Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology

University of California, Berkeley

This is an archived copy of the 2016-17 guide. To access the most recent version of the guide, please visit http://guide.berkeley.edu.

About the Program

Bachelor of Science (BS)

The Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology offers three undergraduate major program specializations: Physiology and Metabolism, Dietetics, and Toxicology leading to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

The Physiology and Metabolism and Toxicology specializations offer ideal preparations for health-related careers such as medicine, pharmacy, optometry, and dentistry. The two curricula include many courses required for professional school admission. NST graduates who have entered health-related professional schools report appreciation for the in-depth preparation afforded by these specializations.

Now is an exciting time to explore the sciences of nutrition and toxicology. The media have highlighted many questions about the role of diet in development and aging, the safety of genetically modified foods, links among diet, cancer and chronic diseases, and the problems of global malnutrition.

The curriculum, driven by NST faculty research, covers a breadth of topics including functions and mechanisms of nutrient actions to the benefits and hazards of chemical agents, cultural and socio-economic determinants of human diets, and development of programs and policies to address human and environmental health and safety.

Overview of Specializations 

For general information regarding the different specializations within the Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology major, please see below. For further information regarding the different requirements for each, please see the Requirements tab on this page.

Physiology and Metabolism

This specialization provides a strong foundation in the biological and chemical sciences. The advanced course work focuses on the biochemistry and physiology of nutrients, phytochemicals, and diet-borne toxicants. The Physiology and Metabolism specialization addresses the following topics: nutrients absorption, distribution, and metabolism; functions of nutrients in human health and disease; cellular and molecular regulatory mechanisms by which humans respond to changes in diet; dietary patterns related to health and disease; conceptual and technical processes of nutrition research.

Dietetics

Dietetics prepares students for a career as a Registered Dietitian (RD). RD’s translate the science of nutrition into practical applications in clinical, food service, or community settings. Graduates of this program must complete a dietetics internship and pass a national examination to become an RD.

The Dietetics curriculum provides excellent foundation in the biological and chemical sciences, and a preprofessional focus emphasizing applying knowledge of nutritional sciences to benefit human health and to abate disease. The Dietetics program, known formally as the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) prepares dietitians for positions of leadership in health care, education, industry, government, and community health, as well as in professional organizations. The program fills a community need for highly trained nutrition professionals, while providing academic background for graduate study in nutrition or related fields. The program focuses on excellence in intellectual development, to development of a professional inquiring attitude, and to equality of opportunity.

Graduates of this program receive preprofessional verification and are eligible to apply to supervised practice programs to receive practical training in multiple aspects of dietetics practice. Such programs generally take nine to twelve months. The DPD program director assists students in applying for supervised practice programs. Upon completion of  the academic course work and a postbaccalaureate program of supervised practice, students are eligible to take the nationally administered Registration Examination. Once this exam is passed, the RD credential is earned.

The DPD at UC Berkeley is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics Education (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).

Toxicology

This specialization combines a strong foundation in biological and chemical sciences with specialized advanced courses focusing on hazardous and beneficial effects of natural and human-made toxic agents. From industrially produced environmental contaminants and designer drugs to herbs and food products, this field of study applies molecular and computational methods to better understand how these agents interact with living organisms and what should be done to ensure human health and safety.

Admission to the Major

Freshman students may apply directly to the major, or they may select the College of Natural Resource's undeclared option and declare the major by the end of their fourth semester. For further information regarding how to declare the major after admission including information on a change of major or change of college, please see the College of Natural Resources Undergraduate Student Handbook .

Honors Program

Students who are interested in the honors program should apply during their junior or senior year. Students must have a 3.6 grade point average (GPA) in order to be eligible for the honors program.  The honors program is individual research, NUSCTX H196, for two semesters under the supervision of a faculty member. The supervised independent honors research is specific to aspects of the nutritional sciences and toxicology major, followed by an oral presentation, and written report. Acceptance in the CNR honors program is required through an application process. Please contact the CNR Office of Instruction and Student Affairs in 260 Mulford Hall.

Minor Program

The department offers a minor program in Nutritional Sciences. The course work for the minor addresses topics in Human Nutrition and Nutrient Function. Elective options range from Nutrition in the Community to Metabolic Regulation to Human Diet. The minor is best suited for students already pursuing a bioscience degree: a background in chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and biochemistry is necessary to be prepared to do upper division work in this field.  For information regarding how to declare the minor, please contact the CNR Office of Instruction and Student Affairs in 260 Mulford Hall.

Other Minor offered by the Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology

Toxicology  (Minor only)

Visit Department Website

Major Requirements

In addition to the University, campus, and college requirements, listed on the College Requirements tab, students must fulfill the below requirements specific to their major program.

All students must complete R1A & R1B (or equivalent Reading and Comprehension course) before the end of their Sophomore year.

NOTE:  The curriculum has been revised effective Fall 2016.  Students admitted prior to Fall 16 and following the previous curriculum should refer to the 15-16 Guide

The College of Natural Resources (CNR) Undergraduate Handbook serves as a guide to the academic policies and information that students need in order to be successful while completing their coursework at Berkeley:

https://nature.berkeley.edu/handbook

Dietetics Specialization 

For Breadth, you are required to take 5 additional units of course work in American Cultures, Arts & Literature, Historical Studies, International Studies, Philosophy & Values, Social & Behavioral Sciences, or Foreign Language.  Please refer to the L&S 7 course breadth categories here:  http://ls-advise.berkeley.edu/requirement/7breadth.html

The curriculum below must be completed within two years of declaring the Dietetics specialization, unless a petition has been approved.

Lower Division Requirements

Select one course from the following:
ANTHRO 3Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology4
or ANTHRO 3AC Introduction to Social/Cultural Anthropology (American Cultures)
or PSYCH 1 General Psychology
or PSYCH 2 Principles of Psychology
or SOCIOL 3AC Principles of Sociology: American Cultures
Select one course from the following:
ECON 1Introduction to Economics4
or ECON 2 Introduction to Economics--Lecture Format
or ECON C3 Introduction to Environmental Economics and Policy
Select one sequence from the following:
Analytic Geometry and Calculus
and Introduction to Statistics
Calculus
and Introduction to Statistics
Methods of Mathematics: Calculus, Statistics, and Combinatorics
and Methods of Mathematics: Calculus, Statistics, and Combinatorics
CHEM 1A
& 1AL		General Chemistry
and General Chemistry Laboratory		4
CHEM 3A
& 3AL		Chemical Structure and Reactivity
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory		5
CHEM 3B
& 3BL		Chemical Structure and Reactivity
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory		5
NUSCTX 10Introduction to Human Nutrition3
MCELLBI 32
& 32L		Introduction to Human Physiology
and Introduction to Human Physiology Laboratory		5
BIOLOGY 1A
& 1AL		General Biology Lecture
and General Biology Laboratory		5

Upper Division Requirements 

MCELLBI 102Survey of the Principles of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology4
NUSCTX 103Nutrient Function and Metabolism3
NUSCTX 104Human Food Practices2
NUSCTX 108AIntroduction and Application of Food Science3
NUSCTX 108BApplication of Food Science Laboratory1
NUSCTX 135Food Systems Organization and Management4
NUSCTX 145Nutrition Education and Counseling2
NUSCTX 160Metabolic Bases of Human Health and Diseases4
NUSCTX 161AMedical Nutrition Therapy4
NUSCTX 161BMedical Nutrition Therapy II4
NUSCTX 166Nutrition in the Community3
NUSCTX 192Junior Seminar in Dietetics1
NUSCTX 194Senior Seminar in Dietetics2
PB HLTH 162APublic Health Microbiology3
UGBA 105Leading People3

Toxicology Specialization

For Breadth, you are required to take 14 additional units of course work in American Cultures, Arts & Literature, Historical Studies, International Studies, Philosophy & Values, Social & Behavioral Sciences, or Foreign Language.  Please refer to the L&S 7 course breadth categories here:  http://ls-advise.berkeley.edu/requirement/7breadth.html

Lower Division Requirements

Select one sequence from the following:8-12
Analytic Geometry and Calculus
and Analytic Geometry and Calculus
and Introduction to Statistics
Calculus
and Calculus
and Introduction to Statistics
Methods of Mathematics: Calculus, Statistics, and Combinatorics
and Methods of Mathematics: Calculus, Statistics, and Combinatorics
CHEM 1A
& 1AL		General Chemistry
and General Chemistry Laboratory		4
CHEM 3A
& 3AL		Chemical Structure and Reactivity
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory		5
CHEM 3B
& 3BL		Chemical Structure and Reactivity
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory		5
PHYSICS 8AIntroductory Physics4
NUSCTX 11Introduction to Toxicology3
MCELLBI 32
& 32L		Introduction to Human Physiology
and Introduction to Human Physiology Laboratory		5
BIOLOGY 1A
& 1AL		General Biology Lecture
and General Biology Laboratory		5

Upper Division Requirements

MCELLBI 102Survey of the Principles of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology4
NUSCTX 103Nutrient Function and Metabolism3
or MCELLBI 136 Physiology
NUSCTX 110Toxicology4
NUSCTX 121Computational Toxicology3
NUSCTX 171Nutrition and Toxicology Laboratory4
NUSCTX 193Introduction to Research in Toxicology1
Electives: Select additional courses from the following to bring the unit total to 30 upper division units:
Environmental Microbiology
Water Chemistry
Environmental Problem Solving
Chemical Ecology
Bioethics and Society
Air Pollution
Medical Ethnobotany
General Human Anatomy
Environmental Toxicology
Pesticide Chemistry and Toxicology
Metabolic Bases of Human Health and Diseases
Principles of Drug Action
Honors Research
Supervised Independent Study and Research
Introduction to Epidemiology and Human Disease
Introduction to Environmental Health Sciences
PB HLTH 170B
Course Not Available
Supervised Research: Biological Sciences
Other CHEM, INTEGBI, MCELLBI, & PLANTBI lecture or lab courses also accepted

Physiology and Metabolism Specialization

For Breadth, you are required to take 14 additional units of course work in American Cultures, Arts & Literature, Historical Studies, International Studies, Philosophy & Values, Social & Behavioral Sciences, or Foreign Language.  Please refer to the L&S 7 course breadth categories here:  http://ls-advise.berkeley.edu/requirement/7breadth.html

​Lower Division Requirements

Select one sequence from the following:8-12
Analytic Geometry and Calculus
and Analytic Geometry and Calculus
and Introduction to Statistics
Calculus
and Calculus
and Introduction to Statistics
Methods of Mathematics: Calculus, Statistics, and Combinatorics
and Methods of Mathematics: Calculus, Statistics, and Combinatorics
CHEM 1A
& 1AL		General Chemistry
and General Chemistry Laboratory		4
CHEM 3A
& 3AL		Chemical Structure and Reactivity
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory		5
CHEM 3B
& 3BL		Chemical Structure and Reactivity
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory		5
PHYSICS 8AIntroductory Physics4
NUSCTX 10Introduction to Human Nutrition3
MCELLBI 32
& 32L		Introduction to Human Physiology
and Introduction to Human Physiology Laboratory		5
BIOLOGY 1A
& 1AL		General Biology Lecture
and General Biology Laboratory		5

Upper Division Requirements1

MCELLBI 102Survey of the Principles of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology4
NUSCTX 103Nutrient Function and Metabolism3
NUSCTX 160Metabolic Bases of Human Health and Diseases4
NUSCTX 170Experimental Nutrition Laboratory4
NUSCTX 190Introduction to Research in Nutritional Sciences1
Electives: Select 14 units from the Approved Electives List:
Human Food Practices
Introduction and Application of Food Science
Toxicology
Pesticide Chemistry and Toxicology
Principles of Drug Action
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Medical Nutrition Therapy II
Nutrition in the Community
Introduction to Research in Toxicology
Honors Research
Supervised Independent Study and Research
General Microbiology
Public Health Microbiology
Introduction to Comparative Virology
Medical Ethnobotany
Exercise and Environmental Physiology with Laboratory
General Human Anatomy
Biology of Human Reproduction
Genetics, Genomics, and Cell Biology
Biology of Human Cancer
MCELLBI 135A - MCELLBI 135V
PB HLTH 170B
Course Not Available
Animal Behavior
Supervised Research: Biological Sciences
Other INTEGBI, MCELLBI, PLANTBI, and CHEM lecture or lab courses also accepted
1

Students can choose up to 10 units of dietetic courses from the Approved Elective List to substitute for the upper division nonelective requirements: NUSCTX 104, NUSCTX 108A, NUSCTX 161A, NUSCTX 161B, and NUSCTX 166.

 

Minor Requirements

Students who have a strong interest in an area of study outside their major often decide to complete a minor program. These programs have set requirements and are noted officially on the transcript in the memoranda section, but they are not noted on diplomas.

General Guidelines

  1. All courses taken to fulfill the minor requirements below must be taken for graded credit.

  2. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 is required for courses used to fulfill the minor requirements.

  3. No more than one upper division course may be used to simultaneously fulfill requirements for a student's major and minor programs.

At least one of the five upper division courses below must be taken during the academic year (i.e., not all courses may be Summer Session courses).

No substitutions to the courses listed below will be permitted.

Students must complete all prerequisite requirements before enrolling in upper division Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology courses.

Lower Division Prerequisites

CHEM 1AGeneral Chemistry3
CHEM 3AChemical Structure and Reactivity3
CHEM 3BChemical Structure and Reactivity3
BIOLOGY 1AGeneral Biology Lecture3

Minor Requirements

NUSCTX 10Introduction to Human Nutrition3
NUSCTX 103Nutrient Function and Metabolism3
NUSCTX 160Metabolic Bases of Human Health and Diseases4
Select two or more of the following:
Human Food Practices
Introduction and Application of Food Science
Toxicology
Pesticide Chemistry and Toxicology
Principles of Drug Action
Computational Toxicology
Human Diet
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Nutrition in the Community
Introduction to Research in Nutritional Sciences
Introduction to Research in Toxicology
Honors Research (only available for students in CNR)
Supervised Independent Study and Research

College Requirements

General Guidelines

  1. All courses taken to fulfill the major requirements below must be taken for graded credit, other than courses listed which are offered on a Pass/No Pass basis only. Other exceptions to this requirement are noted as applicable.

  2. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required.

  3. A minimum GPA of 2.0 in upper division major requirements is required.

  4. At least 15 of the 30 required upper division units must be taken in the College of Natural Resources (except for students majoring in Environmental Economics and Policy; please see the EEP major adviser for further information)(NST-Dietetics has 43 upper division requirements).

  5. A maximum of 16 units of independent study (courses numbered 97, 98, 99, 197, 198, and 199) may count toward graduation, with a maximum of 4 units of independent study per semester.

  6. No more than 1/3 of the total units attempted at UC Berkeley may be taken Pass/No Pass. This includes units in the Education Abroad Program and UC Intercampus Visitor or Exchange Programs.

  7. A maximum of 4 units of physical education courses will count toward graduation.

For full details around all requirements, please see our Student Handbook:   https://nature.berkeley.edu/handbook

Reading and Composition

In order to provide a solid foundation in reading, writing and critical thinking all majors in the College require two semesters of lower division work in composition. Students must complete a first-level reading and composition course by the end of their second semester and a second-level course by the end of their fourth semester. 

Foreign Language : EEP Majors only

The Foreign Language requirement is only required by Environmental Economics and Policy (EEP) majors. It may be satisfied by demonstrating proficiency in reading comprehension, writing, and conversation in a foreign language equivalent to the second semester college level, either by passing an exam or by completing approved course work.

Quantitative Reasoning : EEP Majors only

The Quantitative Reasoning requirement is only required by Environmental Economics and Policy (EEP) majors. The requirement may be satisfied by exam or by taking an approved course.

Undergraduate Breadth

Undergraduate breadth provide Berkeley students with a rich and varied educational experience outside of their major program. Breadth courses are built into CNR major requirements. The EEP major is the only CNR major that requires the entire 7 course breadth. As the foundation of a liberal arts education, breadth courses give students a view into the intellectual life of the University while introducing them to a multitude of perspectives and approaches to research and scholarship. Engaging students in new disciplines and with peers from other majors, the breadth experience strengthens interdisciplinary connections and context that prepares Berkeley graduates to understand and solve the complex issues of their day. 

High School Exam Credit

CNR students may apply high school exam credit (Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, A-Level Exam) towards many College and Major Requirements. See AP Exam Equivalency Chart and Higher Level IB Exam Equivalency Chart in the CNR Student Handbook  for more information.

Units Requirements

Students must complete at least 120 semester units of courses subject to certain guidelines:

  • At least 36 units must be upper division courses, including a minimum of 15 units of upper division courses in the College of Natural Resources. 
  • A maximum of 16 units of Special Studies coursework (courses numbered 97, 98, 99, 197, 198, or 199) is allowed towards the 120 units; a maximum of four is allowed in a given semester.
  • A maximum of 4 units of Physical Education from any school attended will count towards the 120 units.
  • Students may receive unit credit for courses graded P (including P/NP units taken through EAP) up to a limit of one-third of the total units taken and passed on the Berkeley campus at the time of graduation.

​Semester Unit Minimum

All CNR students must enroll in at least 13 units each fall and spring semester. 

Semester Unit Maximum

To request permission to take more than 19.5 units in a semester, please see the major adviser.

Semester Limit

Students admitted as freshmen must graduate within 8 fall/spring semesters at UC Berkeley. Students admitted as transfer students must graduate within 4 fall/spring semesters at UC Berkeley. Students who go on EAP and UCDC can petition for additional semesters. Summer session, UC Extension and non-UC study abroad programs do not count towards this semester limit. Students approved for double majors or  simultaneous degrees in two colleges may be granted an additional semester. CNR does not limit the number of total units a student can accrue.

Senior Residence Requirement

After reaching senior status (90 semester units earned), students must complete at least 24 of the remaining 30 units in at least two semesters in residence at the College of Natural Resources. To count as residence, a semester must consist of at least four passed units. Inter-campus Visitor, Education Abroad Program, UC Berkeley Washington Program, and UC Berkeley Extension units do not count toward this requirement.

Students may use Summer Session to satisfy one semester of the Senior Residence Requirement, provided that four units of coursework are completed.

Modified Senior Residence Requirement

Participants in the UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) or the UC Berkeley Washington Program may meet a modified Senior Residence Requirement by completing 24 of their final 60 semester units in residence (excluding UCEAP). At least 12 of these 24 units must be completed after senior status is reached.

Most students automatically fulfill the residence requirement by attending classes here for four years. In general, there is no need to be concerned about this requirement, unless students go abroad for a semester or year or want to take courses at another institution or through University Extension during their senior year. In these cases, students should make an appointment to see an adviser to determine how they can meet the Senior Residence Requirement.

Grade Requirements

  • A 2.0 UC GPA is required for graduation.
  • A 2.0 average in all upper division courses required of the major program is required for graduation.

Student Learning Goals

Learning Goals

  1. To provide preparation in critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills.
  2. To provide insight and in-depth information on the interaction of natural and man-made toxicants with people and their impact on human health and disease (depth).
  3. To provide strong academic preparation for successful contributions to research, education, industry and government, and/or participation in advanced studies in health and biosciences (breadth).
  4. To inspire students to advance the health and well-being of citizens (value).

Advising

In the College of Natural Resources, we provide holistic, individual advising services to prospective and current students who are pursuing major and minors in our college. We assist with a range of topics including course selection, academic decision-making, achieving personal and academic goals, and maximizing the Berkeley experience.

If you are looking to explore your options, or you are ready to declare a major, double major, or minor, contact the undergraduate adviser for your intended major. Visit our website  to explore all of our advising services.

Undergraduate Adviser, Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology
Nicole Lowy
nlowy@berkeley.edu
260 Mulford Hall
510-642-2879

Courses

Nutritional Sciences

NUSCTX 10 Introduction to Human Nutrition 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session
This course focuses on relationships between diet and health, and responses of the human body to diet and food components, including macro and micro nutrients, water, phytochemicals, and alcohol. This course also provides an overview of the interplay between nutrients and physiological and behavioral responses. Lectures, which address contributions of diet to optimal health or disease risk, are based on current nutritional, biochemical, and medical knowledge. Goals include enabling students to make informed decisions about their nutritional needs and current issues concerning nutrition.
Introduction to Human Nutrition: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 11 Introduction to Toxicology 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Discussion of principles for the evaluation of toxic hazard of natural and man-made substances present in the environment, the workplace, food, drink, and drugs. The bases for species selectivity, individual variations in sensitivity and resistance, and the combined effects of toxic agents will be addressed. Issues related to the impact of toxic agents in modern society will be emphasized.
Introduction to Toxicology: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 20 Personal Food Security and Wellness 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
The course goal is to develop life-skills and decision-making processes to maintain healthy eating throughout the lifespan. The course will improve students' nutrition-related behaviors by addressing attitudes, knowledge, skills and barriers related to food selection, purchasing and preparation and how these intersect with food security. The course will provide students with the foundation of nutrition knowledge and cooking skills to be able to prepare healthful meals in consideration of limitations such as food availability, food budgeting and time management.
Personal Food Security and Wellness: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 24 Freshman Seminar 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
The Freshman Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small-seminar setting. Freshman seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester.
Freshman Seminar: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 98 Directed Group Study 1 - 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Fall 2015
Study of special topics in nutritional sciences that are not covered in depth in regular courses.
Directed Group Study: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 103 Nutrient Function and Metabolism 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Delivery of nutrients from foods to mammalian cells; major metabolic pathways; function of nutrients in energy metabolism, nitrogen and lipid metabolism, structural tissues and regulation; essentiality, activation, storage, excretion, and toxicity of nutrients.
Nutrient Function and Metabolism: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 104 Human Food Practices 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
This nutrition course with an anthropological perspective examines why we eat what we eat by addressing environmental, socio-economic, political, cultural, and personal components of the human diet. Cuisines from a sampling of countries and regions are discussed.
Human Food Practices: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 104AC Human Food Practices AC 3 Units

Terms offered: Not yet offered
This course will broadly address the historical, ecological, socioeconomic, biological, political, cultural, and personal components of the human diet in addition to nutrition problems, programs, and consumer protection. It is a nutrition course with an anthropological slant that examines why we eat what we eat and contributes to the pursuit of multidisciplinary degrees in nutrition policy and planning. As an American Cultures course, we will also discuss cuisines from a variety of different countries and regions, with a specific focus on those in America, and examine how race and ethnicity affect diet, food access, and relationship with food. Introduction to Human Nutrition (NST10) is recommended as a prerequisite.
Human Food Practices AC: Read More [+]

NUSCTX W104 Food, Culture, and the Environment AC 3 Units

Terms offered: Not yet offered
This course will broadly address the historical, ecological, socioeconomic, biological, political, and cultural environments impacting the human diet in addition to nutrition problems, programs, and consumer protection. It is a nutrition course with an anthropological slant that examines why we eat what we eat and contributes to the pursuit of multidisciplinary degrees in nutrition policy and planning. As an American Cultures course, we will discuss cuisines from a variety of different countries and regions, with a specific focus on those in America, and examine how race and ethnicity affect diet, food access, and the human relationship with food.

Food, Culture, and the Environment AC: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 108A Introduction and Application of Food Science 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Evaluation of the chemical, physical, functional, and nutritional properities of foods. Emphasis on how these properties, and prepration, processing, and storage, influence quality characteristics of food products.
Introduction and Application of Food Science: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 108B Application of Food Science Laboratory 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Experimental evaluation of the chemical, physical, functional, and nutritional properties of foods, and the changes occuring during preparation that affect quality characteristics of food products.
Application of Food Science Laboratory: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 110 Toxicology 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
A comprehensive survey of the principles of modern toxicology and their applications in evaluating the safety of foods, additives and environmental contaminates. Mechanisms of metabolic activation, detoxification, gene regulation, and selective toxicity are emphasized.
Toxicology: Read More [+]

NUSCTX C114 Pesticide Chemistry and Toxicology 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Chemical composition of pesticides and related compounds, their mode of action, resistance mechanisms, and methods of evaluating their safety and activity.
Pesticide Chemistry and Toxicology: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 115 Principles of Drug Action 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Basic principles and quantitative aspects of drug action and risk/benefit as applied to the discovery, design, and development of human therapeutics. The course will highlight the importance of integrating pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics to create effective and safe treatments for human disease. Special emphasis will be placed on pharmacogenomics and variation in individual response.
Principles of Drug Action: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 121 Computational Toxicology 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Introducing the use of bioinformatics tools useful in linking the molecular structure of chemicals to the toxicity they induce in biological systems. Discussions on the highly interactive process of collecting, organizing, and assimilating chemistry and toxicology information - and the use of computer programs to visualize, browse, and interpret this information to discover chemical structure-toxicity correlations. The importance of these concepts in drug discovery and development and food safety will be emphasized.
Computational Toxicology: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 135 Food Systems Organization and Management 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Principles of organization and management applied to institutional food service systems: production and delivery systems, management of resources, quality assurance, equipment, layout, marketing, personnel management, fiscal management. Laboratory experiences, projects and field work in institutional situations.
Food Systems Organization and Management: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 145 Nutrition Education and Counseling 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
This course will focus on communicating nutrition messages through nutrition education and nutrition counseling. Students will develop and implement theory-based nutrition education interventions and conduct mock counseling sessions for various populations and conditions. Strategies for effective nutrition instruction, counseling, and behavior change will be discussed.
Nutrition Education and Counseling: Read More [+]

NUSCTX C159 Human Diet 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2013
Since we eat every day, wouldn't it be useful to learn more about human dietary practices? A broad overview of the complex interrelationship between humans and their foods. Topics include the human dietary niche, biological variation related to diet, diet and disease, domestication of staple crops, food processing techniques and development of regional cuisines, modern diets and their problems, food taboos, human attitudes toward foods, and dietary politics.
Human Diet: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 160 Metabolic Bases of Human Health and Diseases 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
The physiological bases of human nutrient homeostasis and common disorders resulting from over and under nutrition will be discussed with a specific focus on macronutrients. Topics related to nutrient deficiency and excess will include adaptation to starvation and the effects of caloric restriction on life-span, obesity and its complications, lipoprotein metabolism and cardiovascular disease, as well as a detailed discussion of the causes, disease mechanisms, and treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Metabolic Bases of Human Health and Diseases: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 161A Medical Nutrition Therapy 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2015, Fall 2014
This fall course serves as the first of a two part series that addresses the nutritional component of treating disease. The Nutrition Care Process of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides the framework for nutritional status assessment, diagnosis, nutrition intervention, and evaluation. Disease pathophysiology, diagnosis, medical and pharmacological treatments, and nutritional therapies for prevention and treatment are explored for conditions common throughout the lifecycle. The first part focuses on cardiovascular disease. Additional diseases are addressed in 161B in the spring semester. This course will provide an opportunity to apply knowledge of MNT through case studies and various activities.
Medical Nutrition Therapy: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 161B Medical Nutrition Therapy II 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
This is the second course of a two part series that is a continuation of addressing nutrition as a component of disease treatment. The Nutrition Care Process will be applied and disease pathophysiology, diagnosis, medical and pharmacological treatments and nutritional therapies for prevention and treatment will be explored for various disease states.

Medical Nutrition Therapy II: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 166 Nutrition in the Community 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
This course addresses basic nutrition in the context of the community. It explores nutrition programs that serve various segments of the population and the relationships of these programs to nutrition policy at the local, national, and international levels. Community assessment is used as the basis for program planning, implementation, and evaluation. The specific needs of population groups (infants, children, women, and the elderly) are considered and questions of food security are investigated.
Nutrition in the Community: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 170 Experimental Nutrition Laboratory 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Basic principles and techniques used in human and animal nutrition research. Students design, execute, and analyze experiments.
Experimental Nutrition Laboratory: Read More [+]

NUSCTX 171 Nutrition and Toxicology Laboratory 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Basic principles and techniques used in human and animal nutrition and toxicology research. Students design, execute, and analyze experiments.
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NUSCTX 190 Introduction to Research in Nutritional Sciences 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
Students will be asked to prepare an oral and written report on a topic selected from the current research literature in nutritional sciences.
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NUSCTX 192 Junior Seminar in Dietetics 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
This seminar course explores the professional roles and responsibilities of dietitians as well as career opportunities within the field. Current issues in the practice of dietetics will be discussed. Students will do research and present an oral report to the class. Each student will begin to develop his or her professional portfolio.
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NUSCTX 193 Introduction to Research in Toxicology 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Students will be asked to prepare an oral and written report on a topic selected from the current research literature in toxicology.
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NUSCTX 194 Senior Seminar in Dietetics 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
This course will cover the changes that are occurring in the field of dietetics. Students will explore revisions of the national nutritional standards and guidelines, issues related to complementary and alternative nutrition practices, the area of genomics as it is expected to affect practice, professional ethics in the changing health care environment, reimbursement for professional services, legislation related to the field of dietetics, and other emerging issues.
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NUSCTX H196 Honors Research 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Supervised independent honors research specific to aspects of the Nutritional Science and Toxicology major, followed by an oral presentation, and a written report.
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NUSCTX 197 Field Study in Food and Nutritional Sciences 1 - 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Spring 2008, Spring 2007
Supervised experience in off-campus organizations relevant to specific aspects of foods and nutritional sciences. Regular individual meetings with faculty sponsor and written reports required.
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NUSCTX 198 Directed Group Study 1 - 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Fall 2015
Study of special topics in food science or nutrition that are not covered in depth in regular courses.
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NUSCTX 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Spring 2016
Upper division laboratory and independent research under the direction of a faculty supervisor. Written report required upon completion of the project.
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Faculty and Instructors

Faculty

Gregory W. Aponte, Professor. Health and nutrition, nutritional sciences, signaling between the gut and the brain, neuropeptides, G-protein coupled receptors.
Research Profile

Danica Chen, Associate Professor. Aging, stem cell, diseases of aging.
Research Profile

Marc Hellerstein, Professor. Plant biology, health and nutrition.
Research Profile

Dale E. Johnson, Adjunct Professor.

Sona Kang, Assistant Professor.

Ronald M. Krauss, Adjunct Professor. Lipid metabolism, diet, genetics.
Research Profile

Isao Kubo, Professor. Agriculture, insect biology, pest management.
Research Profile

Dale Leitman, Adjunct Professor.

Joseph L. Napoli, Professor. Metabolism, nutritional biochemistry, fat-soluble vitamins, retinoids, retinoic acid, retinol, vitamin A, vitamin D, analytical biochemistry.
Research Profile

Daniel K. Nomura, Associate Professor. Chemical biology, metabolism, toxicology, cancer.
Research Profile

James Olzmann, Assistant Professor. Ubiquitin, proteasome, lipid droplet, ER-associated degradation, ERAD, metabolism, metabolic disease.
Research Profile

Robert Ryan, Adjunct Professor.

Barry Shane, Professor. Plant biology, health and nutrition, nutritional sciences and toxicology.
Research Profile

Andreas Stahl, Associate Professor. Metabolism, obesity, adipose tissue, brown fat, thermogenesis, tissue engineering, diabetes, fatty acid transport, fatty acid, stem cells.
Research Profile

Hei Sook Sul, Professor. Plant biology, health and nutrition, nutritional sciences & toxicology.
Research Profile

Christopher D. Vulpe, Adjunct Professor. Genetics, genomics, ecotoxicology, gene expression, water quality, copper, iron, toxicology, susceptibility, environmental, ecotoxicogenomics.
Research Profile

Jen-Chywan (Wally) Wang, Associate Professor. Steroid hormones, glucocorticoids, molecular physiology, Metabolic Diseases.
Research Profile

Lecturers

Mary Henderson, Lecturer.

Mikelle McCoin, Lecturer.

Kristen Rasmussen, Lecturer.

Emeritus Faculty

Nancy Amy, Professor Emeritus. Nutritional science and toxicology, nutrition, cell metabolism, trace elements.
Research Profile

Leonard F. Bjeldanes, Professor Emeritus. Nutritional science and toxicology, diet and cancer, metabolic regulation.
Research Profile

Kenneth J. Carpenter, Professor Emeritus.

George W. Chang, Professor Emeritus. Microbial biology, health and nutrition, food safety.
Research Profile

Ben De Lumen, Professor Emeritus. Cancer prevention, academic enterpreneurship.
Research Profile

Sharon E. Fleming, Professor Emeritus. Plant biology, health and nutrition.
Research Profile

Janet King, Professor Emeritus.

Angela C. Little, Professor Emeritus.

Susan M. Oace, Professor Emeritus.

Fernando E. Viteri, Professor Emeritus. Plant biology, health and nutrition, nutritional sciences & toxicology.
Research Profile

Mary Ann Williams, Professor Emeritus.

Contact Information

Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology

119 Morgan Hall

Phone: 510-642-6490

Fax: 510-642-0535

Visit Department Website

Department Chair

Joseph Napoli, PhD

119, 150, or 208 Morgan Hall

Phone: 510-642-0809

jna@berkeley.edu

Department Manager

Holli Griffin

119 Morgan Hall

Phone: 510-642-6490

holligriffin@berkeley.edu

Graduate Student Services

Faith Enemark

115 Morgan Hall

Phone: 510-643-2863

faith@berkeley.edu

Undergraduate Adviser

Nicole Lowy

260 Mulford Hall

Phone: 510-642-0542

nlowy@berkeley.edu

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