Nutritional Science

The program combines biochemical, human-biological, and natural sciences, but also economic contents and is thus strongly interdisciplinary. Acquiring scientific and analytical methodological competence is also an important part of your studies so you can identify problems independently in your future profession, work on them scientifically, and develop approaches to solutions.

As the course progresses, the specialization in the 3rd–4th semester focuses on biomedical and nutritional physiology. Among other things, you will learn the basics of the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins as well as the regulatory mechanisms of hunger and satiety. You will also gain an overview of the various food product groups.

From the 5th semester onwards, you can design your studies individually and choose courses according to your personal interests and future career aspirations. By choosing a specialization, you concentrate and deepen your knowledge in a specific area.

You can choose from the following profiles:

• Applied Nutritional Science (dietetics, nutritional counseling, and nutritional psychology)
• Nutritional Biochemistry (pathobiochemistry, molecular physiology, immunology)
• Food Quality (food microbiology, biotechnology, quality assurance)

You can also choose from a wide range of elective modules. This allows you to create an individual profile. Here is a selection of the elective modules currently available: General virology, basics of computer science, marketing in the agricultural and food industry, economic evaluation and health insurance systems, or introduction to industrial biotechnology and bioprocess engineering.

A compulsory internship during your studies gives you an initial insight into possible areas of work and the chance to put the knowledge you have acquired into practice. More internships can be added. At the end of your studies, you will write your Bachelor’s thesis. Among other things, you can do this as experimental laboratory work in one of our faculty's subject areas.

To get a better understanding of the program, the graphic shows you which school subjects are included in this degree program. Here is a brief overview of the most important interests and skills you should bring with you:

• Wide-ranging fields of interest, willingness to learn, and curiosity about natural science, nutrition, and biomedicine
• Enjoy experimental and practical work in the laboratory and curiosity to get to the bottom of things
• Good knowledge of scientific basics and aptitude in chemistry, biology, math, and physics.

And there's something else you should know: If you're worried that you might not have the level of knowledge you need in one subject or another, don't worry! We offer you various support options in which you can bring your knowledge of the subject matter up to the required level. For example in our pre-courses.

Always in balance: Theory and practice 

Knowledge isn’t everything! You must also be able to apply what you have learned in practice. Although the focus of a university program is on imparting theoretical knowledge and the latest research results, especially in this hands-on degree program you will get enough insights into practice with integrated lab courses and a mandatory internship.

Gaining practical experience

Internships offer insights into companies and professional fields and give you orientation and work experience for your later career start. A mandatory internship of at least 4 weeks is integrated into this degree program. In addition, you can include a research stay in Germany or abroad or an internship semester in your studies. This time investment is worthwhile: The more practical experience you gain, the easier it will be for you to enter the professional world later on. Of course we will support you with the administrative aspects, internship search, and application process.

Acquiring new skills

To be successful in a profession, more is needed than just theoretical knowledge. Soft skills, consisting of personal, social, and methodological competences, also play an important role. We offer you an extensive range of further training: Language skills, project management, communication and presentation techniques, IT and media skills, personal development, and techniques for studying and working. This way you can improve these skills during your studies in an easy and cost-effective way.

• Practical elements for students
• F.I.T. further education program

Learning from practice

We maintain close contacts with research centers, companies, and the alumni association and regularly have assistant lecturers and guest speakers at the university. Former students report on their everyday working life and provide insights into professional fields. Excursions to the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and events organized by the German Nutrition Society (DGE) offer practical insights into exciting topics and the opportunity to network. You can also become active in the local student group of the Professional Association of Nutritionists and Food Scientists (VDOE) and network.

Learning languages, understanding cultures

With a stay abroad you gain life experience, intercultural skills, and improve your career opportunities at home and abroad. There are many opportunities for you to do this as part of your Bachelor's degree: You can spend a semester abroad in Europe or overseas, do an internship abroad, or attend a summer school during the semester break.

Stays abroad

Gaining experience with start-ups

The “Innovation Greenhouse” is all about sustainable business creation, from idea development and evaluation to the founding and subsequent growth of the company. Here you have the opportunity to staff an exciting start-up or receive support for your own ideas or the company you have founded yourself. 

Innovation Greenhouse

Researching during your studies

In the Humboldt reloaded project, you will go through all stages of a real research project, from the preparation of the current state of research and the selection of methods for your own research to data analysis and presentation.

Humboldt reloaded project