Nutrition & Dietetics

Associate in Science Degree

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Nutrition and Dietetics is a transfer program that meets the requirements of the SUNY Dietetics Transfer Pathway. Students who complete this program will be well-positioned to finish the baccalaureate degree with two years of additional study at a SUNY transfer institution and to pursue careers in the fields of dietetics and nutritional care. Additional transfer opportunities are available on the successful completion of this pathway.

Goal 1 To provide a sound academic curriculum for transfer to a baccalaureate institution

  • The Nutrition and Dietetics Program will conform to the requirements of the SUNY Dietetics Pathway
  • Graduates will meet the SUNY requirements in general education by completing at least 7 of the 10 SUNY GE silos.

Goal 2 To prepare students to recognize how a variety of sciences interface so that the complexity of nutritional sciences can be understood

  • Students will demonstrate how N/D interfaces with other sciences by organizing scientific information, evaluating alternatives, and reaching logical conclusions regarding nutritional analysis.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to weigh and measure ingredients with accuracy.

Goal 3 To prepare students to effectively communicate, both orally and in the written form

  • Students will prepare and present several oral presentations.
  • Students will write clear and concise laboratory reports.

Goal 4 To prepare students to think and solve problems relating to nutrition

  • Students will demonstrate problem solving techniques through analysis of case studies.
  • Students will collect, analyze, integrate, and formalize data in a variety of classes in the curriculum.

Goal 5 To prepare students to investigate scientific problems in a group setting

  • Students will work collaboratively in the laboratory, demonstrating skill toward the completion of common project.

Goal 6 To prepare students to demonstrate information literacy

  • Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology.
  • Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information.

Total Credit Hours: 63

First Semester

This course is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to be successful in college. Students learn the importance of the faculty-student and advisor-advisee relationship, develop time management techniques, apply effective study skill techniques, recognize the implications of living in a diverse society, utilize college resources, and explore career and transfer requirements. Collaborative projects are included. Students matriculated in a degree program must take this course in their first term of study.

This is the first of a two-semester course covering the central concepts of biology. Topics include the chemical and cellular basis of life, energy transformations, and classical and molecular genetics. Laboratory exercises mirror lecture topics and include opportunities for the student to practice the scientific method, data collection, and lab report writing.

This course provides a general understanding of the science of nutrition. Topics include nutrients, nutrient requirements, food sourses, food safety dietary assessments, the role that nutrients play in maintaining health and physical well-being, and physiological functions such as digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients. This course is for Nutrition and Dietetics majors. Prerequisite: High school chemistry or equivalent.

This course covers the structure and function of the human organism and the regulatory processes that operate within a living system. It introduces general anatomical, physiological, and chemical organization, and includes the integumentary (skin), skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Laboratories involve vertebrate dissection, the use of prosected human cadavers and human skeletal materials, microscope work, non-invasive human experimentation, and possibly animal experimentation. Prerequisite: High School Biology or its equivalent is recommended.

This course focuses on several kinds of writing-self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive, and others. A minimum of five essay compositions are required. The course emphasizes the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required in a variety of professions and occupations. Prerequisites: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or EN090 Basic Writing Skills or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition or SL145 ESOL Advanced Composition

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Second Semester

This course, which is a continuation of BI216 Human Anatomy & Physiology 1, involves the study of structure, function, and regulation in the human organism. Topics include blood, peripheral nerves, the cardiovascular system, lymphatics, the respiratory system, the excretory system, the endocrine system, the reproductive systems, the digestive system, and metabolism. Laboratories involve vertebrate dissection, the use of prosected human cadavers and human skeletal materials, microscope work, non-invasive human experimentation, and possibly animal experimentation. Prerequisite: BI216 Human Anatomy & Physiology 1.

This course explores the changing nutritional needs as an individual progresses through the normal life cycle. Topics include physiology and nutritional demands of growth periods, the physiology and nutritional demands of the aging process, and optimal dietary behaviors during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and late adulthood. Prerequisites: BI151 Nutrition & Dietetics and BI216 Human Anatomy & Physiology 1.

This course encourages a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in imaginative literature. Emphasis is placed on the use and development of critical thinking and language skills. Library-oriented research is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages.

This course prepares students for MA150 Precalculus. Topics include linear and quadratic equations; inequalities; rational expressions; trigonometric functions; graphs of linear, quadratic, piecewise, and trigonometric functions; and, systems of equations. Algebraic and trigonometric manipulations and problem-solving are emphasized. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA115 Intermediate Mathematics.

This course gives an understanding of and a feeling for the society in which we live. The concepts and theories discussed relate to humanity, its culture and society, and to those forces that contribute to the smooth operation of this society as well as those forces that contribute to conflict and social problems. Topics include culture, socialization, stratification, population, and patterns of social organization.

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Third Semester

This course introduces the morphology, physiology, and genetics of microorganisms and their impact on health and environment. Organisms studied include bacteria, fungi, virus, and protozoa. Laboratories emphasize safe handling and culturing of live bacteria, as well as identification procedures. Prerequisites: BI141 General Biology 1, or BI217 Human Anatomy & Physiology 2.

This course introduces to the field of chemistry for science and engineering students. Topics include dimensional analysis, stoichiometry, periodicity, atomic structure and bonding, the states of matter, solutions, and acid and base concepts. The laboratory exercises exemplify chemical principles and develop individual problem-solving abilities. The laboratory experience includes preparation of the laboratory report and notebook. Prerequisites: High School Chemistry; and appropriate high school GPA or placement test score, or MA121 Fundamentals of College Mathematics 1, or MA139 College Algebra, or a corequisite of MA125 College Algebra and Trigonometry.

This interdisciplinary course is both theoretical and practical. The theoretical aspect entails exploring the basic concepts and principles of moral philosophy, and the general thinking process for making moral judgments. The practical aspect involves the application of principles and strategies to specific cases derived from the humanities, such as imaginative literature, and from other disciplines, such as science and business. Prerequisite: EN102 English 2: Ideas &Values in Literature.

This course introduces probability and statistics. Topics include graphs, tables, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, normal distribution, correlation and regression, probability, and inferential statistics. This course is available in two formats: lecture only, or lecture plus laboratory using technology. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA089 Arithmetic.

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Fourth Semester

This course is an introduction to public speaking. It emphasizes the fundamentals of preparing, organizing, supporting, and delivering the speech based on factual material. It includes topic selection, audience analysis, fact vs. opinion, outlining, supporting material, and visual support. Informative, demonstrative, and persuasive speeches are presented. Elements of interpersonal communication, logic, and persuasion are discussed. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages.

This course introduces the nature and study of history, and covers the emergence and development of Eurasian civilization to about 1500 A.D. in the Near East, India, China, Europe, the Western Hemisphere, and Africa. Attention is given to religion in these civilizations and on the rise of the West to a position of world power during the Middle Ages.

This course introduces the many and varied facets of psychology. Emphasis is on interactions of individuals in their cultural, social, and economic environments as determined by their cognitive, behavioral, and emotional experiences and training.

This course is a continuation of BI141 covering the central concepts of biology. Topics include evolutionary processes, speciation, organismal biology, and ecology. Laboratory exercises mirror lecture topics and include opportunities for the student to practice the scientific method, data collection, and lab report writing. Prerequisite: BI141 General Biology 1 or permission of the Dean.

This course is a continuation of CH141 General Chemistry 1. Topics include chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, chemical and solution equilibrium, descriptive organic chemistry, nuclear chemistry, and descriptive chemistry of elements. Prerequisite: CH141 General Chemistry 1.

This course introduces the discipline of political science through the study of American government. Topics include the concept of the political system, democracy in theory and practice, the historical background and content of the Constitution, Federalism, and the role of the Supreme Court in civil rights. It stresses these aspects of the American political system: public opinion, voting behavior, the electoral system, political parties, and modern campaigning techniques.

This course focuses on understanding and applying scientific methodology to an area of inquiry within the social sciences. It covers quantitative and qualitative methods of research including survey research, interviewing, archival analysis, experimentation, and participant observation. Using data-gathering techniques, a number of mini-research projects are conducted. The application of statistical techniques to data analysis is stressed. Computer software applications are used to analyze data from a variety of sources. Research teams are formed to design and implement final research projects. Prerequisites: SO101 Introduction to Sociology or CJ101 Introduction to Criminal Justice or PS102 Introduction to Public Policy.

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For successful completion of this program, it is strongly recommended students complete two years of high school mathematics, or the equivalent, and one year of chemistry - lab included.

(a) Natural Science electives include: BI142 or CH142

(b) Restricted Elective: PS101 or SS218