Nutrition and Food Science
Nutrition (NUTRI) Courses
NUTRI 300 Nutrition
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L5; Local GE L7B
- C-ID:C-ID NUTR 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course offers an introduction to the science of nutrition, drawing on concepts and research from biology, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, and psychology to explore how nutrients interact with the human body. It examines the biological foundations of nutrient standards and investigates how nutrition, behavior, and physical activity influence health. The course highlights the connections between physical and biological sciences and their relationship to nutrition and physiological functions. Credit will be awarded for either NUTRI 480 or NUTRI 300, not both.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain scientific theories, concepts, data, and limitations within nutrition science.
- explain and analyze scientific principles and the processes of scientific discovery in nutrigenomics, microbiota, human metabolism, and nutrition science.
- diagram the sequential steps of the scientific method outlining the methods scientists use to explore nutritional phenomena, including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection, experimentation, evaluation of evidence and the use of statistical analysis.
- distinguish between different types of research studies and evaluate the quality of each considering the principles of experimental methodology and systematic questioning.
- examine evidence-based conclusions and form reasoned opinions about nutrition science related matters of personal, public, and ethical concern in humans.
- locate, interpret, evaluate, and use peer-reviewed studies to make ethical, evidence-based health related decisions.
- describe the chemical structure of nutrient molecules.
- connect chemical principles to nutrition and physiological processes.
- describe the hierarchical levels of structural organization within the human body, ranging from the fundamental building blocks of atoms, chemical bonding, and molecules to the complex interactions of organ systems.
- correlate the steps of photosynthesis in glucose production to energy metabolism in the human body.
- explain the chemical structure, chemical bonding, and biological functions of macronutrients; and list major food sources for each.
- identify the elements of basic anatomy and physiology and explain the body’s mechanical, enzymatic, and hormonal aspects of digestion, absorption, metabolism, and excretion of nutrients.
- identify and analyze metabolic processes, pathways, and utilization of macro- and micronutrients from the cellular level to organ systems.
- explain the relationship between molecular structures and the metabolic pathways of macro- and micronutrients in the human body.
- examine the principles underlying the relationship of macro and micronutrients and optimal health and fitness, nutrient deficiency or excess, and disease in human living systems.
- use information technologies to locate and apply evidence-based nutrition guidelines and protocols in analyzing the nutrition adequacy of an individual's diet and provide recommendations to meet guidelines based on age, gender, fitness, and health conditions.
- demonstrate proficiency in the application of scientific inquiry and peer review to conduct analyses of nutrient-related health outcomes.
- analyze the nutrient adequacy of a dietary intake by using nutrition analysis technology.
- identify the energy systems in relation to fuel utilization for physical activity describing how duration and intensity impact the types of fuel used for physical activity during aerobic and anaerobic metabolism.
- summarize the use of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and water in building, repair and maintenance of tissue.
NUTRI 302 Nutrition for Physical Performance
- Same As:KINES 418
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L5; Local GE L7B
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course will explore nutrition and fitness with emphasis on the relationship between nutrition, physical activity, lifelong fitness, and health. Credit will be awarded for NUTRI 302 or KINES 418 but not both.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the basic principles of nutrition.
- discuss the role of nutrients in the body, especially in regard to energy production and physical performance.
- describe effectiveness and safety concerns of various nutritional supplements.
- discuss the prevalence of disordered eating in athletes and in the general populations.
- analyze diets to determine adequate nutrient intake.
- discuss the role that fluid plays in body temperature regulation during exercise and on performance and health.
- describe and measure the five components of fitness.
- describe body composition and body weight.
NUTRI 310 Cultural Foods of the World
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
Students will explore the typical food customs and meal patterns of various cultures throughout the world. Students will be introduced to the social, religious, economic, and aesthetic significance of these cultures and examine how geographical, agricultural, and socioeconomic factors influence their nutritional status. Students will also explore the preparation and evaluation of the food products.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- observe, identify, and design balanced meals from food patterns in diverse cultures.
- describe increased awareness and acceptance of diverse cultures.
- explain some principles of good nutrition in food preparation.
- describe development of personal food habits derived from cultural background.
- trace influences of history and industry on changes in food behavior.
- integrate current food, agricultural policies, and analyze the effect these factors have on the world community.
- demonstrate the preparation of foods from a number of diverse cultures.
- identify ethnocentrism, racial and gender disparity within cultures, cultural food taboos, the masculinity index, cultural and gender identity, gendercide, and other current topics in food and culture.
NUTRI 322 Nutrition Issues Throughout Life
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L7B
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course is a study of the nutritive needs of persons at various stages of the life cycle with emphasis on special periods such as pregnancy, preschool, adolescence, and aging. This course is particularly helpful to Kinesiology and Early Childhood Education majors as well as those working in social agencies, such as nursing and gerontology.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate effective communication skills by working in small groups on class presentations.
- explain the basic principles of nutrition.
- describe the impact nutritional choices have on the various stages of life.
- explain how nutrient needs can be satisfied under normal conditions at each stage of development.
- cite the currently available nutritional support programs and the role of the nutrition professional in promoting nutrition and health.
- explain the factors involved in the development of healthy food and lifestyle habits.
- analyze current nutrition research articles and summarize findings.
- evaluate the adequacy of various diets by using a computerized diet analysis software.
- build a basic healthy eating plan for a person at any stage of the life cycle.
NUTRI 330 Food Theory and Preparation
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:Local GE L7B
- C-ID:C-ID NUTR 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides a comprehensive study of food ingredients and the basic principles and techniques involved in food preparation. Students will examine the factors that influence taste and the changes that occur in foods during preparation. Basic cooking skills and theories will be explored. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on cooking methodologies and their applications.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- recognize quality characteristics in raw and cooked foods, to include sensory evaluation of texture, taste, and color.
- recognize kitchen tools and implements by name and use them appropriately.
- apply principles of food theory to choose and demonstrate optimal cooking procedures to maximize nutrient content for all categories of food. Categories include, but are not limited to: vegetables, fruits, fats and oils, milk products, eggs, cereals, baked products, starches, poultry, meat, and seafood.
- measure and scale ingredients correctly.
- distinguish between different methods of heat transfer and choose cooking materials and techniques accordingly.
- analyze quality defects in cooked products and specify possible errors in techniques or ingredient selection.
- correct errors in preparation where possible to produce an acceptable product.
- practice good sanitary techniques in the kitchen.
NUTRI 333 Food Safety and Sanitation
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID HOSP 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course encompasses all phases of food sanitation: food safety principles and application, causes of food borne illnesses, sanitary practices in food preparation, microbiology of food safety, sanitation of kitchen and dining areas, infection control, and kitchen safety issues. Laws and regulations related to consumer and foodservice operations will also be examined. This course will prepare students for the national foodservice sanitation certification exam (Servsafe Food Handler).
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the importance of sanitation and safety in the food service industry.
- interpret local, state, and federal laws relating to food safety.
- describe the three categories of food contamination.
- evaluate the conditions required for bacterial growth in food.
- evaluate a hand washing station and explain the requirements of good hand washing.
- choose and perform proper food storage techniques.
- operate and clean food service equipment.
- plan for the selection of physical spaces and equipment for a food service facility.
- complete the California ServSafe Food Handler Certificate with a passing score.
NUTRI 335 Principles of Food Science
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L5
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of food science and underlying technology associated with providing a safe, nutritious, and abundant supply of fresh and processed foods to humans. Students are introduced to the nature and scope of the world food problem as well as the solutions that have been proposed. This is followed by an introduction to looking at foods and food systems in scientific terms and how understanding basic scientific principles explains how and why we process, prepare, and store foods for human consumption. Students will be introduced to how the food industry and regulatory agencies deal with potential health hazards associated with toxic chemicals and disease-causing organisms that can be present in foods, and how food preservation and processing can extend food availability from times of plenty to times of scarcity and from regions of surplus to regions of deficiency.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the discipline of food science.
- explain the chemical and physical nature of food.
- analyze microbiological and toxicological considerations for food safety.
- demonstrate an understanding of the concepts, principles, theories, and methodologies of science.
- explain experimental methodology, testing of hypotheses, and systematic questioning in the field of food science.
NUTRI 336 Introduction to Beer and Brewing
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L5
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course introduces students to the art and science of beer and brewing. It will provide an overview of the selection of grain(s), the processes of malting and brewing, analysis of beer styles and quality and speculation about the future of malting and brewing.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the successive unit stages in malting and brewing.
- list the major ingredients used in the production of beer and identify the role of each ingredient (feeding yeast, providing flavor/odor compounds, etc.).
- outline the major styles of beer and state how they differ in their raw materials and production protocols.
- summarize the major factors that contribute to beer quality.
- indicate the relationship between beer composition and health.
NUTRI 480 Nutrition Honors
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L5; Local GE L7B
- C-ID:C-ID NUTR 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is an enriched study of nutrition for Honors students. This course will examine dietary nutrients, their physiological functions, and their relationship to chronic diseases. Current issues such as food safety, vegetarian diets, world hunger, trans fats, and vitamin and mineral supplementation are examined. Students analyze and evaluate their diets and physical activities using diet analysis software. Scientific research methods are studied in journal articles for weekly discussions. Debates encourage critical thinking from opposing points of view. Students will research and present portions of the course material. This Honors section uses an intensive instructional methodology designed to challenge motivated students. Credit will be awarded for either NUTRI 480 or NUTRI 300, not both.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- critically evaluate and synthesize scientific theories, concepts, and data within nutrition science, recognizing their limitations and potential for future investigation. (Honors Content).
- analyze and interpret emerging scientific principles and discoveries in nutrigenomics, the human microbiome, and metabolism to evaluate their implications for health and disease prevention. (Honors Content).
- design and justify an original research question using the scientific method, including hypothesis formulation, experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation within the context of nutrition science. (Honors Content).
- diagram the sequential steps of the scientific method outlining the methods scientists use to explore nutritional phenomena, including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection, experimentation, evaluation of evidence, and the use of statistical analysis.
- distinguish between different types of research studies and evaluate the quality of each considering the principles of experimental methodology and systematic questioning.
- examine evidence-based conclusions and form reasoned opinions about nutrition-science related matters of personal, public, and ethical concern in humans.
- locate, interpret, evaluate, and use peer-reviewed studies to make ethical, evidence-based decisions related to health.
- describe the chemical structure of nutrient molecules.
- connect chemical principles to nutrition and physiological processes.
- describe the hierarchical levels of structural organization within the human body, ranging from the fundamental building blocks of atoms, chemical bonding, and molecules to the complex interactions of organ systems.
- correlate the steps of photosynthesis in glucose production to energy metabolism in the human body.
- explain the chemical structure, chemical bonding, and biological functions of macronutrients; and list major food sources for each.
- identify the elements of basic anatomy and physiology and explain the body’s mechanical, enzymatic, and hormonal aspects of digestion, absorption, metabolism, and excretion of nutrients.
- identify and analyze metabolic processes, pathways, and utilization of macro- and micronutrients from the cellular level to organ systems.
- explain the relationship between molecular structures and the metabolic pathways of macro- and micronutrients in the human body.
- examine the principles underlying the relationship of macro and micronutrients and optimal health and fitness, nutrient deficiency or excess, and disease in human living systems.
- use information technologies to locate and apply evidence-based nutrition guidelines and protocols in analyzing the nutrition adequacy of an individual's diet and provide recommendations to meet guidelines based on age, gender, fitness, and health conditions.
- demonstrate proficiency in the application of scientific inquiry and peer review to conduct analyses of nutrient-related health outcomes. (Honors Content)
- analyze the nutrient adequacy of a dietary intake by using nutrition analysis technology.
- identify the energy systems in relation to fuel utilization for physical activity describing how duration and intensity impact the types of fuel used for physical activity during aerobic and anaerobic metabolism.
- summarize the use of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and water in building, repair, and maintenance of tissue.
- correlate biochemical and physiological mechanisms from molecular to systemic levels to explain nutrient metabolism, energy balance, and homeostasis in human health. (Honors Content).
NUTRI 499 Experimental Offering in Nutrition and Foods
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is the experimental courses description.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the basic principles of nutrition.
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Health and Health Professions
This program is part of the Health and Health Professions meta major.
