Study Nutritional Science Abroad
In our hectic society, many people find it difficult to have a balanced diet : During the lunch break we quickly go to the fast food restaurant, in between there is a chocolate bar and in the evening a frozen meal. The consequences are obesity, diabetes and heart and circulatory diseases.
But even those who watch their diet have a hard time choosing good products. There are additives hidden everywhere, such as colorings and flavor enhancers, which have a negative impact on our health and can be responsible for food allergies.
What is ecotrophology?
According to usprivateschoolsfinder.com, nutritionists can help with all of these problems. They advise people on healthy eating habits and conduct research in all areas related to our diet.
To become a nutrition expert, one has to study ecotrophology. This term comes from the Greek and literally means the “doctrine of household and nutrition”.
Anyone interested in studying should have good school grades in science subjects. Knowledge of English is also desirable in order to understand some of the English-language specialist literature.
Course content in ecotrophology
Nutritional science can be studied at universities and technical colleges. The courses at the universities of applied sciences are often characterized by a higher degree of practical relevance . A comparison of the degree programs is also worthwhile in other respects. Many universities have their own research focus, such as molecular aspects of nutrition.
The course is divided into the two areas of household sciences and nutritional sciences . The latter deals with the physiological, technological and economic fundamentals of our diet.
The household sciences, on the other hand, deals with business management and technical issues in the management of households, canteens and canteens. At most universities, however, this area only occurs marginally.
In the bachelor’s degree
In the bachelor’s program, on the one hand, the scientific and medical subjects are on the curriculum that are necessary to properly understand the various aspects of our diet . Subjects are biology , anatomy, biochemistry or medicine . Didactic methods also impart knowledge to the students on how to optimally advise people later.
In addition, the economic and social science aspects of nutrition are dealt with, for example in economics , sociology or statistics . Depending on the university, there are also courses in the field of household sciences, such as business administration or personnel management. At most universities, students can specialize in the higher semesters in a part of nutritional science that interests them particularly. You can choose from nutritional advice or the food industry.
In the master’s degree
Anyone who would like to work in management positions later or pursue a career in research should follow up with a master’s degree. In this, the content from the bachelor’s degree is deepened. In addition, students have the opportunity to further specialize in areas such as food science, the nutrition industry or public health care.
Jobs for nutrition experts
In view of the increasing number of patients with diet-related diseases and food allergies, the specialist knowledge of nutritionists is in demand . Most graduates work in the field of nutritional counseling:
- Clinics
- Consumer advice centers
- Health insurances
- Self-employed
- Marketing and PR departments
The nutritionists advise people on all matters relating to nutrition, develop diet concepts and help with diet changes. In the course of health prevention, training in hospitals, schools or kindergartens is also becoming increasingly important.
Alternative employers
Many nutritionists also work in the food industry . For example, you develop new foods such as frozen meals or convenience products or you are employed in the areas of hygiene and quality management.
Another field of work is the tourism and catering industry . For example, ecotrophologists put together menus in wellness hotels or carry out detox cures with guests. It is also possible to work as a specialist journalist or in agencies for press and public relations work .
University career
In addition, ecotrophologists are also employed by organic inspection bodies, where they check the ingredients and the quality standard of organic food. A career in science is also possible with a master’s degree. Nutritionists conduct basic research at universities or are involved in clinical research . A doctorate is usually required for this.
Studying nutritional science internationally
The course offers a good opportunity to gain experience abroad . One or more semesters at a foreign university not only enrich your own wealth of experience, but also offer many other advantages.
On the one hand, you can gain experience with other teaching and learning methods and sharpen your scientific profile by learning new course content. On the other hand, you improve your foreign language skills and collect intercultural competencies and soft skills that can be helpful for later applications. These include, for example, the ability to make contacts in a short time, flexibility, assertiveness and organizational talent.
