The Associate in Science for Transfer degree in Nutrition and Dietetics (AS-T in Nutrition and Dietetics) offers students basic knowledge in microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, chemistry and nutrition. Students learn about chemicals and nutrients in food and their effects on the human body and the world. The study of Nutrition provides a broad foundation in a practical and personally applicable exposure to a variety of scientific areas of nutrition such as chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and biology. Popular topics include microbial pathogens, environmental contaminants, nutrigenomics, macronutrient balance, energy metabolism, obesity, global issues, biochemistry of exercise, and micronutrient and phytochemical utilization. Students in the program learn how the scientific method and process contributes to nutritional requirements and how nutrients function from a cellular to more practical level, and then apply this knowledge to their own health. The program also helps students understand the role of nutrition in disease prevention throughout the lifecycle and as an impact on society as a whole.

Students with degrees in nutrition and dietetics find employment within a wide range of organizations, such as medical facilities, research labs, government agencies, universities, pharmaceutical companies, and the food industry. This degree is also an excellent preparation for students planning to continue training in medicine, public health and/or other allied health sciences. The Associate in Science for Transfer degree in Nutrition and Dietetics provides students with the foundational knowledge necessary to make a successful transition into a Baccalaureate Degree at any of the CSU campuses. The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system in a similar major, although not necessarily to a specific campus. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors.

Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate personal energy and nutrient requirements and food sources using current dietary and nutrition assessment tools.
• Explain the physiological processing of nutrients in relation to energy balance, metabolism and physical activity; Identify dietary and lifestyle modifications for improving health throughout growth, development and aging.
• Evaluate the impact of socioeconomic variables on food safety, food choices, food beliefs, and disease risk; Evaluate how human populations impact and are impacted by nutrition, food choices, and its relationship to disease.