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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Nutrition

Nutrition

Overview

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.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • A.S. in Food Science
  • A.S. in Nutrition Science
  • Nutrition Education Certificate
  • Division Dean William Garcia
  • Department Chair Dr. Debora Silva
  • Phone (916) 608-6551
  • Email garciaw@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) Cal-GETC Requirement.
(B) The required number of units in the major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Associate Degrees for Transfer also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A “P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

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 C1000 Introduction to Psychology 3
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 8
List A - Select two courses from the following
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 C1000 Introduction to Statistics (4)
   or ECON 310 Statistics for Business and Economics (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
List B - Select one course from the following
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)
ECE 314 The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ECON C2002 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON C2001 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
NUTRI 310 Cultural Foods of the World (3)
NUTRI 330 Food Theory and Preparation (4)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
HEED 300 Health Science (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 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

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.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Interdisciplinary Studies in Social and Behavioral Science degree provides an interdisciplinary approach to academic studies. The purpose of the program is for students to gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of various social and behavioral sciences. 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, 2026

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 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 C2002 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON C2001 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
SOC 301 Social Problems (3)
ECON 307 Global Issues in the Political Economy (3)
ECE 312 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 350 Introduction to Native American Studies (3)
SOC 310 Marriage and the Family (3)
ETHNS 330 Introduction to Asian American Studies (3)
ETHNS 351 Native American Policy and Law (3)
ETHNS 360 Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SOC 341 Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)
GEOG 310 Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3)
GEOG 322 Geography of California (3)
HIST 301 History of Europe and Mediterranean World to 1550 (3)
HIST 302 History of Europe Since 1500 (3)
HIST 307 History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3)
HIST 308 History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
HIST C1001 United States History to 1877 (3)
HIST C1002 United States History since 1865 (3)
HIST 314 Recent United States History (3)
HIST 319 American Environmental History (3)
SOC 379 Making Social Change (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)
KINES 416 Psychology of Sport (3)
NUTRI 310 Cultural Foods of the World (3)
POLS C1000 American Government and Politics (3)
POLS 302 Comparative Politics (3)
POLS 310 Introduction to International Relations (3)
POLS 320 Introduction to Political Theory (3)
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3)
PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)
SWHS 302 Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations (3)
PSYC 335 Research Methods in Psychology (3)
PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356 Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 368 Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
PSYC 390 Psychology of Death and Dying (3)
SJS 300 Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (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, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. 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 Food Science

The field of Food Science prepares students for several different areas of employment in the food industry, such as quality control, food product development, research, food safety, and others. At Folsom Lake College, students will gain valuable knowledge and skills in chemistry, nutrition, physics, food fermentation and/or brewing, preparing them to transfer to a four-year program.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
NUTRI 300 Nutrition 3
CHEM 337 Brewing and Beer Chemistry (4) 4
   or CHEM 339 Introduction to Fermentation Chemistry (4)
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II 5
MATH 400 Calculus I 5
MATH 401 Calculus II 5
PHYS 350 General Physics 4
PHYS 360 General Physics 4
STAT C1000 Introduction to Statistics (4) 3 - 4
   or PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
Total Units: 38 - 39

The Food Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. 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.
  • 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.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, 2026

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) 4 - 5
   or BIOL 411 Plant Science (4)
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 C2002 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON C2001 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3)
Total Units: 46 - 47

The Nutrition Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. 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, 2026

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 C1000 Introduction to Psychology (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.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Local GE L7B
  • C-ID:C-ID NUTR 110
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces key biological science concepts through the study of nutrition, with a focus on how nutrition affects human health and disease. Students will explore how anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, medical science, and biotechnology connect to human nutrition and its impact on the body. Students will engage in scientific inquiry—from observation and hypothesis development to data collection and evidence-based reasoning—while applying foundational principles of nutrition science. Topics include nutrition guidelines, evaluating nutrition information and scientific discoveries and their limitations, food selection, nutrient composition, metabolism, and risks associated with excesses or deficiencies throughout the lifecycle.

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:Local GE L5; Local GE L7B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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:Local GE L7B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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
  • General Education:Local GE L7B
  • C-ID:C-ID NUTR 120
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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. )
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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, 2026

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:Local GE L7B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog