91˿Ƶ

School of Human Nutrition

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Note: This is the 2017–2018 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or .

School of Human Nutrition

Location

Location

  • Macdonald Stewart Building
  • 91˿Ƶ, Macdonald Campus
  • 21,111 Lakeshore Road
  • Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue QC H9X 3V9
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-7773
  • Fax: 514-398-7739
  • Email: nutrition.dietetics [at] mcgill.ca
  • Website: www.mcgill.ca/nutrition

About the School of Human Nutrition

About the School of Human Nutrition

Health and well-being of individuals and populations in relation to food choices and metabolism prevail as the unifying theme of the programs in the School of Human Nutrition, a part of the 91˿Ƶ Health Sciences.

The School offers a B.Sc.(Nutr.Sc.) in either the Dietetics Major or the Nutrition Major.

The Dietetics Major is an accredited professional program which leads to eligibility to register with a provincial dietetic regulatory body as a registered dietitian. The 3.5 year (115 credits) Dietetics Major is an undergraduate degree which includes 40 weeks of internship (Professional Practice - Stage) which is sequenced and integrated into each year of study. Students are exposed to a variety of practice settings including clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management. The program is designed according to the Integrated Competencies for Dietetics Education and Practice (ICDEP) and is accredited by the (PDEP).

The Nutrition Major is a 90-credit undergraduate degree. At its core, it deals with how diet, nutrition, and metabolism affect human health and disease risk. It offers you exciting opportunities to specialize in one of five concentrations (Food Function and Safety; Global Nutrition; Health and Disease; Nutritional Biochemistry; and Sports Nutrition), to incorporate research experience, travel for field studies, or a Minor in your program. It does not lead to professional licensure as a Dietitian/Nutritionist. However, it is excellent preparation for further studies including graduate, medical, veterinary and other professional schools, or for many careers including in the food, pharma or other industry, government or NGO, or global health organizations.

B.Sc.(F.Sc.)/B.Sc.(Nutr.Sc.): The School also offers a dual degree, the B.Sc. Food Science/Nutritional Science Major, which is a 122-credit undergraduate degree. You will obtain a strong background in chemical sciences regarding the physical nature and chemical properties of foods, combined with an advanced understanding of the important role of nutrition and metabolism in health and disease.

For more information on programs associated with this school, see .

Degrees Offered by the School of Human Nutrition

Degrees Offered by the School of Human Nutrition

Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences – B.Sc.(Nutr.Sc.)

Two undergraduate degree programs are offered by the School.

  • The Dietetics Major leads to professional qualification;
  • The Nutrition Major offers five concentrations:
    • Food Function and Safety
    • Global Nutrition
    • Health and Disease
    • Nutritional Biochemistry
    • Sports Nutrition

M.Sc.A., M.Sc., and Ph.D.

Graduate degrees in Human Nutrition are also offered in thesis- and non-thesis-based research at the master’s level and thesis-based research at the doctoral level. Three options are available in the M.Sc. Applied degree:

  • Dietetics Credentialing
  • Practicum
  • Project

For further information, contact the School or refer to Agricultural & Environmental Sciences' Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies section.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2017-2018 (last updated Aug. 17, 2017) (disclaimer)

Human Nutrition Faculty

Human Nutrition Faculty

Director
Linda J. Wykes
Emeritus Professor
Harriet V. Kühnlein; B.S.(Penn. St.), M.S.(Ore. St.), Ph.D.(Calif.), R.D.
Professors
Luis B. Agellon; B.Sc., Ph.D.(McM.)
Tim A. Johns; B.Sc.(McM.), M.Sc.(Br. Col.), Ph.D.(Mich.) (Director, 91˿Ƶ Canadian Field Studies in Africa [CFSIA])
Linda J. Wykes; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Tor.)
Associate Professors
Niladri Basu; B.Sc.(Qu.), M.Sc.(Br. Col.), Ph.D.(McG.) (Canada Research Chair) (joint appt. with Natural Resource Sciences) (Assoc. Member of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine)
Treena Delormier: B.Sc., M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Montr.)
Kristine G. Koski; B.S., M.S.(Wash.), Ph.D.(Calif.), R.D.(U.S.)
Stan Kubow; B.Sc.(McG.), M.Sc.(Tor.), Ph.D.(Guelph)
Grace S. Marquis; B.A.(Ind.), M.Sc.(Mich. St.), Ph.D.(Cornell)
Hugo Melgar-Quinonez; M.Sc.(SPHM), M.D.(USAC), D.Sc.(Friedrich Schiller Univ.) (Director, 91˿Ƶ Institute for Global Food Security)
Louise Thibault; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Laval), Dt. P.
Hope Weiler; B.A.Sc.(Guelph), Ph.D.(McM.), R.D. (CDO) (Canada Research Chair) (Director, Mary Emily Clinical Nutrition Research Unit)
Senior Faculty Lecturers
Sandy Phillips; B.Sc., M.Sc.(A.)(McG.), Dt. P. (University Coordinator, Professional Practice (Stage) in Dietetics)
Maureen Rose; B.Sc., M.Ed., Ph.D.(McG.), Dt. P. (Director, Food and Nutrition Laboratories)
Faculty Lecturers
Paul-Guy Duhamel; B.Sc.(McG.), M.Sc.(Montr.), Dt. P. (Manager, Food and Nutrition Laboratories)
Mary Hendrickson-Nelson; B.A.(St. Benedict), B.Sc.(Minn.), M.Sc.(Colo. St.), Dt. P.
Hugues Plourde; B.Sc.(McG.), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Montr.), Dt. P.
Joane Routhier; B.Sc.(McG.)
Sessional Lecturers
Peter Bender (PT); B.Ed., M.A.(McG.), Ph.D.(Flor. St.)
Stéphanie Chevalier (PT); B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(Montr.), Dt. P. (joint appt. with Medicine)
Michele Iskandar: B.Sc.(Nutr.), M.Sc.(Nutr.)(Amer. U. Beirut), Ph.D.(McG.)
Steven Landry (PT); B.Com., B.Ed., M.B.A.(McG.)
Dina Spigelski; B.A., B.Sc.(Nutr. Sc.), M.Sc.(McG.)
Associate Members
Anaesthesia: Franco Carli, Ralph Lattermann, Thomas Schricker
Food Science & Agricultural Chemistry: Stephane Bayen
Kinesiology: Ross Andersen
Medicine: Louis Beaumier, Stéphanie Chevalier, L. John Hoffer, Larry Lands, Errol B. Marliss, José Morais, Jean-François Yale
Natural Resource Sciences: Sebastien Faucher
Parasitology: Marilyn E. Scott
Adjunct Professor
Kevin A. Cockell; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Guelph) (Health Canada)
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2017-2018 (last updated Aug. 17, 2017) (disclaimer)

Application Procedures

Application Procedures: Dietetics and Human Nutrition

The academic year at 91˿Ƶ is made up of two sessions, the Fall/Winter or regular session, and the Summer session. These are subdivided into the Fall term (September to December), the Winter term (January to April) and the four months of the Summer session (May, June, July, and August). While most students enter in September, it is possible to be considered for admission to most of the Agricultural and Environmental Studies undergraduate programs in January. Entry at the Freshman Program level, however, is not available in January. Entry to the Dietetics Major is also not available in January.

The deadlines for submission of applications are:

  • Applicants studying outside of Canada: January 15
  • Applicants from Canadian high schools outside of Quebec: February 1
  • All other applicants: March 1

All applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable fee, in Canadian or U.S. funds only, payable by certified cheque, money order or credit card. 91˿Ƶ does not offer application fee waivers. Please refer to for fee amounts and other fee information.

Application to the School of Human Nutrition may be made online at www.mcgill.ca/applying. Information may also be obtained from:

Please note that the same application is used for all undergraduate programs at 91˿Ƶ, and two program choices can be entered.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2017-2018 (last updated Aug. 17, 2017) (disclaimer)

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements: Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Applicants to the School of Human Nutrition are not required to submit proof of proficiency in English if they meet one of the following conditions:

  • their mother tongue/first language is English;
  • they have completed both Secondary V and a Diploma of Collegial Studies in Quebec;
  • they have completed the last five years of study in a French Baccaulaurate International Option program, or in a French Lycée located in an English speaking country;
  • they have completed A-Level English (other than English as a Second Language) with a final grade of C or better;
  • their last five years of study (preceding application) have been at a learning institution where English is the main language of instruction (including applicants taught in English in Kenya, Liberia, and Singapore).

More information on language requirements is available at University Regulations and Resources > Undergraduate > General Policies and Information > Language Policy.

Quebec CEGEP Students

Quebec CEGEP Students

Applicants must have completed a two-year Quebec post-secondary collegial program (CEGEP) in the Pure and Applied Sciences, Health Sciences, or Science de la nature. (Applicants who have completed the DEC en sciences, lettres et arts are also eligible for admission. Applicants who have completed a DEC in a technical area will be considered on an individual basis.)

91˿Ƶ uses the cote de rendement au collégial (cote r) rather than CEGEP percentage grades for admission decisions. The cote r is a method of comparing and ranking students from CEGEP; it measures how far above or below the class average a student places, with adjustments based on the relative strength of the group.

The current CEGEP profile for the B.Sc.(Nutr.Sc.) is:

  • Biology (00UK, 00XU);
  • Chemistry – NYA, NYB, Organic Chemistry I (00UL, 00UM, 00XV);
  • Mathematics – NYA, NYB (00UN, 00UP);
  • Physics – NYA, NYB, NYC (00UR, 00US, 00UT).

Based upon entry with the appropriate DEC, the B.Sc.(Nutr.Sc.) is offered as a 90-credit, three-year program for Nutrition and a 115-credit, three and one-half year program for Dietetics. Refer to Bachelor of Science (Nutritional Sciences) – B.Sc.(Nutr.Sc.) for program details.

Applicants from Ontario

Applicants from Ontario

Applicants from Ontario must have completed:

  • the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD),
  • a minimum of six OAC, 4U and/or 4M courses combined, including:
    • At least one of OAC Calculus, OAC Algebra and Geometry, MCB4U or MGA4U;
    • Two different science subjects from the following list: OAC Biology or SBI4U, OAC Chemistry or SCH4U, OAC Physics or SPH4U;
    • OAC or 4U English or French; see note below explaining when English or French is required.

Students who are accepted on the basis of a high school diploma enter a program which is extended by one year to include the 30 credits which comprise the Freshman Year (see Bachelor of Science (Nutritional Sciences) (B.Sc.(Nutr.Sc.)) - Freshman Program (30 credits)).

Note: Admission to the freshman year is available for the Nutrition major only, not the Dietetics major. Students who wish to enter Year 1 of the Dietetics major and who first need to complete a freshman year, may complete the freshman year in the Nutrition Major, and then apply for transfer to year 1 of the Dietetics Major. Entry to Year 1 of the Dietetics major is based on CGPA.

If the applicant comes from a school where the language of instruction is English, then OAC English or 4U level English or EAE4A must be included in the six courses. If the applicant comes from a school where the language of instruction is French, then OAC French (FRAOA or FLIOA) or 4U level French or English EALOA or EAL4U must be included in the six courses. English and French Second Language courses are not accepted as prerequisites.

At least four of the six required courses, as well as all prerequisite courses must be taken at the OAC or 4U level. 91˿Ƶ criteria will focus primarily on the top six OAC, 4U and/or 4M courses (including specified prerequisite courses). Generally speaking, all marks are taken into consideration in determining admission, including those of failed or repeated courses.

Every attempt has been made to report accurately on admission requirements in effect at the time of printing. Given the recent Ontario curriculum reform and the resulting array of new courses, 91˿Ƶ reserves the right to revise its admission requirements without prior notice.

Applicants from Other Canadian Provinces

Applicants from Other Canadian Provinces

Applicants from provinces other than Quebec and Ontario must hold:

  • a high school diploma giving access to university education in their province/territory;

and must have completed:

  • Grade 12 Mathematics (pre-calculus);
  • two of: Grade 12 Biology, Chemistry or Physics;
  • Grade 12 English or French (see note below explaining when English or French is required).

Students who are accepted on the basis of a high school diploma enter a program which is extended by one year to include the 30 credits which comprise the Freshman Year (see Bachelor of Science (Nutritional Sciences) (B.Sc.(Nutr.Sc.)) - Freshman Program (30 credits)).

Note: Admission to the freshman year is available for the Nutrition major only, not the Dietetics major. Students who wish to enter Year 1 of the Dietetics major, and who first need to complete a freshman year, may complete the freshman year in the Nutrition Major, and then apply for transfer to year 1 of the Dietetics Major. Entry to Year 1 of the Dietetics major is based on CGPA.

Consideration will be given to the results for Grade 11 and 12 level courses (regardless of the calendar year in which they were taken), with emphasis on grades obtained in courses most relevant to the intended program of study. Generally speaking, all marks are taken into consideration in determining admission, including those of failed or repeated courses.

If the applicant comes from a school where the language of instruction is English, then Grade 12 English must be included in the academic record. If the applicant comes from a school where the language of instruction is French, then Grade 12 French is required. English and French Second Language courses are not accepted as prerequisites.

Applicants from U.S. High School Programs

Applicants from U.S. High School Programs

Applicants who are applying on the basis of a high school diploma from a school in the United States must have completed a pre-calculus course in functions, and at least two of biology, chemistry, and physics. Applicants must write College Entrance Examination Board tests including the SAT I and three SAT IIs. SAT IIs must include mathematics and at least one science. ACTs are also acceptable.

Applicants who have completed Advanced Placement Examinations in appropriate subjects with a grade of 4 or better will be granted some advanced standing, up to a maximum of 30 credits.

Students who are accepted on the basis of a high school diploma enter a program which is extended by one year to include the 30 credits which comprise the Freshman Year (see Bachelor of Science (Nutritional Sciences) (B.Sc.(Nutr.Sc.)) - Freshman Program (30 credits)).

Note: Admission to the freshman year is available for the Nutrition major only, not the Dietetics major. Students who wish to enter Year 1 of the Dietetics major, and who first need to complete a freshman year, may complete the freshman year in the Nutrition Major, and then apply for transfer to year 1 of the Dietetics Major. Entry to Year 1 of the Dietetics major is based on CGPA.

Applicants from Other Countries

Applicants from Other Countries

The normal basis for review of a file is completion of the credentials which lead to university admission in the applicant's country of study.

Students from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries may be admitted if they have completed Advanced Level examinations in chemistry, physics, and mathematics with two Bs and one C or better in each, and five appropriate G.C.S.E. subjects at the Ordinary Level, including biology and English.

Advanced Level examination results which are appropriate to the intended program of studies will be assessed for advanced standing and credit when the results are received directly from the appropriate Examination Board. A maximum of 30 credits is granted for Advanced Level papers and a maximum of 10 credits for papers in Mathematics. Credit is normally granted only for grades of C or better.

Students who have a very good academic record in Lower Form VI and excellent results in at least five G.C.S.E. subjects at the Ordinary Level may be considered for admission to a program requiring the completion of a minimum of 120 credits.

For students applying on the basis of the French Baccalaureate, the minimum requirement is the Diploma in Series S in the “Première Groupe” with Mention “assez bien”.

Note: Admission to the freshman year is available for the Nutrition major only, not the Dietetics major. Students who wish to enter Year 1 of the Dietetics major, and who first need to complete a freshman year, may complete the freshman year in the Nutrition Major, and then apply for transfer to year 1 of the Dietetics Major. Entry to Year 1 of the Dietetics major is based on CGPA.

Applicants with the International Baccalaureate

Applicants with the International Baccalaureate

Applicants should have completed Higher or Subsidiary Level mathematics and normally two of biology, chemistry, or physics. Ten advanced standing credits may be granted for mathematics and science Higher Level subjects completed within the IB Diploma, up to the maximum of 30 credits, while 6 credits will be given for non-science Higher Level examinations taken as part of the Diploma or for Higher Level Certificate subjects.

Transfer Students

Transfer Students

Students wishing to transfer from other universities and colleges are considered for admission on the basis of both their university work and previous studies. A minimum of 60 credits of work must be completed at 91˿Ƶ if a degree is to be granted. Students must also fulfil the requirements of a degree program. Credits are determined only once a formal application and all the necessary supporting documents are received.

Basic science requirements are:

  • two semesters of biology;
  • two semesters of general chemistry, with labs;
  • one semester of organic chemistry;
  • two semesters of physics (including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves and optics), with labs;
  • one semester in each of differential and integral calculus.

A grade of B or better is expected in prerequisite mathematics and science courses.

This same policy is applicable to holders of undergraduate degrees.

Transfer Students – Inter-Faculty

Transfer Students – Inter-Faculty

Students wishing to transfer from one faculty to another must complete an inter-faculty transfer form. The deadline for submitting a transfer form for admission to the School is June 1 for admission in September and December 1 for admission in January. There are no Winter term transfers for the Dietetics major.

For CGPA requirements please see www.mcgill.ca/macdonald/studentinfo/undergrads/readmission. For more information, please refer to University Regulations and Resources > Undergraduate > Registration > Interfaculty Transfer.

Mature Student Admission

Mature Student Admission

Residents of Canada who will be 23 years of age or older by September 1 (for admission for the Fall session) or January 1 (for admission for the Winter session) and who lack the academic background normally required for admission may apply for entrance as mature students.

Mature students must complete all entrance math/science requirements during their first year. This may require an additional year to the program due to the availability of required courses. Individuals interested in being considered for entrance under this policy should contact the Student Affairs Office for complete details.

Note: Mature students who are missing science entrance prerequisites are admitted to the Nutrition Major, not the Dietetics Major. Those wishing to complete the science entrance prerequisites and then transfer to the Dietetics Major should consult www.mcgill.ca/macdonald/studentinfo/undergrads/readmission.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2017-2018 (last updated Aug. 17, 2017) (disclaimer)

Academic Information and Regulations

Academic Information and Regulations for the School of Human Nutrition

Academic Standing

Academic Standing

The program for the degree with a Major in Nutrition will normally be completed in three academic years or six semesters (following the Freshman Year, if one is required). The degree with a Major in Dietetics will normally be completed in three and one-half academic years. For the purpose of student classification, the years will be termed U1, U2 and U3.

  • U1: the first 12 months following each admission to a degree program in which the student is required to complete 72 or more credits at the time of admission;
  • U2: to be used for all students who are not U1 or U3.
  • U3: the session in which it is expected the student will qualify to graduate.

Further information and regulations on academic standing are available at Academic Standing.

Academic Advisers

Before registration, all students entering the Faculty must consult with the Academic Adviser of their program for selection and scheduling of required, complementary, and elective courses.

The Academic Adviser will normally continue to act in this capacity for the duration of the student's studies in the Faculty.

A Faculty Adviser is also available in the Student Affairs Office to assist students with student record related matters.

Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements

To be eligible for a B.Sc.(Nutr.Sc.), students must have passed, or achieved exemption, with a minimum C grade in all required and complementary courses of the program. They must have a CGPA of at least 2.00.

In addition, students in the Dietetics program must have completed the Professional Practice Stages of professional formation, which require a minimum CGPA of 3.00.

Minimum Credit Requirement

Minimum Credit Requirement

You must complete the minimum credit requirement for your degree as specified in your letter of admission.

Please refer to Minimum Credit Requirement for further information.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2017-2018 (last updated Aug. 17, 2017) (disclaimer)
Faculty of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences—2017-2018 (last updated Aug. 17, 2017) (disclaimer)
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