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. 

Nutrition Science, BSN Requirements

Non-Nursing Major Requirements
Writing Requirement
Select a Writing Intensive Course1
Language Requirement
Satisfy by exemption or if language proficiency completed in less than 4 semesters, use remaining course units as free electives4
Distribution by Sectors
Arts & Letters Sector1
Society and Social Structures Sector1
Histories and Traditions Sector1
Global and Cultural Studies Sector1
Reasoning, Systems, and Relationships Sector1
Natural Sciences Sector - satisfied by:
Biologically-Based Chemistry
Integrated Cell Biology and Microbiology with Recitation
Free Elective1
Nursing Major Courses
Nursing Foundational Courses
NURS 1010The Nature of Nursing Practice0.5
NURS 1020Situating the Practice of Nursing0.5
NURS 1030Psychological and Social Diversity in Health and Wellness1
Nursing Clinical Courses
NURS 2150Nursing of Women and Infants1.5
NURS 2250Pediatric Nursing1.5
NURS 2350Psychiatric, Behavioral, and Mental Health Nursing1.5
NURS 2450Nursing of Young and Middle Aged Adults1.5
NURS 2550Nursing of Older Adults1.5
Select a Nursing Case Study from among NURS 3550-NURS 3691
NURS 3800Nursing in the Community2
NURS 3900Leadership in the Complex Healthcare System3
Science Requirements
NURS 0061Biologically-Based Chemistry0.5
NURS 0068Integrated Cell Biology and Microbiology with Recitation1
NURS 0065Fundamentals of Nutrition1
NURS 1630Integrated Anatomy, Physiology, and Physical Assessment I2
NURS 1640Integrated Human Anatomy, Physiology & Physical Assessment II2
NURS 1650Integrated Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics2
Non-Clinical Courses
Health Policy Requirement 11
NURS 2300Statistics for Research and Measurement1
NURS 5470Scientific Inquiry for Evidence-based Practice1
Select one of the following:1
Theoretical Foundations of Health Care Ethics
Bioethics
NURS 3890Research/Inquiry-Based Service Residency0.5
Nursing Elective
Select a Nursing Elective1
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
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Nutritional Aspects of Disease
Advanced Nutrition: Molecular Basis of Nutrition
Advanced Human Nutrition and Micronutrient Metabolism
Elective Courses
Select four course units of electives 2
Total Course Units40.5
1

See the BSN Handbook for a list of approved Health Policy courses. 

2

See website for list of approved elective courses.


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.