Advisory committee
Margie Carson

Dorothy Chen-Maynard

Rachel Flores

Robin Hernandez

Celine Heskey

Kellene Isom

Craig Jackson, ex officio

Kayla Knight

Jean Sellars

Khongmany Wells

Overview

Registered dietitians/registered dietitian nutritionists (RDs/RDNs) are vital members of the healthcare team who specialize in health promotion, disease prevention, and medical nutrition therapy. Medical nutrition therapy combines the science of nutrition, effective food management, and the art of food presentation to provide nutrition care and guidance that supports healthy food choices throughout the lifespan. Through their expertise, RDs/RDNs help individuals and communities improve health outcomes and enhance quality of life.

Dietetic practice integrates knowledge from food and nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, behavioral and social sciences, business and management, and communication, together with practical applications of food preparation and presentation. This interdisciplinary foundation equips practitioners to promote wellness, prevent disease, and support recovery from illness.

The coordinated program in dietetics, offered jointly by the School of Allied Health Professions and the School of Public Health, provides students the opportunity to pursue either:

  • a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, or
  • a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree in Nutrition.

The program combines rigorous didactic coursework with more than 1,000 hours of supervised professional practice experiences, allowing students to develop the professional competencies, technical abilities, and critical thinking skills required for entry-level practice. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the registration examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Individuals who pass the examination earn the RD/RDN credential.

Opportunities

Dietitians work in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, healthcare facilities, schools, universities, government and community agencies, businesses, and the food and nutrition industry. Increasingly, dietitians are also employed in physician offices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, media and communications, private practice, and entrepreneurial ventures.

As the importance of nutrition in medicine, dentistry, disease prevention, and health promotion continues to gain recognition, the scope of practice for dietitians continues to expand. This growth provides graduates with diverse and evolving career opportunities in a dynamic and rapidly growing profession.

Program learning outcomes

By the end of this program, the graduate should be able to:

  1. Integrate scientific information and translation of research into practice.
  2. Demonstrate beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors consistent with the professional dietitian nutritionist level of practice.
  3. Develop and deliver information, products, and services to individuals, groups, and populations.
  4. Apply principles of strategic management and systems in the provision of services to individuals and organizations.
  5. Plan, process, and perform nutrition-related research while protecting the public.
  6. Demonstrate an ability to translate evidence-based literature into formats that the lay public can understand, including use of videos, writing articles, and counseling.
  7. Evaluate emerging trends in nutrition and give competent, evidence-based answers to the public.
  8. Use metabolic pathways to determine patient and client nutritional needs.

Professional registration

Upon satisfactory completion of the program and upon recommendation of the faculty, the graduate will receive a verification statement and be eligible to take the registration examination for dietitians in order to become a registered dietitian.

Professional association

Students and graduates are eligible for membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The association grants student membership at a discounted rate to students in accredited programs.

The national office of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is located at 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. Along with membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, students become members of the California Dietetic Association. 

Goals of the coordinated program

PROGRAM GOAL 1

The program will prepare students to be competent graduates who are eligible to write the registration examination for dietitians to become entry-level practitioners.

Program Objectives for Goal 1

  1. Eighty percent (80%) of graduates who write the registration examination for dietitians will pass within the first year.
  2. Eighty percent (80%) of students who enter the M.S. or M.P.H. degree programs will complete program/degree requirements within 150 percent of the program length.

PROGRAM GOAL 2

Provide professionally trained registered dietitians with either an emphasis in medical nutrition therapy or public health nutrition who may be employed by or contribute to the healthcare and educational systems of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, or local, national, or international entities.

Program Objectives for Goal 2

  1.  Seventy percent (70%) or more of coordinated program graduates who seek employment in dietetics will be employed within twelve months of program completion.
  2.  Sixty percent (60%) of coordinated program graduates will contribute to the community and/or provide professional leadership in the field of dietetics within five years of graduation.

The coordinated program in dietetics is currently granted continuing accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995; telephone, 800/877-1600, ext. 5400; email, ACEND@eatright.org; ACEND website.

 B.S. AND M.S. TRACK

  • A 3.0 G.P.A. (on a 4.0 scale) or above (science and non-science)
  • An interview
  • Track prerequisites
  • A 3.0 cumulative G.P.A. at completion of undergraduate courses in order to progress to the graduate level

Listed below are the admission and prerequisite requirements to obtain a bachelor's degree from Loma Linda University. These are listed in general education domain order.

PREREQUISITES

Domain 1: Religion (8 quarter units)

(completed during enrollment at LLU)

Domain 2: Arts and humanities (minimum 16 quarter units)

Units must be selected from at least three of the following content areas: civilization/history, art, literature, language, philosophy, religion, or general humanities electives. A minimum of 3 quarter units in an area are required to meet a "content area."

Domain 3: Scientific inquiry and quantitative reasoning (minimum 12 quarter units)

  • College algebra, pre-calculus, or calculus
  • Human anatomy with laboratory and human physiology with laboratory, complete sequence (two terms)
  • General chemistry with laboratory, 3 quarters/2 semesters
  • Microbiology with laboratory

Domain 4: Social sciences (minimum 12 quarter units)

  • Psychology elective (one course minimum)
  • Sociology elective (one course minimum)
  • One course (or components integrated into several courses) dealing specifically with issues of human diversity is required.
  • Select additional units, as needed, from: anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology

Domain 5: Written and oral communication (minimum 9 quarter units)

  • English composition, complete sequence that meets the baccalaureate degree requirements of a four-year college or university.
  • Additional courses may include information systems, critical thinking, and public speaking

Domain 6: Health and wellness

  • DTCS 301 Human Nutrition or equivalent
  • Physical education. Must include at least two separate physical activity courses totaling a minimum of one quarter units or military discharge papers (DD214).

For total unit requirements for graduation, see LLU General Education Requirements.

Electives

As needed to meet the minimum requirement of 106 transferable quarter units. When combined with the 86 undergraduate units required within the program, these units fulfill the 192 total quarter units required for the bachelor’s degree.

PRIOR B.S./B.A. TRACK (NO DPD Verification Statement)

  • An earned baccalaureate degree from a U.S. accredited institution of higher education or an international institution having appropriate government recognition as a degree-granting institution
  • complete track prerequisites
  • have a 3.0 G.P.A. or above (science and non-science prerequisites)
  • complete an interview

PREREQUISITES

  • College algebra, pre-calculus, or calculus
  • Human anatomy with laboratory and human physiology with laboratory, complete sequence (two terms)
  • General chemistry with laboratory (3 quarters/2 semesters)
  • Microbiology with laboratory
  • Human nutrition
  • Medical terminology certificate or course

POST DIDACTIC PROGRAM IN DIETETICS (DPD) TRACK

  • Bachelor's degree from an ACEND-accredited didactic program in dietetics
  • complete track prerequisites
  • have a 3.0 G.P.A. or above (science and non-science)
  • complete an interview
  • provide a DPD verification statement (or equivalent if international)

PREREQUISITES

  • College algebra, pre-calculus, or calculus
  • Human anatomy with laboratory and human physiology with laboratory, complete sequence (two terms)
  • General chemistry with laboratory (3 quarters/2 semesters)
  • Microbiology with laboratory

For total unit requirements for graduation for the B.S. degree, see Division of General Studies, LLU General Education Requirements.

Junior YearUnits
AHCJ 3281Wholeness Portfolio I1
DTCS 302Food Selection and Presentation5
DTCS 3042Community Nutrition4
DTCS 305Professional Issues in Nutrition and Dietetics1
DTCS 321Nutrition and Human Metabolism4
DTCS 329Organic Chemistry with Applications for Nutrition4
DTCS 334Biochemistry with Applications for Nutrition4
DTCS 340Nutrition through Life Stages3
DTCS 371Quantity Food Purchasing, Production, and Service4
DTCS 372Food Systems Organization and Management4
DTCS 338Introduction to Clinical Nutrition2
DTCS 446Nutrition Counseling and Education3
RELT 436Adventist Heritage and Health2
RELE 456Personal and Professional Ethics3
DTCS 452Advanced Nutrition2
RELT 416God and Human Suffering2
Senior Year
AHCJ 407Financial Management2
AHRM 471Statistics and Research for Health Professionals I3
AHRM 472Statistics and Research for Health Professionals II3
DTCS 342Medical Nutrition Therapy I4
DTCS 395Nutrition and Dietetics Practicum12
DTCS 445Nutrition Care Management4
DTCS 461Food Science4
DTCS 476Exercise Physiology in Medical Nutrition Therapy3
RELR 445Wholeness and Health3
Graduate Year
AHCJ 548Human Resource Management in the Health-Care Environment3
DTCS 544Medical Nutrition Therapy II4
AHRM 604Research-Proposal Writing3
DTCS 506Professional Seminar in Nutrition and Dietetics1
DTCS 526Pharmacology in Medical Nutrition Therapy2
DTCS 546Introduction to Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy3
DTCS 554Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy3
DTCS 694Research4
EPDM 509Principles of Epidemiology3
NUTR 517Advanced Nutrition I: Carbohydrates and Lipids4
NUTR 518Advanced Nutrition II: Proteins, Vitamins, and Minerals4
NUTR 519Phytochemicals2
Electives: Any graduate-level course approved by advisor9
REL_ 5__ Graduate-level religion3
 Total Units: 134

Affiliation and practicum units are required in addition to the didactic units listed above.

Affiliation
DTCS 778Clinical Nutrition Affiliation12
1

Register three times to fulfill unit requirement

2

Fulfills service learning requirement

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

The written comprehensive examination assesses the student’s broad understanding of nutrition and dietetics, statistics, and basic research methods. It is typically administered during the Spring Quarter of the graduate year, after the student has successfully completed most of the required coursework.

NORMAL TIME TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM

Three (3) years— one and three quarters (1.75) years (seven [7] academic quarters) of undergraduate work for the B.S. plus one and a quarter (1.25) years (five [5] academic quarters) of graduate-level courses at LLU — based on full-time enrollment; part time permitted.

First YearUnits
AHCJ 5191Graduate Wholeness Portfolio1
AHRM 571Statistics and Research for Health Professionals I3
AHRM 572Statistics and Research for Health Professionals II3
AHRM 604Research-Proposal Writing1-6
DTCS 329Organic Chemistry with Applications for Nutrition4
DTCS 502Food Selection and Presentation5
DTCS 507Professional Issues in Nutrition and Dietetics1
DTCS 5082Community Nutrition4
DTCS 521Nutrition and Human Metabolism4
DTCS 530Biochemistry with Applications for Nutrition4
DTCS 538Introduction to Clinical Nutrition2
DTCS 540Nutrition through Life Stages3
DTCS 541Medical Nutrition Therapy I4
DTCS 544Medical Nutrition Therapy II4
DTCS 548Nutrition Counseling and Education3
DTCS 571Quantity Food Purchasing, Production, and Service4
DTCS 572Food Systems Organization and Management4
Second Year
AHCJ 548Human Resource Management in the Health-Care Environment3
DTCS 506Professional Seminar in Nutrition and Dietetics1
DTCS 526Pharmacology in Medical Nutrition Therapy2
DTCS 545Nutrition Care Management4
DTCS 546Introduction to Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy3
DTCS 554Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy3
DTCS 566Food Chemistry and Experimental Foods4
DTCS 576Exercise Physiology in Medical Nutrition Therapy3
DTCS 694Research1-8
EPDM 509Principles of Epidemiology3
NUTR 517Advanced Nutrition I: Carbohydrates and Lipids4
NUTR 518Advanced Nutrition II: Proteins, Vitamins, and Minerals4
NUTR 519Phytochemicals2
RELE 524 (or any other Ethics course)Bioethics and Society3
Third Year
RELR 575 (or any other Relation course)Whole Person Care3
 Total Units: 97-109

The Master of Science degree for graduates of a bachelor-level Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is designed for individuals who prefer not to pursue a traditional dietetic internship but wish to complete a coordinated master’s program that includes supervised practice. This pathway enables graduates to meet eligibility requirements to sit for the registration examination for dietitians. The curriculum builds upon prior didactic coursework in nutrition and dietetics and culminates in the awarding of an M.S. degree along with a verification statement confirming completion of both didactic and supervised practice requirements.

First YearUnits
AHCJ 519Graduate Wholeness Portfolio1
AHRM 571Statistics and Research for Health Professionals I3
AHRM 572Statistics and Research for Health Professionals II3
AHRM 604Research-Proposal Writing3
DTCS 521Nutrition and Human Metabolism4
DTCS 526Pharmacology in Medical Nutrition Therapy2
DTCS 545Nutrition Care Management4
DTCS 575Food Systems Management5
DTCS 576Exercise Physiology in Medical Nutrition Therapy3
EPDM 509Principles of Epidemiology3
NUTR 517Advanced Nutrition I: Carbohydrates and Lipids4
NUTR 518Advanced Nutrition II: Proteins, Vitamins, and Minerals4
Religion Elective (RELE)3
Graduate Electives5
Second Year
AHCJ 548Human Resource Management in the Health-Care Environment3
DTCS 506Professional Seminar in Nutrition and Dietetics1
DTCS 546Introduction to Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy3
DTCS 554Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy3
DTCS 694Research4
NUTR 510Advanced Public Health Nutrition3
NUTR 519Phytochemicals2
Religion Elective (RELR) 3
 Total Units: 69

Affiliation and practicum units are required in addition to the didactic units listed above.

Affiliation and practicum
DTCS 778Clinical Nutrition Affiliation12
DTCS 795Nutrition and Dietetics Graduate Practicum12
Total Units24

Comprehensive Examination

The written comprehensive examination assesses the student’s broad understanding of nutrition and dietetics, statistics, and basic research methods. It is typically administered during the Spring Quarter of the graduate year, after the student has successfully completed most of the required coursework.

NORMAL TIME TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM

Two (2) years (eight [8] academic quarters) at LLU — based on full-time enrollment.

Courses

DTCS 205. Introduction to Human Nutrition and Wellness. 4 Units.

Covers the science and fundamentals of human nutrition. Topics covered will include macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and protein), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), digestion, dietary guidelines (food labels), food sources of nutrients, food safety, and nutritional needs at different life stages. Emphasizes prevention and management of various health conditions through nutrition.

DTCS 301. Human Nutrition. 3 Units.

Fundamentals of normal nutrition. Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals; their roles in human metabolism. Introduction to nutrition in the life cycle. Per week: lecture three hours.

DTCS 302. Food Selection and Presentation. 5 Units.

Develops food preparation techniques. Addresses changes associated with maturation, preservation, preparation, transportation, and storage in relation to food quality; nutritional concepts and cultural food patterns in planning and producing meals; meal service in professional settings; and appreciation of food as a nutrient delivery pathway for gustatory perspective. Per week: Lecture (3 hours), practicum (6 hours). Laboratory fee.
Prerequisite: Basic Nutrition.

DTCS 304. Community Nutrition. 4 Units.

Community-based nutrition education which requires knowledge of normal nutrition and life-cycle issues. Includes nutrition assessment; medical nutrition-therapy topics; legislative processes and politics; program planning, implementation, management, and evaluation; counseling, teaching, and facilitating group processes; interpreting data and research findings; identifying and accessing community nutrition resources.

DTCS 305. Professional Issues in Nutrition and Dietetics. 1 Unit.

Examines the growth of nutrition and dietetics as a profession, and the role of the professional in the restoration and maintenance of health. Nontraditional roles of the registered dietitian and dietetic technician, registered. Emphasizes development of professionalism, accountability, and responsibility for life-long learning. Requires preparation of a professional portfolio and a project completed throughout the program and submitted prior to graduation. May be repeated once for credit.

DTCS 321. Nutrition and Human Metabolism. 4 Units.

Nutritional requirements and metabolism of essential nutrients for the human organism at the cellular level. Focuses on macro- and micronutrients metabolism. Per week: lecture four hours.
Prerequisite: Anatomy and physiology, biochemistry.

DTCS 329. Organic Chemistry with Applications for Nutrition. 4 Units.

Covers the nomenclature, chemical/physical properties, and common reactions of carbon-based compounds relevant to human nutrition.

DTCS 334. Biochemistry with Applications for Nutrition. 4 Units.

The chemistry and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Preliminarily investigates the chemical basis of life processes, emphasizing aspects of human nutrition. Includes laboratory experiments to support student competency.
Prerequisite: DTCS 329; or equivalent.

DTCS 338. Introduction to Clinical Nutrition. 2 Units.

Basic knowledge of the responsibilities of the clinical dietitian: familiarizing students with the electronic medical record and the nutrition care process. Emphasizes nutrition assessment knowledge and skills.

DTCS 340. Nutrition through Life Stages. 3 Units.

Includes a review of basic nutrition, as well as normal nutrition needs of individuals across the life span, with a focus on pregnancy and lactation; normal infant growth and development; and childhood and adolescence. Adult men’s and women’s health issues, geriatrics, food allergies, vegetarian diets, obesity, and eating disorders.

DTCS 342. Medical Nutrition Therapy I. 5 Units.

Basic biochemical and physiological conditions necessitating dietary modifications in the clinical management of the patient. Includes cardiovascular disease and hypertension, diabetes. Involves patient interviewing and counseling, nutrition assessment and documentation, and use of computer-assisted nutritional analysis. Ongoing study of medical terminology. Advanced topics include lipids and antioxidants.

DTCS 343. Medical Nutrition Therapy II. 5 Units.

Basic biochemical and pathophysiologic processes necessitating dietary modifications in clinical patients with pulmonary disease; disorders of the digestive, liver, and biliary systems, and pancreas; alcoholism; renal disease; solid-organ transplantation; and sepsis/trauma. Nutrition assessment, patient interviewing, and counseling. Applies enteral and parenteral nutrition support when indicated. Introduces preparation of an in-depth case study.

DTCS 371. Quantity Food Purchasing, Production, and Service. 4 Units.

Emphasizes methods to achieve quantitative and qualitative standards in quantity food production. Menu planning for institutions. Practicum in food purchasing, production, and service. Open to dietetics students only. Per week: lecture two hours, practicum six hours.

DTCS 372. Food Systems Organization and Management. 4 Units.

Studies food-service systems. Effective utilization of resources within the food system. Computer application in food-systems management. Per week: lecture two hours, practicum six hours.

DTCS 395. Nutrition and Dietetics Practicum. 12 Units.

Supervised experience in medical nutrition therapy, community, and administrative dietetics in hospitals, outpatient clinics, public health departments, and food systems. Performance review and evaluation. Ten weeks (400 clock hours) during the summer at the end of the junior year.

DTCS 405. Senior Seminar. 1 Unit.

Develops professional skills, team efforts to market nutrition in the community, volunteer efforts in the community, professional networking, and special topics as determined by nutrition and dietetics faculty. Emphasizes professional portfolio and transition to entry-level nutrition educator/dietitian/food service director. Introduces preparation of an in-depth case study.

DTCS 445. Nutrition Care Management. 4 Units.

Applies operations analysis, financial management, quantitative decision making, and productivity-management techniques to enhance the delivery of nutrition care. Staff justification, continuous quality improvement, reimbursement for nutrition services, case management, and entrepreneurship.

DTCS 446. Nutrition Counseling and Education. 3 Units.

Applies techniques of nutrition counseling, with emphasis on improving skills in verbal and nonverbal communication, assertiveness, and dealing with cultural differences as well as death and dying. Builds skills in administration for the nutrition counselor. Discusses ethical implications in health care. Per week: Lecture (2 hours), practicum (3 hours).
Prerequisite: DTCS 343.

DTCS 452. Advanced Nutrition. 2 Units.

Covers three interrelated topics in modern nutrition research: functional foods that provide physiological benefit beyond meeting basic nutritional needs; food toxicology—that is, the physiological consequences of natural and synthetic toxins found in the foods we consume; and nutritional genomics applied to evaluation of the links between nutrition, health, and the human genome.
Prerequisite: DTCS 321.

DTCS 453. Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy. 3 Units.

Theory and application of critical-care nutrition to complex medical conditions. Interpretation and synthesis of fluid and electrolyte balance, acid/base balance, vital signs, ICU monitoring forms, interpretation of laboratory data and diagnostic tests, medical and surgical history, and drug/nutrient interactions. Focus on a problem-list approach to nutrition assessment, documentation, intervention, and outcome evaluation. Per week: lecture two hours, practicum three hours.

DTCS 454. Advanced Nutrition. 2 Units.

Covers two interrelated topics in modern nutrition research: food toxicology, the physiological consequences of natural and synthetic toxins found in the foods we consume; and nutritional genomics applied to evaluating the links between nutrition, health, and the human genome.
Prerequisite: DTCS 321.

DTCS 461. Food Science. 4 Units.

Chemical, physical, and biological effects of maturation, processing, storage, and preservation on the structure, composition, palatability, product quality, and microbiological safety of food and its additives. Per week: lecture four hours, laboratory three hours. Laboratory fee.
Prerequisite: Basic foods, human nutrition, organic chemistry.

DTCS 473. Medical Nutrition Therapy Affiliation. 6,12 Units.

Student applies knowledge and skills in clinical facilities as they work with a staff dietitian and confers with supervisor to develop and enhance advanced-level professional competence. Student completes a major project relating to medical nutrition therapy. For 6 units, minimum of five weeks (200 clock hours); for 12 units, minimum of ten weeks (400 clock hours). May take more than once for credit.

DTCS 476. Exercise Physiology in Medical Nutrition Therapy. 3 Units.

Basic preparation for development and leadership of exercise programs. Includes: exercise-physiology training, acute and chronic effects of exercise, simple assessment of fitness, role of exercise in prevention of common health problems, and management of selected risk factors. Discusses endurance, strength, flexibility, and aerobic exercises. Laboratory included.
Prerequisite: Anatomy and physiology.

DTCS 499. Nutrition and Dietetics Independent Study. 1-5 Units.

Project or paper to be submitted on a topic of current interest in an area of nutrition and dietetics. Regular meetings provide the student with guidance and evaluation. Elected on the basis of need or interest.

DTCS 502. Food Selection and Presentation. 5 Units.

Develops food preparation techniques. Addresses changes associated with maturation, preservation, preparation, transportation, and storage in relation to food quality; nutritional concepts and cultural food patterns in planning and producing meals; meal service in professional settings; and appreciation of food as a nutrient delivery pathway for gustatory perspective. Per week: Lecture (3 hours), practicum (6 hours). Laboratory fee.
Prerequisite: A basic nutrition course.

DTCS 504. Metabolism of Nutrients. 5 Units.

The study of normal metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Includes vitamin and mineral involvement, as well as metabolic changes due to the presence of various hormonal states.

DTCS 506. Professional Seminar in Nutrition and Dietetics. 1 Unit.

Review and application of topics in nutrition and dietetics in preparation for professional practice and the registration examination for dietitians. Student presentations covering professional competencies and material essential for high-level practice.

DTCS 507. Professional Issues in Nutrition and Dietetics. 1 Unit.

Examines the growth of nutrition and dietetics as a profession, and the role of the professional in the restoration and maintenance of health. Nontraditional roles of the registered dietitian and dietetic technician, registered. Emphasizes development of professionalism, accountability, and responsibility for life-long learning. Requires preparation of a professional portfolio and a project completed throughout the program and submitted prior to graduation. May be repeated once for credit.

DTCS 508. Community Nutrition. 4 Units.

Focuses on community-based nutrition education, building on foundational knowledge of normal nutrition and life-cycle needs. Emphasizes skills in nutrition assessment, relevant medical nutrition therapy topics, legislative and policy processes, and program planning, implementation, management, and evaluation. Includes training in counseling, group facilitation, teaching strategies, interpreting research and data, and utilizing community nutrition resources effectively.

DTCS 510. Public Health Nutrition Issues and Policies. 3 Units.

Nutrition policies and interventions that lead to prevention of and care for diseases prevalent in the community. Genetic and environmental influences related to nutrition health studies.

DTCS 517. Carbohydrates and Lipids. 4 Units.

A comprehensive study of the sources, metabolism, and function of carbohydrates and lipid—including their influence on human health and disease states.

DTCS 518. Proteins, Vitamins and Minerals. 4 Units.

A comprehensive study of the sources, metabolism, and function of proteins, vitamins, and minerals—including their influence on human health and disease states.

DTCS 519. Functional Foods and Phytochemicals. 2 Units.

Study of phytochemicals and their impact on treatment and prevention of diseases and their role in health maintenance.

DTCS 521. Nutrition and Human Metabolism. 4 Units.

Continues the exploration of macronutrient metabolism with an in-depth focus on the biochemical pathways of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Examines the hormonal regulation of these pathways during fed and fasting states, and discusses metabolic adaptations during exercise and in conditions such as diabetes.
Prerequisite: Anatomy and physiology, biochemistry.

DTCS 524. Food Ethics. 2 Units.

Explores ethical issues related to food, nutrition, and dietetics. Topics include food science, policy, food security, religious and cultural beliefs, malnutrition, professional practices, media, and marketing.

DTCS 526. Pharmacology in Medical Nutrition Therapy. 2 Units.

Pharmacology at the graduate level, including kinetics, dynamics, and therapeutics of drugs. Basic definitions, sources of information, classification of drugs, and principles and mechanisms of drug actions. Emphasizes drug-nutrient interactions.

DTCS 530. Biochemistry with Applications for Nutrition. 4 Units.

Explores the chemistry and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, with an emphasis on their roles in human nutrition. Introduces the chemical foundations of biological processes. Includes laboratory activities designed to reinforce core concepts and support student skill development.
Prerequisite: DTCS 329; or equivalent.

DTCS 534. Pediatric Medical Nutrition Therapy. 3 Units.

Management of the nutrition needs of the pediatric population. Focuses on growth and development in the normal and abnormal child. Addresses the biochemical and physiological conditions that necessitate dietary modifications in the clinical management of the patient. Per week: lecture 2 hours, practicum 3 hours.

DTCS 536. Health Care Financial Management. 3 Units.

Management of the nutrition care-management system involving prospective reimbursement and dietitian billing, business plan development, budget development and analysis of budget variances, operation statements, and productivity related to a department budget.

DTCS 538. Introduction to Clinical Nutrition. 2 Units.

Introduces the fundamental responsibilities of the clinical dietitian, including the use of the electronic medical record and application of the Nutrition Care Process. Emphasizes development of knowledge and skills in nutrition assessment within clinical settings.

DTCS 540. Nutrition through Life Stages. 3 Units.

Reviews fundamental nutrition principles and examines the nutritional needs throughout the life span. Emphasizes nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, infant growth and development, childhood, and adolescence. Also addresses adult health concerns, aging, food allergies, vegetarian diets, obesity, and eating disorders.

DTCS 541. Medical Nutrition Therapy I. 4 Units.

Explores the biochemical and physiological conditions that require dietary modifications in clinical settings. Focuses on the nutritional management of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Emphasizes patient interviewing, counseling, nutrition assessment, documentation, and computer-assisted dietary analysis. Includes continued study of medical terminology and advanced topics such as lipids and antioxidants.

DTCS 542. Nutrient Delivery, Education, and Counseling. 2 Units.

Techniques and models used in the nutrition intervention step of the nutrition care process. Investigates food/nutrient provision, education (assessment to evaluation), counseling (theoretical basis/approach and strategies); as well as coordination of nutrition care.

DTCS 544. Medical Nutrition Therapy II. 4 Units.

Explores biochemical and pathophysiologic conditions requiring dietary intervention, including pulmonary disease (e.g., cystic fibrosis), GI and liver disorders, renal disease, transplants, trauma, metabolic and neurologic disorders. Emphasizes nutrition assessment, counseling, and use of enteral/parenteral nutrition. Includes in-depth case study and graduate-level project. Format: 3 hours lecture, 3 hours practicum per week. S. and M.S.; M.S. (Prior B.S.), M.S. (DPD) OR NUTR 557 (Nutrition (Coordinated Program w/Dietetics) MPH).
Prerequisite or concurrent*: Prerequisite. $2.

DTCS 545. Nutrition Care Management. 4 Units.

Applies classical management theories and current application in the delivery of nutrition care; applies continuous quality management, staffing decision making, operations analysis, business planning, quantitative decision making, and productivity-management techniques to enhance the delivery of nutrition care. Includes reimbursement for nutrition services, servant leadership, case management, and entrepreneurship. Major paper due at end of quarter.

DTCS 546. Introduction to Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy. 3 Units.

Introduces guiding principles for the practice of integrative and functional medical nutrition therapy. Applies the clinical nutrition care process (assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation) to restoring function for a client, focusing on nutritional imbalances characteristic of chronic disease pathophysiology, supporting individuals with persistent symptoms, and preventing chronic disease by addressing root causes.
Prerequisite: DTCS 342 or DTCS 541, DTCS 343 or DTCS 544.

DTCS 548. Nutrition Counseling and Education. 3 Units.

Develops practical skills in nutrition counseling with a focus on verbal and nonverbal communication, assertiveness, and sensitivity to cultural differences including topics such as death and dying. Enhances administrative competencies for nutrition counselors and addresses ethical considerations in healthcare. Includes 2 hours of lecture and 3 hours of practicum per week.

DTCS 554. Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy. 3 Units.

Uses case-study approach to apply critical care nutrition to complex medical conditions. Interprets and synthesizes decision information regarding fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, vital signs, ICU and surgical history, and drug-nutrient interactions. Focuses on problem-based evaluation. Develops and analyzes a clinical case study. Emphasizes geriatric care and the special needs of this population.

DTCS 566. Food Chemistry and Experimental Foods. 4 Units.

Chemical, physical, and biological changes of food in processing and preservation. Experimentation in recipe development and improving the nutritional quality of food.

DTCS 571. Quantity Food Purchasing, Production, and Service. 4 Units.

Focuses on achieving both quantitative and qualitative standards in large-scale food production. Covers institutional menu planning along with hands-on experience in food purchasing, preparation, and service. Designed exclusively for dietetics students. Includes two hours of lecture and six hours of practicum each week.

DTCS 572. Food Systems Organization and Management. 4 Units.

Examines food-service systems and the efficient use of resources within those systems. Emphasizes practical applications of computer technology in managing food-service operations. Includes two hours of lecture and six hours of practicum each week.

DTCS 574. Advanced Food Systems Management. 3 Units.

Develops competencies in total quality management; quality control; production planning, including forecasting production demand; linear programming; program evaluation and review technique (PERT); productivity management, including line balancing; financial management, including economics; food and labor cost control; budgeting project; and financial analysis of operations. Per week: lecture 3 hours, practicum three hours.

DTCS 575. Food Systems Management. 5 Units.

Develops administrative skills in effective management of food systems. Qualitative and quantitative standards, budget development and analysis, labor-management relations, computer-assisted information system.

DTCS 576. Exercise Physiology in Medical Nutrition Therapy. 3 Units.

Develops leadership in the development and presentation of exercise programs. Includes exercise-physiology training, acute and chronic effects of exercise, simple assessment of fitness, role of exercise in prevention of common health problems, and management of selected risk factors. Discusses endurance, strength, flexibility, and aerobic exercises. Laboratory included.

DTCS 584. Contemporary Issues in the Dietetic Profession. 4 Units.

Investigates nutrition trends in the public arena. Reviews current nutrition topics in popular literature, with evaluation of health implications using peer-reviewed evidence.

DTCS 585. Operations Management in Food and Nutrition Services. 4 Units.

Develops conceptual skills in operation of a food or nutrition service using quantitative decision making, forecasting, planning tools, development of quality standards and control mechanisms, job design, layout, work measurement, inventory control, and information systems.

DTCS 589. Capstone Course in Nutrition and Dietetics. 3 Units.

Develops a systems viewpoint of advanced medical nutrition therapy, management skills, and application of technology. Advanced application of operations management in nutrition care; development and application of high ethical standards in all aspects of the profession—including patient care; and human-resource management. Identifies trends that affect the operation of the department.

DTCS 599. Nutrition and Dietetics Independent Study. 1-5 Units.

Project or paper to be submitted on a topic of current interest in an area of nutrition and dietetics. Regular meetings provide the student with guidance and evaluation. Elected on the basis of need or interest.

DTCS 605. Nutrition Seminar. 1 Unit.

Study and discussion of current topics in nutrition. Requires a major paper, including meta-analysis of literature and presentation of a nutrition topic.

DTCS 694. Research. 1-8 Units.

Independent research for doctoral degree candidates and qualified master's degree students on problems currently being studied in the department, or in other department(s) with which they collaborate. Research program arranged with faculty member(s) involved. Minimum of 100 hours required for each unit of credit. Written report required.

DTCS 777. Food Systems Management Affiliation. 6 Units.

Five weeks (200 hours) of supervised experience in food systems management in health care or school food service. May be repeated for additional credit.
Prerequisite: DTCS 575.

DTCS 778. Clinical Nutrition Affiliation. 6,12 Units.

Student applies knowledge and skills in clinical facilities as they work with a staff dietitian and confers with supervisor to develop and enhance advanced-level professional competence. Student completes a major project relating to medical nutrition therapy. For 6 units, minimum of five weeks (200 clock hours); for 12 units, minimum of ten weeks (400 clock hours). May be repeated for additional credit.

DTCS 795. Nutrition and Dietetics Graduate Practicum. 12 Units.

Supervised professional practice in medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, and food systems management. Professional experiences in health care, public health centers, and food production facilities. Performance review and assessment, written weekly reports of learning achieved, and review. May be repeated for additional units. Ten weeks (400 clock hours) during the summer term.