Nutrition Science, BSN
Our Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science major is an interdisciplinary collaboration with Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences. You will study concepts like dietary behaviors and metabolism, as well as scientific approaches to the physiological roles of nutrients in the diet, from the cellular to human level. You will explore the role of nutrition in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, which together account for nearly seventy percent of global mortality. We believe that the next generation of nurse researchers and clinicians need a well-rounded background in nutrition science, social sciences, and public health, and we built this innovative program with these goals in mind.
The major consists of 14 course units: six basic science courses (such as cellular biology, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry), four fundamental nutrition science courses, and four electives. Penn Nursing BSN undergrads can add this as a second major.
For more information: https://www.nursing.upenn.edu/second-major-in-nutrition-science/
Nutrition Science, BSN Requirements
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Nursing Major Requirements | ||
| Writing Requirement | ||
| Select a Writing Intensive Course | 1 | |
| Language Requirement | ||
| Satisfy by exemption or if language proficiency completed in fewer than 2 semesters, use remaining course units as free electives | 2 | |
| Distribution by Sectors | ||
| The Planet & Our Climate | 1 | |
| Societies, Histories, and Traditions | 1 | |
| Global Arts, Letters, & Cultures | 1 | |
| Diversity, Universality, Justice, & Equity | 1 | |
| Exploration Course Requirement - a course in any School within the University other than the School of Nursing, at any level for which the student is eligible and in any discipline | 1 | |
| Nursing Major Courses | ||
| Nursing Foundational Courses | ||
| NURS 1010 | The Nature of Nursing Practice | 0.5 |
| NURS 1020 | Situating the Practice of Nursing | 0.5 |
| NURS 1030 | Psychological and Social Diversity in Health and Wellness | 1 |
| Nursing Clinical Courses | ||
| NURS 2150 | Nursing of Women and Infants | 1.5 |
| NURS 2250 | Pediatric Nursing | 1.5 |
| NURS 2350 | Psychiatric, Behavioral, and Mental Health Nursing | 1.5 |
| NURS 2450 | Nursing of Young and Middle Aged Adults | 1.5 |
| NURS 2550 | Nursing of Older Adults | 1.5 |
| NURS 3820 | Public Health Nursing Care in Communities | 1.5 |
| NURS 3900 | Leadership in the Complex Healthcare System | 3 |
| Science Requirements | ||
| NURS 0061 | Biologically-Based Chemistry | 0.5 |
| NURS 0065 | Fundamentals of Nutrition (Also part of the Required Nutrition Science Courses) | 1 |
| NURS 0068 | Integrated Cell Biology and Microbiology with Recitation | 1 |
| NURS 1630 | Integrated Anatomy, Physiology, and Physical Assessment I | 2 |
| NURS 1640 | Integrated Human Anatomy, Physiology & Physical Assessment II | 2 |
| NURS 1650 | Integrated Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics | 2 |
| Non-Clinical Courses | ||
| Health Policy Requirement 1 | ||
| NURS 3340 | Public Policy and the Nation's Health | 1 |
| or NURS 4000 | Advances In Health Systems Research And Analysis | |
| or NURS 5400 | Current Issues In Health and Social Policy | |
| NURS 2300 | Statistics for Research and Measurement | 1 |
| NURS 5470 | Scientific Inquiry for Evidence-based Practice | 1 |
| Ethics Requirement | ||
| NURS 3300 | Theoretical Foundations of Health Care Ethics | 1 |
| or PHIL 1342 | Bioethics | |
| or NURS 5250 | Ethical Aspects of Health and Technology | |
| or BIOE 4010 | Introduction to Bioethics | |
| or BIOE 4020 | Conceptual Foundations of Bioethics | |
| Nursing Case Study (Select from among NURS 3510-NURS 3690) 2 | 1 | |
| NURS 3890 | Research/Inquiry-Based Service Residency | 0.5 |
| Nutrition Major Requirements | ||
| Required Basic Science Courses | ||
| Biologically-Based Chemistry | ||
| Integrated Cell Biology and Microbiology with Recitation | ||
| Integrated Anatomy, Physiology, and Physical Assessment I | ||
| Integrated Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics | ||
| Required Nutrition Science Courses | ||
| NURS 3120 | Nutritional Aspects of Disease | 1 |
| NURS 5230 | Advanced Nutrition: Molecular Basis of Nutrition | 1 |
| NURS 5240 | Advanced Human Nutrition and Micronutrient Metabolism | 1 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select four course units of electives (with attribute NUNE) | 4 | |
| Total Course Units | 43 | |
- 1
See the BSN Handbook for a list of approved Health Policy courses.
- 2
Nursing Case Study courses pertaining to Nutrition may be double-counted as one of the 4CU of required Nutrition Electives for the major.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.