What is the BSc (Hons) in Nutrition & Exercise Science?

The BSc (Hons) in Nutrition & Exercise Science is a full-time, four year, honours degree course of study that can be chosen within the Exercise Sciences Common Entry Route. The Nutrition and Exercise Science pathway will give graduates the knowledge and skills to work with individual athletes and teams to optimise nutritional intake. They will also have the knowledge and skills to assist the general population in following healthy eating guidelines and achieving a healthy body weight. The final two years of the programme will be built on a broad-based exercise science education in physiology, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition and dietary assessment, physical activity, strength and conditioning and exercise programming.

At the end of the programme, graduates will be able to:

• Assess the specific nutritional needs of various athletic populations

• Undertake a comprehensive dietary intake analysis

• Assist athletic populations in altering dietary intake and dietary planning to optimise performance, during training and around competition

• Assist the general population in following healthy eating guideline and achieving a health bodyweight

• Advise on the use of supplements

• Assist athletes, coaches and the general public in distinguishing fact from fiction with reference to the nutrition research literature

Programme features

Facilities

Laboratories and apparatus available for practical classes and research projects include human performance laboratories, a DEXA body composition analyser, resting metabolic rate gas analysis system, dietary analysis software and ActivPal physical activity motion sensors.  Certain classes are delivered in the teaching and laboratory facilities of the WIT ARENA. 

Staff

Staff in the Department have experience providing nutritional support to athletes and teams. This includes staff

• Acting as Tournament Nutritionist for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland in 2017

• Providing nutritional support to an elite intercounty GAA team

Placement

A 16-week work placement will offer supervised experience in a nutrition and exercise environment. 

Research and Project Work

Students in the programme have an opportunity to experience the full research process culminating in the completion of a dissertation on in the final year of the programme. Students will benefit from exposure to the nutrition and sports nutrition PhD research, at MSc and PhD level, ongoing in the Department including:

• low carbohydrate diet, endurance performance and health

• influence of making weight on health in professional jockeys

• relative energy deficiency (REDS) in athletes and effects on health

• bioactive foods and performance in athletes

Students in the programme have an opportunity to experience the full research process culminating in the completion of a dissertation on in the final year of the programme.

Awards

REPS Ireland recognised fitness instructor awards are built into the programme, including Fitness Instruction, Group Fitness Instruction and Personal Training that can be obtained by the end of year 2.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The programme combines classroom teaching, tutorials with practical experience through exercise science laboratories and work experience. Assessment approaches utilise continuous assessment, practical examinations, group work and written examinations.