Nutrition & Food Science, Bachelor of Science

Contact Information
Contact Name: 
Dr. Jane MacNeil
Contact Title: 
Associate Dean

Program Information

Contact Phone: 
403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Contact Email: 
inquire@rdc.ab.ca
University Transfer Program

One Year University Transfer Program:

This program is offered in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences at University of Alberta.

For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides in Academic Advising.

The Program

The program at RDC is one year of study toward Bachelor of Science Nutrition and Food Sciences.

Three majors are offered: Food Science and Technology, Nutrition and Food, and Nutrition. The Food Science and Technology Major meets the guidelines of the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) and the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). The Nutritional Science Major, with appropriate courses chosen from the approved program electives, is accredited by the Dietitians of Canada. Students planning to be Registered Dietitians should carefully read the information provided in the University of Alberta calendar.

Transfer Features

The courses in this program can be transferred in full to BSc Nutrition and Food Science at University of Alberta. Refer to University of Alberta calendar for the complete listing of courses under the Faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences.

Requirements
Admission Requirements: 

Related Link: Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admissions page for detailed group descriptions.

1. Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  1. Biology 30
  2. Chemistry 30
  3. ELA 30-1
  4. Mathematics 30-1
  5. Subject from Group A, B, C, or Macroeconomics 30 and Microeconomics 30, or a minimum of five credits in Career and Technology subjects at the Advanced level from the following strands: Agriculture, Community Health, Foods, Forestry or Wildlife.

OR

2. Mature Student

You must be 19 years of age or older, out of high school for at least one full year before the program starts, and have a minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  1. Biology 30
  2. Chemistry 30
  3. ELA 30-1
  4. Mathematics 30-1

Note: In addition to the program admission requirements applicants, whose first language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Program Content
University of Alberta

Nutrition Major

  • ECON 201/ECON 202 (6 credits)
  • BIOL 217 (3 credits)
  • KNSS 244 (3 credits)
  • ENGL 219/ENGL 220 (6 credits)
  • CHEM 211/CHEM 212/CHEM 351 (9 credits)
  • STAT 251 (3 credits)

Food Science & Technology Major and Nutrition & Food Major

  • BIOL 217 (3 credits)
  • KNSS 244 (3 credits)
  • ECON 201/ECON 202 (6 credits)
  • ENGL 219/ENGL 220 (6 credits)
  • CHEM 211/CHEM 212 (6 credits)
  • Mathematics Core/Core Requirement or Free Elective (6 credits)
Year 1 Course Descriptions

BIOL 217

An introduction to cellular and molecular biology. Topics include: biological macromolecules; membrane stucture and function; cellular structure; bioenergetics and energy flow; respiration and photosynthesis; cell division and the cell cycle; DNA structure and replication; transcription and translation; recombinant DNA and genetic regulation. Prerequisite: Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 Note: BIOL 217 and 218 can be taken in either order.

CHEM 211

Stoichiometry; ideal gases; atomic structure and bonding; thermochemistry; chemical equilibrium; acids and bases; buffers; titrations. Prerequisite: Chem 30 and Math 30

CHEM 212

Titration curves; solubility and complex ion equilibria; entropy and Gibbs energy; chemical kinetics; electrochemistry; bonding and structure. Prerequisite: CHEM 211

CHEM 351

An introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds. The molecular structure; nomenclature; reactions; reaction mechanisms; structure determination and stereochemistry of alkanes; alkenes; alkynes and alkyl halides is discussed. Important organic compounds related to industry; agriculture and everyday use (polymers; fats; soaps; pesticides; medicinals; etc) are introduced. Prerequisite: CHEM 211 Note: You can only get credit for one of CHEM 241; CHEM 251 and CHEM 351.

ECON 201

Scarcity and choice. Methods used in economic science. Specialization; markets; and exchange. Supply and demand. Roles of consumers; firms and resource owners in competitive and monopolistic markets. International trade. Government intervention. Emphasis is on Canadian problems; issues; policies; and institutions. Credit will not be granted for both ECON 100 and ECON 201. Note: It is recommended that you have grade 12 level Math or equivalent as background.

ECON 202

Defining and measuring aggregate economic variables. National income and monetary theory. Government monetary and fiscal policies. Unemployment and inflation . Exchange rates and balance of payment. Emphasis in on the Canadian economy. Prerequisite: ECON 201 Note: Credit will not be granted for both ECON 101 and 202. Note: It is recommended that you have grade 12 level Math or equivalent as background.

ENGL 219

The focus is on formal preparation for university level essay writing and the skills related to critical reading; interpretation; and argument. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or English 095 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 219 and ENGL 210.

ENGL 220

The course explores a range of literary genres while continuing to focus on deepening the required structural and critical skills related to thinking and writing about literature. Pre-requisite: Engl 219 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 220 and 210.

KNSS 244

This course presents an overview of normal nutritional requirements; physiological functions and food sources. It examines the importance of nutritional adequacy in optimal health and disease prevention. Students will learn to evaluate nutritional issues and nutritional status. Note: Not to be taken by students with credit in KNSS 224.

STAT 251

Data collection and presentation; descriptive statistics. Probability distributions; sampling distributions and the central limit theorem. Point estimation and hypothesis testing. Correlation and regression analysis. Goodness-of- fit and contingency table. Prerequisite: Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 Note: This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in any of STAT 241; PSYC 309; SOCI 311; or BUS 306.