Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences Major

Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences

Why Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences?

"Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.”
~ Hippocrates

Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences is a unique major in Canada and focuses on understanding the contribution of food, beverage and nutritional supplement consumption to growth, development of optimal biological function, maintenance of health, and treatment of disease. The program explores how we can use foods and nutrients to develop innovative products that will benefit humans, animals and the environment.

After building a foundation in the biological sciences, students examine the biology of nutrition from a molecular and cellular level to the whole organism. In senior years, you will dive deeper, taking courses on the role of nutrients in maintaining health and preventing and treating disease, the connection between foods, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical drugs, and regulatory policies, among other courses.

If you're interested in studying Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences, you may also be interested in Food Science, Applied Human Nutrition, or other majors.

To see all courses offered in this degree, visit our 2023-2024 Academic Calendar.

 Develop a Foundation in Human Health and Nutrition

Offered within the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, this major will provide you with a broad grounding in the biology of nutrition, physiology, pathology, pharmacology and nutraceuticals.

 Help Solve Contemporary Nutrition Issues

Tackle current problems in the food, pharmaceutical and natural health product industries through a deep understanding of how nutrients, phytochemicals, toxins and food processing affect the human body.

 Gain Hands-on Research Experience

Complete a research course with a faculty member in a discipline related to nutrition, food, nutraceuticals, health and disease to further your skills and experience in the field. Take advantage of cutting-edge research facilities, including the Human Nutraceutical Research Unit, the Health and Performance Centre and the Guelph Food Innovation Centre.

Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op

The Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences co-op is a five-year program, which includes five work terms, and helps to provide invaluable hands-on experience in food, pharmaceutical and health product industries, providing the skills and experience to boost your resume and fast-track your career.

NANS Co-op Calendar

What Can You Do with a Degree in Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences?

Our graduates find work in international health and nutrition organizations, government regulatory bodies and advisory agencies, or pursue related graduate studies. Students interested in becoming registered dietitians should learn more about the BASc Applied Human Nutrition program.

Here are a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:

  • Brand Manager
  • Chiropractor
  • Clinical Biochemist
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Family Physician
  • Formulation Specialist
  • Naturopathic Doctor
  • Paramedic
  • Pharmaceutical Research and Development
  • Product Development Specialist
  • Registered Nurse
  • Regulatory Specialist
  • Research & Development Scientist
  • Research Assistant
  • Scientific Project Coordinator
Amar Laila
What sets the NANS program apart is its multifaceted approach that extends beyond its core focus on physiology and the intricate relationship between nutrition and the human body. We were equipped with a robust comprehension of important aspects such as food policy, intricacies of the food industry, and the skills to utilize existing research to formulate functional food products compliant with Canadian food regulations. The program also provided invaluable insights in the realm of nutrition research. The program's expansive scope has uniquely positioned me for diverse roles within the nutrition landscape, spanning industries, governmental sectors, and academia, affirming its exceptional value in shaping a versatile and impactful career trajectory.

Amar Laila, Alumni
Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences

Taylor Morrison
I chose the University of Guelph’s NANS program due to the unique academic training it provides, alongside practical experiential learning opportunities. This degree program allowed me to go beyond clinical nutrition and explore nutrition in relation to biochemistry, public health, food product development, regulatory affairs, and much more. With diverse departmental research and industry-related projects, I gained a rich set of analytical, research, and professional skills that propelled my professional and academic careers. 

Taylor Morrison, Alumni
Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences

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