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Nutrition

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

The Folsom Lake College nutrition curriculum prepares the student for further study in nutrition science and related fields or a program in clinical dietetics.

Note: If your goal is to transfer to a four-year institution to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or dietetics, you should meet with a counselor as your transfer institution may have different requirements for transfer and bachelor’s degrees.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

A.S.-T. in Nutrition and Dietetics
A.S. in Food Science
A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
A.S. in Nutrition Science
Nutrition Education Certificate

Division Dean Matt Wright
Department Chair Dr. Debora Silva
Phone (916) 608-6686
Email wrightm@flc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.S.-T. in Nutrition and Dietetics

The Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer (AS-T) program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their Folsom Lake College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Nutrition and Foods/Dietetics at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.

This program has the following completion requirements:

1. Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

A. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education - Breadth Requirements.

B. A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

2. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
BIOL 440	General Microbiology (4)	4 - 5
or BIOL 442	General Microbiology and Public Health (5)
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I	5
NUTRI 300	Nutrition	3
PSYC 300	General Principles	3
A minimum of 8 units from the following:		8
BIOL 430	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
and BIOL 431	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420	Organic Chemistry I (5)
PSYC 330	Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
or STAT 300	Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
A minimum of 3 units from the following:		3
ACCT 301	Financial Accounting (4)
ANTH 310	Cultural Anthropology (3)
BUS 340	Business Law (3)
COMM 311	Argumentation and Debate (3)
ECE 312	Child Development (3)
or PSYC 372	Child Development (3)
ECE 314	The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ECON 302	Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON 304	Principles of Microeconomics (3)
NUTRI 310	Cultural Foods of the World (3)
NUTRI 330	Food Theory and Preparation (4)
SOC 300	Introductory Sociology (3)
Total Units:		26 - 27

The Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer (AS-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between chemistry, biology, and nutrition.
design diet plans using nutrition principles to promote optimal health.
apply knowledge of the interaction of nutrition and health using problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
examine cultural diversity in regards to nutrition and foods.
distinguish between reliable sources of nutrition information and nutrition claims not supported by research.

Career Information

Career opportunities include hospitals and other health care facilities, school food services, restaurants, nutrition programs, WIC programs, weight management clinics, community wellness centers, sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs, food and nutrition businesses and industries, public health agencies, government agencies, and research. Some career options require more than two years of college, and may require certification in dietetics after a Bachelor's degree.

Associate Degrees

A.S. in Food Science

Currently, there is no associate degree program that prepares students for the Food Science major at our closest regional University of California Campus, UC Davis. Completion of the Associate Degree in Nutrition Science would not be adequate in preparing students for transfer to UC Davis - Food Science. For that reason, the AS Degree in Food Science would provide students with the articulated lower division major requirement preparation necessary for admission as an upper division student in the Food Science major at UC Davis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
NUTRI 300	Nutrition	3
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I	5
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II	5
BIOL 400	Principles of Biology (5)	4 - 5
or BIOL 440	General Microbiology (4)
MATH 400	Calculus I	5
MATH 401	Calculus II	5
PHYS 350	General Physics	4
PHYS 360	General Physics	4
STAT 300	Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)	3 - 4
or PSYC 330	Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
Total Units:		38 - 40

The Food Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

explain the principles of food science.
use critical thinking skills to interpret and evaluate research findings in food science.
apply appropriate laboratory techniques proficiently.
understand the relationship between chemistry, biology, and food science.
distinguish and define biological terms and principles.
demonstrate knowledge of the scientific terminology and the principle concepts of chemistry.

Career Information

Food Science provides several opportunities for employment, including positions in the food industries, research companies, local, state and federal government agencies, and educational institutions.

A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students who wish a broad knowledge of arts and sciences plus additional coursework in a prescribed “Area of Emphasis”. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable coursework that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Social and Behavioral Sciences. These courses emphasize the perspectives, concepts, theories, and methodologies of the disciplines typically found in the vast variety of disciplines that comprise study in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students will study about themselves and others as members of a larger society. Topics and discussions to stimulate critical thinking about ways people have acted in response to their societies will allow students to evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate. (Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: history, sociology, social studies, psychology, and family consumer science.)

It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following:		18
Select courses from at least 3 different disciplines.
ADMJ 300	Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)
ADMJ 302	Community Relations: Multicultural Issues (3)
ADMJ 320	Concepts of Criminal Law (3)
ANTH 310	Cultural Anthropology (3)
ANTH 319	Visual Anthropology: Introduction to Ethnographic Film (3)
ANTH 323	Introduction to Archaeology (3)
ANTH 330	Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (3)
ANTH 341	Introduction to Linguistics (3)
BUS 320	Concepts in Personal Finance (3)
or ECON 320	Concepts in Personal Finance (3)
BUS 330	Managing Diversity in the Workplace (3)
BUS 340	Business Law (3)
BUS 345	Law and Society (3)
COMM 325	Intercultural Communication (3)
COMM 341	Organizational Communication (3)
COMM 351	Mass Media and Society (3)
COMM 363	Introduction to Communication Theory (3)
ECON 302	Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON 304	Principles of Microeconomics (3)
ECE 312	Child Development (3)
or PSYC 372	Child Development (3)
ECE 314	The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ECE 330	Infant and Toddler Development (3)
ECE 430	Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (3)
ETHNS 300	Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3)
ETHNS 320	Introduction to African American Studies (3)
ETHNS 330	Introduction to Asian American Studies (3)
ETHNS 360	Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3)
ETHNS 350	Introduction to Native American Studies (3)
GEOG 310	Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3)
GEOG 322	Geography of California (3)
HIST 307	History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3)
HIST 308	History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
HIST 310	History of the United States (To 1877) (3)
HIST 311	History of the United States (1865 - Present) (3)
HIST 314	Recent United States History (3)
HIST 319	American Environmental History (3)
HIST 331	Women in American History (3)
HIST 344	Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3)
HIST 368	History of France (3)
JOUR 310	Mass Media and Society (3)
NUTRI 310	Cultural Foods of the World (3)
POLS 301	Introduction to Government: United States (3)
POLS 302	Comparative Politics (3)
POLS 310	Introduction to International Relations (3)
POLS 320	Introduction to Political Theory (3)
PSYC 300	General Principles (3)
PSYC 312	Biological Psychology (4)
PSYC 320	Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 335	Research Methods in Psychology (3)
PSYC 340	Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356	Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 368	Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
or SWHS 331	Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
PSYC 370	Human Development: A Life Span (3)
SJS 300	Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)
SOC 300	Introductory Sociology (3)
SOC 301	Social Problems (3)
SOC 310	Marriage and the Family (3)
SOC 321	Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SOC 341	Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)
SOC 379	Making Social Change (3)
SWHS 302	Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations (3)
Total Units:		18

The Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate (Social and Behavioral Sciences).

A.S. in Nutrition Science

The Nutrition Science AS degree provides students with an excellent foundation for a variety of science and healthcare career opportunities. Graduates of this program may continue their study of nutrition, food science or any science related academic area. After transfer to and completion of a 4-year degree at a university-level institution, students can further their studies towards a Master’s (M.S.) and/or Doctorate in Philosophy (Ph.D.) in nutrition or other basic science related area.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
NUTRI 300	Nutrition	3
NUTRI 340	Nutrition and Metabolism	3
BIOL 400	Principles of Biology	5
BIOL 410	Principles of Botany	5
BIOL 420	Principles of Zoology	5
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I	5
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II	5
CHEM 420	Organic Chemistry I	5
CHEM 421	Organic Chemistry II	5
PSYC 335	Research Methods in Psychology	3
A minimum of 3 units from the following:		3
ANTH 310	Cultural Anthropology (3)
SOC 300	Introductory Sociology (3)
SOC 301	Social Problems (3)
ECON 302	Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON 304	Principles of Microeconomics (3)
PSYC 300	General Principles (3)
Total Units:		47

The Nutrition Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

evaluate the influence of chemical, biochemical, microbiological, and physiological disciplines as they affect the body’s processing of nutrients and food components during digestion, absorption, metabolism, and excretion.
integrate the biological, behavioral, socioeconomic and environmental factors related to food and nutrient intakes and needs across the lifespan.
analyze the nutrition standards and nutritional assessment data to make evidence-based decisions.
cite the functions and interrelationships of nutrients and food in human health, disease prevention, and disease states.
apply critical thinking skills to locate, interpret, and evaluate research findings and professional literature to explain implications and limitations.
apply basic terminology and nomenclature of inorganic chemistry.
analyze, and predict the outcome of a multi-step organic synthesis based on simpler, more common reactions
apply organic functional group knowledge to biological molecules such as amino acids and proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.

Career Information

The Nutrition Science AS degree provides students with an excellent foundation for a variety of science and health care career opportunities. They can seek employment in public health and policy, government-sponsored nutrition programs, business including the food industry, community and international agencies, corporate wellness programs, community wellness centers, restaurants, and schools.

Certificate of Achievement

Nutrition Education Certificate

The Nutrition Education certificate program focuses on the concepts of food literacy and health and wellness. It is designed for students interested in the nutrients in food along with their actions within the body, issues of nutrition status across the lifespan, and the impact of food choices on one's health, the environment, and the economy. Students can choose the direction of their studies by selecting course(s) that include the following areas: food preparation, performance nutrition, nutrition and aging, lifespan nutrition, or early childhood education.

After completing the classes for this certificate, students may apply credits toward the Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer (AS-T).

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
NUTRI 300	Nutrition	3
NUTRI 340	Nutrition and Metabolism (3)	3 - 4
or NUTRI 330	Food Theory and Preparation (4)
A minimum of 4 units from the following:		4
BIOL 400	Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 430	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 310	General Biology (4)
A minimum of 6 units from the following:		6
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I (5)
NUTRI 302	Nutrition for Physical Performance (3)
NUTRI 310	Cultural Foods of the World (3)
NUTRI 322	Nutrition Issues Throughout Life (3)
PSYC 300	General Principles (3)
Total Units:		16 - 17

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

correlate dietary intake to weight management, sports performance, chronic diseases, and hunger.
apply the scientific method to biological problems, and interpret scientific data in a reasonable manner.
assess the various sources of nutrition information and demonstrate where to find reliable nutrition information.
compare and contrast nutrient, caloric, and food requirements at all stages of the life cycle.
describe ethnicity, ethnocentrism, and racism and analyze the impact of these on food habits and communication in the United States.
assemble molecules demonstrating an understanding of chemical bonding and molecular structure to predict their chemical behavior.

Career Information

Employment possibilities include public/government agencies, daycare centers for the young and the elderly, food co-ops, recreation work, nutrition education (such as preschool and elementary school), health food stores and nutritional supplement sales, and substance abuse recovery clinics. Students who continue on to a four-year institution may advance their studies towards the registered dietitian credential, employee wellness counselor, nutrition counselor and other related careers.

Nutrition (NUTRI) Courses

NUTRI 300 Nutrition

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:BIOL 300 and CHEM 305 with grades of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area III(b); AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area E1
C-ID:C-ID NUTR 110
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course examines nutrition as a science and the chemical properties of nutrients in foods, the sources and functions of the nutrients in all stages of the life cycle, as well as nutrition as a world problem, and consumer problems related to food. Topics emphasized include nutrient metabolism, weight loss, sports nutrition, food safety, the diet-disease relationship, global nutrition and analysis of special nutritional requirements from the prenatal period through the geriatric years. An evaluation of personal dietary habits using current dietary guidelines and nutritional assessment methods will be completed to help students analyze their own nutritional health using scientific principles. Students will be required to complete a personalized dietary analysis.

NUTRI 302 Nutrition for Physical Performance

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:NUTRI 300 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: NUTRI 302, NUTRI 322 and NUTRI 340 combined: maximum credit, 3 units )
General Education:AA/AS Area III(b); CSU Area E1
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course examines the basic scientific principles of nutrition, as well as the ramifications of nutrients on lifelong fitness, sport skill training, and physical performance. Special emphasis is placed on nutrient metabolism with respect to muscle strength development, cardiovascular capability, and body composition. Students are required to complete a personalized dietary analysis as specified by the instructor.

NUTRI 310 Cultural Foods of the World

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGWR 110
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course offers an anthropological perspective of traditional and contemporary food customs and cultures. Western and non-western food customs are compared, including their social, religious, economic and aesthetic significance. Included are ethnocentrism, gender-related stereotypes, and racism as they relate to the availability, distribution and preparation of food throughout the world. The nutritional status of various cultures as it relates to geographic, agricultural and socioeconomic factors is studied. Students may be required to purchase ethnic food or ingredients to prepare and sample cultural dishes.

NUTRI 322 Nutrition Issues Throughout Life

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:NUTRI 300
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: NUTRI 302, NUTRI 322 and NUTRI 340 combined: maximum credit, 3 units )
General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is a study of the nutritive needs of persons at various stages of the lifecycle with emphasis on special periods such as pregnancy, preschool, adolescence, and aging. This course is particularly helpful to Kinesiology and Early Childhood Education majors as well as those dealing with people in social agencies, such as nursing and gerontology.

NUTRI 330 Food Theory and Preparation

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
C-ID:C-ID NUTR 120
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides an overview of the basic principles of cooking techniques and the use of ingredients in various foods. Students will assess the factors that influence taste and the changes that occur in foods during preparation. In the laboratory, the focus will be directed at students gaining hands-on experience in basic cooking skills, the application of food theories discussed in the lecture, the reasons for recipe procedures and the prevention and correction of cooking failures. Students must wear closed toe shoes and will be required to purchase a calculator and lab coat.

NUTRI 340 Nutrition and Metabolism

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:BIOL 300, CHEM 305, or NUTRI 300 with a grade of "C" or better
Advisory:LIBR 318 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: NUTRI 302, NUTRI 322 and NUTRI 340 combined: maximum credit, 3 units. )
General Education:AA/AS Area IV
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course examines the chemical structure and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Emphasis is placed on the physiological roles of vitamins and minerals as well as metabolic pathways and their relation to overall health. In addition, this course will help the student integrate the understanding of metabolic knowledge to contemporary and controversial issues in nutrition.

NUTRI 495 Independent Studies in Nutrition and Foods

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

NUTRI 498 Work Experience in Nutrition

Units:0.5 - 4
Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Enrollment Limitation:Student must be in a paid or non-paid internship, volunteer opportunity, or job related to career interests.
Transferable:CSU
General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of Nutrition. Course content will include understanding the application of education to the workforce; completing required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. During the semester, the student is required to attend orientation. Students must complete 27 hours of related paid or unpaid work experience for .5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional .5 unit. The course may be taken for a maximum of 16 units. Students should have access to a computer, the Internet, and some computer media such as a USB drive to store data files. Online students must have an email account. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

NUTRI 499 Experimental Offering in Nutrition and Foods

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.