The Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology and Nutrition offers students a degree that is specifically designed for those who want to study human-specific aspects of health and disease as they prepare for careers that require advanced professional degrees and/or licensure (e.g. medical doctor, osteopathic doctor, physician assistant, chiropractor, dentist, registered dietitian nutritionist).
General Information
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human Physiology and Nutrition requires the following:
- A minimum of 120 credit hours is required to complete the bachelor’s degree.
- A minimum of 38 credit hours of HPNU coursework is required for the major; at least 29 of those hours must be upper-division (courses numbered 3000 or higher) course work.
- A grade of “C-” or better is required on all HPNU courses for the major.
- A minimum CU cumulative GPA of 2.0 is needed to graduate.
Additional course work is required to complete the Human Physiology and Nutrition, BS degree. Please see the advising guides on the Academic Advising website for more information.
Learning Outcomes
The specific Program-Level Learning Objectives were developed with the intention of preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals and scientists for employment in rapidly growing and evolving settings.
- Students will form a strong foundational knowledge in the basic life sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, and nutrition
- Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary for entry level employment in health-related fields or pursue advanced degrees in clinical practice or applied sciences by:
- Applying principles and knowledge gained through coursework to novel problems and situations in clinical and/or applied research settings.
- Demonstrating effective communication skills in both academic and clinical settings.
- Demonstrating the ability to use equipment and technology germane to the fields of human physiology and nutrition.
- Exhibiting the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Employing professional and ethical behavior in clinical and/or applied research settings.
Human Physiology and Nutrition Major Options
There are three options available for completing the Human Physiology and Nutrition degree. Students must select one of these options.
- Biomedical Science
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Pharmacy Preparation (3+4)
NOTE: a double major in Exercise Science and Human Physiology and Nutrition is not available.
Honors Program
The Honors Program in the Human Physiology and Nutrition Department is a two-semester program that can be conducted in one of two ways: by Research Thesis or by Professional Internship. For those who successfully complete the program, they will receive the designation of “Honors by Research Thesis” or “Honors by Professional Internship” appended to their undergraduate transcripts.
In semester 1 (Fall semester) of their senior year, students take HPNU 4991: Honors Seminar I (3 credit hours). In semester 2 (Spring semester), students take HPNU 4992: Honors Seminar II (3 credit hours), during which students submit their written thesis document (Research Thesis), or written problem of interest (Professional Internship), and give a final oral presentation at the end of this semester.
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