Students in the Physiology & Metabolism (Metabolic Biology) track of the Nutritional Sciences (NS) major are educated in the experimental biology of metabolic regulation, the impact of genetics on use of dietary constituents, and the interaction among genetics, health/chronic disease and dietary chemicals. This program prepares students to perform research into the relationship between diet and vertebrate development and well-being mechanistically, and/or for health professional careers. Students in the Molecular Toxicology emphasis of the Physiology & Metabolism track of the Nutritional Sciences major focus on the molecular and physiological effects of natural and human-made environmental toxins.
Undergraduates who wish to pursue studies in toxicology will be admitted to the specialization in Nutritional Sciences-Toxicology in the department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology. The "major" has been reformulated as a "specialization" to foster a unifying theme in NST education under an umbrella of metabolic biology, while continuing to allow for distinct interests (specializations). Required courses for graduating with a specialization in molecular toxicology will remain the same as the major, but broader elective options will be encouraged. Diplomas and transcripts of NST undergraduates will denote the specialization undertaken: e.g. Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology: specialization in Toxicology.
Students in the Didactic Training Program in Dietetics track of the Nutritional Sciences (NS-D) major are educated in the experimental biology of metabolic regulation, the impact of genetics on use of dietary constituents, and the interaction among genetics, health/chronic disease and dietary chemicals. This program prepares students to perform research into the relationship between diet and vertebrate development and well-being mechanistically, and/or for health professional careers.