Chair
Daphne Lordly, PDt, MAHE (MSVU), Associate Professor
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition (BScAHN) prepares students for a wide choice of careers in nutrition and for the professional practice of dietetics. The programs use classroom learning to develop an interdisciplinary knowledge core in nutrition as related to health and illness. Through rich and varied experiential learning opportunities, students gain practical skill related to application and interpretation of knowledge. Faculty members maintain professional ties with hospitals, community services, research organizations and businesses that enrich students’ educational experience through placements, research projects and other professional activities. The degree offers a choice of three program options–dietetics, dietetics with internship, and nutrition. Selected courses are available via distance learning.
Admission Requirements
Please refer to sections 2.1.5 Admission Requirements and 2.1.7 Additional Admissions Requirements
Admission of Mature Students
Please read section 2.1.11 Mature Admissions Policy carefully. Entrants under the mature admission policy are not admitted to a degree program until 3.0 units are completed. Students wishing to enter applied human nutrition should consult with the Department upon admission to the University to plan their sequence of courses.
Immunization Requirement
To be able to participate in courses, including internships, which have placements or labs in health facilities it is necessary to have a physician complete a health screening form that verifies your immunization for contagious diseases. There is a fee for the immunization and your health plan may cover all or part of this cost. Please contact the Department for more information.
Transfer Requirements
Students who wish to transfer credits from another degree program at the Mount or another post-secondary institution should refer to section 2.1.8 Admission Requirements for Transfer Students. While every effort will be made to accommodate transfer students into the program, students should realize that because professional programs are highly structured and require coursework to be taken in specified sequence, extended time may be needed to complete degree requirements. Students are urged to contact the Department as early as possible if a transfer is contemplated.
DieteticsThe dietetics program is for those students who want to become professional dietitians (PDt or RD), legally registered to practice in the province(s) of their choice. The BScAHN (Dietetics) program meets the guidelines of Dietitians of Canada (DC) so that graduates can apply for a dietetic internship and become registered.
Dietetics integrates and applies the principles of food, nutrition and health to promote the nutritional well-being of the public. Dietetics prepares students for careers in a variety of settings such as community nutrition, long-term care, hospitals, home care, fitness centres, or private practice. Dietitians are increasingly found in non-traditional roles such as supermarkets, food industry, food and equipment sales, and health care management.
There are several routes available to students for a dietetic internship. Students in the BScAHN (Dietetics) may apply to the Internship Education Program. Alternately, students in their final year of study in the BScAHN (Dietetics) may apply through DC for a post-degree dietetic internship. Students may also choose to pursue graduate studies in nutrition with a combined internship such as the Mount’s MScAHN plus Internship Education Program. All these routes are competitive and require an overall GPA of 2.7 or higher for internship and 3.0 or higher for graduate studies.
Internship Education ProgramThe BScAHN ( Dietetics) Internship Education Program requires the completion of 23 units including all 20 units required for the BScAHN (Dietetics) plus 3.0 units of internship courses. The Internship Education Program enables students to build on theoretical knowledge and internship experiences to fulfill the competencies required by DC to reach entry-level professional dietetic competence. Students in the Internship Education Program complete three internship courses designed to provide the necessary experiences in clinical, community and administrative areas. The first course is normally integrated between the third and fourth years of study in the BScAHN (Dietetics) and the second and third courses follow the fourth year of study. Interns must be prepared to relocate for their internship courses and to accept little to no financial compensation.
Eligibility
In order to apply for admission to the Internship Education Program students must be enroled full-time at the Mount (i.e. must be enroled in 3.0 units or more in fall/winter semesters); must have completed a minimum of 10 units of credit and must have achieved a GPA of 2.7 or higher in BScAHN (Dietetics) courses and achieved a passing grade in each of these courses.
Prior to the Level I internship course, students will normally have completed NUTR 3313, 3315, 3326, 3407 and CHEM 3502; as well as the prerequisites for these courses. Students are advised to consult their faculty advisor early in their program to discuss eligibility and course scheduling and to seek related work experiences in the summers preceding application.
Application
A formal application for admission to the Internship Education Program is required. Application forms are available from the Internship Office and must be completed and returned to that Office by December 15. Interviews with faculty, if necessary, and the written challenge, both components of the application, will be scheduled in January.
Selection Procedure and Criteria
Selection, based on established criteria and following a standard process is conducted by a committee that consists of the Department Chair or her designate, the Internship Co-ordinator, a representative from the professional dietetic community and a graduate of the Mount’s Internship Education Program. The number of qualified applicants selected each year is dependent on Program resources. Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee admission.
Admission to the BScAHN ( Dietetics) Internship Education Program will be conditional pending spring term final grade results, which must meet grade requirements of GPA of 2.7 or higher with passing grades in all required BScAHN courses.
Students should note that details of selection criteria and procedures can be found in the Internship Education Program Policy & Procedure Manual.
Internship Program Standards
In order to remain in the Internship Education Program, students must adhere to the Program Policies and Procedures, including those for withdrawal and temporary withdrawal from internships.
There are three possible grades for internships
- P Pass. Students continue to the next internship course.
- NCR No credit repeat. Students must repeat the internship course and pass before continuing to the next course. Normally a student may receive only one NCR grade and remain in the degree program.
- F Fail. A failing grade in an internship results in dismissal from the Integrated Internship Program (students may still complete the BScAHN).
NutritionThe nutrition program is best suited to those students who want to combine their nutrition studies with more electives. The BScAHN (Nutrition) does not include the courses necessary to meet the DC guidelines for application to a dietetic internship.
Nutrition is the study of the relationships among food, its nutrients, the environment and health. Careful choice of electives in the Nutrition option of the BScAHN prepares graduates to seek work in a variety of nutrition-related fields including commodity marketing boards, food retailing, government, social services, homemaking services, and agricultural extension. Graduates may also choose to pursue additional studies for careers in school-based community teaching, research, or business.
Programs
Students may apply to either the Dietetics or Nutrition programs as described below. Application to the Internship Education Program is made during study in the Dietetics program.
BScAHN Dietetics (20 Units)
Students must successfully fulfill the following requirements:
| ❏ | obtain a GPA of 2.0 or higher in 8.0 units of NUTR courses taken to complete degree requirements |
| ❏ | students may complete a 3.0 unit minor by fulfilling the requirements for the minor as defined by the department offering the minor. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required 3.0 units |
| ❏ | successful completion of the following 20 units: |
|
| ❏ | BIOL 2202 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | BIOL 2205 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | BIOL 2206 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | BUSI 1112 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | BUSI 2214 or BUSI 2215 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | CHEM 1011 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | CHEM 1012 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | CHEM 2401 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | CHEM 3501/BIOL 3501 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | CHEM 3502/BIOL 3502 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | MATH 2208 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | MATH 2209 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 1102 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 1103 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 1209 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 1210 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 2324 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 3204 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 3313 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 3315 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 3326 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 3407 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 4400 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 4406 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 4408 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 4409 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 4414 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 4417 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 4444 | 0.5 unit |
|
| ❏ | 0.5 unit of NUTR in addition to those listed above | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | 0.5 unit of FSGN | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | 2.0 units of Arts and/or Science courses
(in addition to those listed above) | 2.0 units |
| ❏ | 2.5 units of electives 2.5 units
Note: Students are encouraged to consult with their advisor
to ensure electives are chosen to benefit their career goals. | 2.5 units |
BScAHN Dietetics and Internship Education (23 Units)
Students must successfully fulfill the following requirements:
| ❏ | obtain a GPA of 2.7 or higher in 8.0 units of NUTR courses |
| ❏ | achieve a grade of P in each of the 3.0 units of required internship placements (NUTR 4501, 4502 and 4503) Note: Internship courses (NUTR 4501, 4502 and 4503) cannot be counted in the calculation of the GPA. |
| ❏ | students may complete a 3.0 unit minor by fulfilling the requirements for the minor as defined by the department offering the minor. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required 3.0 units |
| ❏ | successful completion of the following 23 units: |
|
| ❏ | complete all courses for BScAHN (Dietetics) listed above | |
| ❏ | NUTR 4501 | 1.0 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 4502 | 1.0 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 4503 | 1.0 unit |
The sequences listed below for dietetics will usually be followed:
|
| 1 | Academic Term | Academic Term | Related Work Experience |
| 2 | Academic Term | Academic Term | Related Work Experience |
| 3 | Academic Term | Academic Term | Related Work Experience |
| 4 | Academic Term | Academic Term | Internship Term |
| 5 | Internship Term | | |
BScAHN Nutrition (20 units)
Students must successfully fulfill the following requirements:
| ❏ | obtain a GPA of 2.0 or higher in 6.0 units of NUTR courses taken to complete degree requirements |
| ❏ | students may complete a 3.0 unit minor by fulfilling the requirements for the minor as defined by the department offering the minor. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required 3.0 units |
| ❏ | successful completion of the following 20 units: |
|
| ❏ | BIOL 2202 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | BIOL 2205 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | BIOL 2206 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | CHEM 1011 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | CHEM 1012 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | CHEM 2401 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | CHEM 3501/BIOL 3501 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | CHEM 3502/BIOL 3502 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | MATH 2208 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | MATH 2209 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 1102 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 1103 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 1209 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 1210 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 2324 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 3204 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 3313 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 3326 | 0.5 unit |
| ❏ | NUTR 4406 | 0.5 unit |
|
| ❏ | 1.5 units of NUTR at the 3000 level or above
(excluding NUTR 4501, 4502 and 4503) | 1.5 units |
| ❏ | 2.0 units of Arts and/or Science courses
(in addition to those listed above) | 2.0 units |
| ❏ | 7.0 units of electives
Note: Students are encouraged to consult with their advisor
to ensure electives are chosen to benefit their career goals. | 7.0 units |
Honours Degree
Students wishing to obtain an honours degree must make formal application through the Department chairperson by May 1 of the third year of the program or after the completion of 15 units. Students are encouraged to apply earlier in the program so that the appropriate course can be selected.
Minimum requirements for acceptance into the honours are a GPA of 3.0 in 10 of the required academic units completed and a grade of at least C- in each of these units.
A BScAHN Honours (Nutrition or Dietetics) requires:
❏ fulfilment of all the requirements of the 20 unit undergraduate degree
❏ NUTR 4499
❏ 1.0 unit from each core group A, B, and C listed in the Bachelor of Arts (General Studies):
❏ Core A - Sciences & Mathematics (1.0 unit)
❏ Core B - Social Sciences (1.0 unit)
❏ Core C - Humanities (1.0 unit)
❏ obtain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a grade of at least C- in 10 units of the required NUTR courses
❏ obtain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all courses counted for the degree beyond the first 5.0 units taken.
Note: First-class honours will be awarded to students who obtain a minimum GPA of 3.5 or better in 10 units in the honours subject and no grade below B- inallcourses counted for the degree beyond the first 5.0 units taken.
A BScAHN Honours (Dietetics with Integrated Internship Education) requires:
❏ fulfilment of all the requirements of the 23 unit undergraduate degree (includes internship courses)
❏ NUTR 4499
❏ obtain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a grade of at least C- in 10 units of the required NUTR courses
Note: Internship courses (NUTR 4501, 4502 and 4503) cannot be counted in the calculation of the GPA.
Note: First-class honours will be awarded to students who obtain a minimum GPA of 3.5 or better in 10 units in the honours subject and no grade below B- in all courses counted for the degree beyond the first 5.0 units taken.
Minors
Science MinorStudents in a Bachelor of Science program may complete a science minor in Applied Human Nutrition by fulfilling the following requirements:
| ❏ | 3.0 unitschosen from NUTR 1102, 1103, 1209, 1210, 3204, 3325, 4400, 4408, 4409 |
Note: The courses listed under the science minor may be used to fulfill Core A - Science & Mathematics but may not be counted as professional electives.
Professional MinorStudents in a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Professional Studies program may complete a professional minor in Applied Human Nutrition by fulfilling the following requirements:
| ❏ | 3.0 units chosen from NUTR 1102, 1103, 1106, 1209, 1210, 2205, 2240, 2300, 2324, 3315, 3204, 3326, 3330, 4414, 4417 |