environment" living learning program while completing the housing application. For more information, visit the University of Kentucky Housing website. 

Our Advising Style

Unlike other programs, our students are paired with a faculty advisor while also having the support of the Human Nutrition academic coordinator. These multiple lines of support help you maximize your college career with expert advice and personal guidance.

In our most recent advising survey, 86% of Human Nutrition students said they were extremely satisfied with their advisor, the highest rating possible. In the same survey, when asked what they like about their advisor, one student responded with: 

"Everything really. I could not ask for a better advisor. I guess if I had to pinpoint one thing that she is exceptional at, it would be letting us know she cares. She spends a lot of time with me during my meetings and really helps me work out all the kinks. She even met with me outside of an appointment because I was having a scheduling emergency and needed immediate help.”

 

International Opportunities

Should you choose, you can gain international experience while earning credit towards your Human Nutrition degree. We offer a variety of study, research, intern, and service abroad programs for all budgets and comfort levels. Some students have even earned grants and scholarships to fully fund their international experiences.

These programs are designed to broaden your mind and introduce you to unfamiliar ways of thinking and living. Ultimately, these experiences will make you a more competitive applicant in the global workforce. 

Contact

Wayne Centers

Director of Student Relations

College of Agriculture, Food & Environment

College of Agriculture, Food & Environment

N6 Agricultural Science Center

859-257-3469

Other programs from the College of Agriculture, Food & Environment:
Community & Leadership Development
Agriculture - Individualized Curriculum
Natural Resources & Environmental Science
Merchandising, Apparel & Textiles
Landscape Architecture
Hospitality Management & Tourism
Horticulture, Plant & Soil Sciences
Forestry
Food Science
Family Sciences
Equine Science & Management
Dietetics
Career & Technical Education
Animal Sciences
Agricultural Economics
Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology

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