The aim of the four-year degree program in Nutritional Sciences is to equip the students with the professional knowledge, skills, techniques and ethical values to enable them to apply their acquired expertise at level between the doctors and the patients for different health services delivery. The course examines nutrition and health of the human body, explores the causes and physiology of disease, and considers ways in which human health can be improved. It involves study of the science of nutrition, human biology and health to explore a range of subjects including nutritional analysis, obesity, food safety, nutritional intervention and disease. The social and behavioral dimension is also recognized as an important factor in many of the nutritional health issues.

The study of nutrition, diet and lifestyle are areas that are continually growing and evolving and there is evidence to suggest that many of the major diseases in the world are related to diet. Scientific research has given us an excellent understanding of the fundamental aspects of nutrition, including what makes up a balanced diet, how our bodies use different foods, and how we can be confident that our food is safe to eat.

During the course, students will be assessed through a diverse mixture of essays, reports, nutritional assessments, practical laboratory reports, examinations and a dissertation. Students can expect to gain a thorough knowledge and understanding of nutrition and human health as well as experience of various techniques including nutritional assessment & screening, diet planning, and dietary counseling according to disease and laboratory analysis of nutrition.

Nutrition education and training should enable the student to understand the role of food in relation to human physiological processes that depend on its absorption, beneficial or adverse effects, utilization, growth, energy production, and repair of body tissue etc. the body’s requirements for nutrients and the role that they play in the optimum functioning of human metabolism and biochemistry, so as to achieve a thorough awareness of relationship between human deficiencies, diseases and various nutrients.

Associated Department in Medical College/FMH

The Department of Nutritional Sciences is leading its way in research. It provides information and services to meet the nutritional needs of patients during their hospital stay and their recovery. The Department offers outpatient consultations and Medical Nutrition therapy. Nutrition education programs that empower patients and their families to make appropriate dietary choices that promote good health are also offered.

We also run a Nutrition Internship Program in 3 domains i.e. Community, Clinical and Food services, which includes experience under the supervision of dietitians in clinical nutrition, management and nutritional counseling. Over 500 Dietitians have completed our Nutrition Internship Program since its inception in the year 2006. Other than this, a PG-Clinical Nutrition training program is also offered which spans over 6 months empowering the trainees with essential skills and knowledge to effectively screen and treat the patient with medical nutrition therapy.

We provide a range of services for FMH patients and their families, employees, students and visitors. These services include; nutrition care for patients who are hospitalized and require complex modified diet and for those who come in for consultancy in our outpatient clinics. A purpose-built cafeteria serves more than one million customers per year, and offers high quality catering services for medical center and the student on campus.

Career Opportunities once you graduate:

Public and Private Sector Clinical Laboratories and Hospitals: The student may get a reputable job in Public and Private Sector Hospitals and many single and chain of clinical setups. The Government offers BS-17 for Clinical Nutritionist. Pediatric, Maternal and Family Medicine, Surgery, Renal, Gastrointestinal, Cardiovascular & Critical Care Medicine Services.

Academics: A Nutritionist after graduation may apply for Demonstrator in AHS teaching institution. As per Government of Punjab rules, they may be promoted as Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor in their field based on their improved education and experience.

Entrepreneurship and Management: Individuals with the passion and good sense of business can start their own food/catering firms other than this many National and Multi-National food industries, restaurants and catering firms appoint Nutritionists at high salaries for Food Quality Assurance and Meal Planning.

Research Work: A Nutritionist can also work as Research Officer in their field as he/she is well experienced in research methodologies during final year of course.

Community Nutrition: Programs sponsored by local, state and federal agencies of the Government and private sector.