Welcome to the Nutrition Department Website!

The Nutrition department offers a variety of courses that align with multiple degree pathways. The courses are specifically designed to meet the needs of students who are currently pursuing degrees in Dietetics, Nursing, Health Science, or Kinesiology. Courses also provide students with an introduction to the science of nutrition, which is particularly important for those planning to transfer to baccalaureate programs in Nutrition, Health Education, Public Health, or pre-medicine. 

Why take Nutrition Courses at Las Positas?

Nutrition Science is applicable to all our lives! Students will learn how food affects the body and how health, longevity and quality of life is impacted by diet and lifestyle. The Science of Nutrition (NTRN 1) and Sports Nutrition (NTRN 5) provide students with an understanding of how nutrition plays a role in human health and development. Both classes explore topics such as digestion and metabolism, variation in caloric and nutrient needs, macro- and micronutrient content in relation to dietary reference intakes, phytochemicals and nutrients and their role in health and chronic illness, fad diets, supplements and how to fuel fitness for optimizing athletic performance and fitness. The student will learn practical strategies as well, including reading food labels, deciphering whether nutrition advice/information on the internet is credible or not, and how to eat right when the money is tight (budgeting).  Special topics include, how foods systems impact the environment (deforestation, overfishing, clean water, food borne illness) as it relates to climate change, organic vs. conventional foods, GMO’s, etc. In addition, students will learn about food equity/accessibility and social justice considerations as it relates to the health outcomes of underserved communities.