Minors

Food Science

GMO research of cereals in laboratoryStudying nutrition and food science together provides a comprehensive understanding of food’s journey from production to its impact on human health. This interdisciplinary approach combines the physical and chemical aspects of food with its physiological effects, enabling the development of healthier, more nutritious products that are also safe and appealing. It enhances the ability to create effective dietary strategies for improved health and athletic performance while addressing public health concerns through informed policy-making and consumer education. In the food industry, this combined knowledge drives innovation in processing, preservation, and fortification techniques, ensuring the production of high-quality, nutritious foods. Furthermore, it opens up diverse career opportunities and facilitates advanced research on the intricate relationships between food, nutrition, and health. Ultimately, studying these fields together equips professionals with a unique skill set to tackle complex challenges in food science and nutrition, contributing significantly to individual and population health and well-being.

This minor addresses food science as an academic discipline that utilizes approaches for solving applied science problems associated with the acquisition and processing of food. All students are required to complete at least 15 credits as outlined below:

    • All of the following: ANSC/NUSC 1645; ANSC 4341; NUSC 3233.
    • One of the following: ANSC 3343, 3641.
    • Additional courses from Group B, or the following list to meet the 15 credit total minimum requirement: ANSC 3318, 5641; ARE 3260; NUSC 5500; SPSS 2100.

Students must earn a combined grade point average of 2.5 or higher for all courses listed above. The minor is offered by the Animal Science Department and the Nutritional Sciences Department.

Food Science Minor Recommended Course Sequence
Food Science Minor Plan of Study

To earn the credential of this Minor, students must declare the Minor by submitting the Final Plan of Study after the completion of their required coursework listed above. Students interested in pursuing this minor should contact Dr. Yangchao Luo at yangchao.luo@uconn.edu

 

Nutrition for Exercise and Sport

Student working with professor

Nutrition and exercise science are interconnected. Nutrition is vital in enhancing athletic performance by providing the necessary energy for training and competition, supporting muscle function and growth, and improving endurance. Proper nutrition is key to recovery and injury prevention, aiding in muscle glycogen replenishment, reducing inflammation, and maintaining bone health. It also helps athletes manage their body composition, which is essential for optimal performance in specific sports. Furthermore, nutrition contributes to overall health and well-being by supporting immune function and maintaining micronutrient balance. The study of nutrition in exercise science has led to significant scientific advancements, including personalized nutrition strategies and a better understanding of supplement efficacy. Ultimately, this knowledge empowers athletes and fitness enthusiasts to fuel their bodies effectively for peak physical performance and long-term health. This minor has been established in cooperation with the Departments of Kinesiology and Allied Health Sciences.
    • Students interested in earning the minor should be aware that the required courses have prerequisites. These include NUSC 1165, PNB 2264, 2265 and MCB 2000.
    • All students are required to complete a minimum of 18 credits for the minor.
    • Students in this minor must complete: NUSC 4236, 4250; KINS 4500, 4510; and two or more of the following courses for an additional 5 credits: NUSC 4260, 4299; KINS 3098, 3099, 3320, 3530, 3545; AH 3101, 3231 or 3234.

Nutrition for Exercise and Sport Minor with Didactic Concentration Recommended Course Sequence

Nutrition for Exercise and Sport Minor Plan of Study

Students should meet with the minor advisor Dr. Michael Puglisi at michael.puglisi@uconn.edu. before declaring the minor. Students may declare the minor online at ppc.uconn.edu.