Human Health and Nutritional Sciences
Why Study Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at U of G?
"Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.”
~ Hippocrates
Human Health and Nutritional Sciences explores the biological, physiological, and nutritional foundations of human health, with a particular emphasis on the importance of lifestyle choices and the potential for innovative products to prevent illness, boost performance and promote long-term well-being.
After building a foundation in the biological sciences in first year, you’ll investigate how foods, beverages, and nutritional supplements affect human health and wellbeing, from a molecular and cellular level to entire systems. In senior years, you will dive deeper, taking courses on the role of nutrients in maintaining health and preventing and treating disease, the connection between foods, nutritional supplements and pharmaceutical drugs, the impacts of exercise and lifestyle choices on health, and regulatory policies, among other courses.
Equipped with a strong understanding of the science behind health and well-being, you’ll graduate prepared to become a leader in the field of holistic health, supporting others in living longer, healthier lives.
Note: The Human Health and Nutritional Sciences major was previously known as Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences. The new name is effective for the incoming fall 2026 class.
Develop a Foundation in Human Health and Nutrition
Offered within the Department of Human Health Sciences, this major provides a broad grounding in the biology of nutrition, anatomy, physiology, and lifestyle medicine.
Help Solve Contemporary Nutrition Issues
Tackle pressing problems in the growing food, wellness and nutritional supplement industries through a deep understanding of how nutrients, phytochemicals, toxins and food processing affect the human body. With courses focused on functional food development and clinical trials for functional foods, you’ll have the tools to evaluate new products, address misinformation and innovate responsibly.
Gain Hands-on Research Experience
Complete a research course with a faculty member in a discipline related to nutrition, food, nutritional supplements, health and disease to further your skills and experience. Access cutting-edge research institutes working to further our understanding of nutrition and health, including the Human Nutraceutical Research Unit and the Guelph Family Health Study.
To see all courses offered in the Human Health and Nutritional Sciences program, visit our Academic Calendar.
- Top Comprehensive University
- in Canada (Maclean’s)
- Top 150 in the World
- for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education 2025)
- Top 20% in the World
- for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
- Top 15 in the World
- for Nutrition and Food Science (EduRank 2025)
Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op
The Human Health and Nutritional Sciences co-op is a five-year program that includes four paid work terms. Apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world, with hands-on work experiences available in private, non-profit, and governmental organizations. Benefits of co-op include:
- Relevant work experience
- Up to 2 years of work experience
- Earning while learning
- Career exploration
- Professional networking
Students can apply for the co-op program directly from high school or later for in-course admission. Learn more about the Human Health and Nutritional Sciences co-op program.
- Laboratory Assistant
- Product Developer
- Quality Assurance Student
- Research and Development Co-op in Sports Nutrition
- Recipe Developer and Nutrition Expert
- Research Assistant
- Sensory Evaluator
Careers in Human Health and Nutritional Sciences
Our graduates find work in health care, the food and nutrition industry, government regulatory bodies and advisory agencies, or pursue related graduate studies. Students interested in becoming registered dietitians should learn more about the BASc Applied Human Nutrition program.
Here are just a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:
- Clinical Biochemist
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Community Health Worker
- Family Physician
- Formulation Specialist
- Naturopathic Doctor
- Occupational Therapist
- Paramedic
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development
- Product Development Specialist
- Registered Nurse
- Regulatory Specialist
- Research & Development Scientist
- Research Assistant
- Scientific Project Coordinator
Hear From HHNS Students and Graduates
The Human Health and Nutritional Sciences program taught me how nutrients can help prevent and treat diseases and gave me the chance to explore how bioactives in food can be used to create innovative products. I really value the understanding I gained about the steps involved in bringing such products to market, as it's something I can now apply in my current role.
My advice to those even slightly considering applying to Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, would be to apply! There are so many different career paths afterwards and people are transitioning to a more holistic approach which is exactly what the program encompasses.
Discover More Options
Students considering Human Health and Nutritional Sciences may also be interested in Food Science, Applied Human Nutrition, or other majors.
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