In the United States, diet-related diseases have become a major public health threat. And, while there are many half-baked theories on how to lose weight, gain energy, or boost your immune system it can be hard to tell what is junk and what is actually good for you.
Allan Hancock College's nutrition and dietetics program can fill you with the knowledge you need to make a difference in your community. Students in this program will learn about the relationship of the human diet to health and lifestyle-related diseases.
Graduates in this field may work in hospitals, clinical dietetics, food manufacturing companies, academic institutions, public health organizations, government agencies, wellness centers and more. The Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics prepares students for transfer into the CSU system to pursue further education and training to become registered dietitians (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN).
This program will help you to:
- identify essential nutrients and and requirements for optimal health
- understand food sources, digestion, absorption, transport, metabolism, functions in the body
- apply dietary guidelines to develop meal plans and lifestyle patterns that meet individual needs
- promote health and reduce disease risk
- critically evaluate scientific research and nutrition information
- develop evidence-based responses to questions about diet and health
- communicate nutrition concepts clearly, accurately, and effectively
Suggested Course Sequence
The “Suggested Course Sequence” is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite : CHEM 120
A study of the principles and theories of chemistry. Topics include the kinetic molecular theory of matter, atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding, gases and stoichiometry. Experiments in standard qualitative and quantitative analysis emphasizing the collection and interpretation of data are covered in the lab. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
Prerequisite : Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
This course covers the science of foods and the nutrients they contain, and of their actions within the body. Emphasis is placed on individual dietary needs, current nutrition and health issues, and application of evidence-based nutrition information. Students utilize computer software to analyze personal diet records and plan healthful meals.
Prerequisite : MATH 331 or Placement according to AHC placement policy.
A study of descriptive and inferential statistics including applications in the behavioral and natural sciences. Topics include classification and analysis of data, probability, distributions, sampling, the binomial, normal, t, F, and chi-square distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, analysis of variance and non-parametric methods. Calculators and/or computers will be used throughout.
Total Units:
16
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
An introduction to microorganisms, including morphology, physiology, and growth of bacteria and other microorganisms such as viruses. The role of bacteria and viruses as part of the human microbiome and host defenses against pathogens are emphasized. Laboratory procedures include identification, growth and metabolism of bacteria. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 5 hours weekly.
Prerequisite : CHEM 150
A continuation of Chemistry 150, emphasizing the development of the principles and theories of chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics and electro-chemistry, including an introduction to modern means of instrumental analysis. The laboratory consists of experiments in standard qualitative and quantitative analysis. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
15.5 TO 16.5
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories : ENGL 101
An Introduction to the concepts, methods, and techniques of psychology. Topics may include: critical thinking, nervous system, perception, learning, motivation, emotion, stress, prejudice, human interactions and social influences, psychological disorders and therapy.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ENGL 103, Critical Thinking and Composition
- PHIL 112, Logic
- PHIL 114, Critical Thinking
- COMM 106, Argumentation and Debate
Select one course from this list.
Choose one of the following courses:
- COMM 101, Public Speaking,
- COMM 102, Small Group Communication,
- COMM 106, Argumentation and Debate,
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
15 TO 17
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Select one course from area C1: Arts or from area C2: Humanities
Recommended one from this list:
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
Or choose a course from this list.
Note: Recommended courses also fulfill CSU US History and American Institutions Graduation Requirement
Recommended one from this list:
- ES 121, African American History
- HIST 107, US History to 1877
- HIST 108, US History from 1877 to the Present
- HIST 118, U S History American Institutions Requirement
Or choose a course from this list.
Note: Recommended courses also fulfill CSU US History and American Institutions Graduation Requirement
If you did not satisfy this requirement with high school coursework or an external exam, complete one of the courses from this list. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, see a counselor.
- ES 120: Chicano History
- ES 121: African American History
- HIST 120: Chicano History
- HIST 121: African American History
NOTE: Students who started at Allan Hancock College (or any CCC or CSU) prior to Summer 2021 and have maintained continuous enrollment are not required to complete Area F for CSU GE Certification. See a counselor for further information.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
15
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 27.5 - 29.5 units is required for the degree.
Required core courses 20.5 units:
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 128 | Microbiology | 4.500 - 0.000 |
| CHEM 150 | General Chemistry 1 | 5.000 - 0.000 |
| CHEM 151 | General Chemistry 2 | 5.000 - 0.000 |
| FSN 110 | Nutrition Science | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
List A - Select one course (4-5 units) from the following:
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 124 | Human Anatomy | 4.000 - 0.000 |
| BIOL 125 | Human Physiology | 4.000 - 0.000 |
| CHEM 180 | Organic Chemistry 1 | 5.000 - 0.000 |
| MATH 123 | Elementary Statistics | 4.000 - 0.000 |
List B - Select one course (3-4 units) from the following:
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CA 120 | Principles of Foods 1 | 4.000 - 0.000 |
| FSN 133 | Introduction To Food Science | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| FSN 134 | Food, Nutrition Customs and Culture | 4.000 - 0.000 |
General Education
Please refer to the "Suggested Course Sequence" tab for General Education requirements.
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite : CHEM 120
A study of the principles and theories of chemistry. Topics include the kinetic molecular theory of matter, atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding, gases and stoichiometry. Experiments in standard qualitative and quantitative analysis emphasizing the collection and interpretation of data are covered in the lab. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
Prerequisite : Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
This course covers the science of foods and the nutrients they contain, and of their actions within the body. Emphasis is placed on individual dietary needs, current nutrition and health issues, and application of evidence-based nutrition information. Students utilize computer software to analyze personal diet records and plan healthful meals.
Prerequisite : MATH 331 or Placement according to AHC placement policy.
A study of descriptive and inferential statistics including applications in the behavioral and natural sciences. Topics include classification and analysis of data, probability, distributions, sampling, the binomial, normal, t, F, and chi-square distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, analysis of variance and non-parametric methods. Calculators and/or computers will be used throughout.
Total Units:
16
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
An introduction to microorganisms, including morphology, physiology, and growth of bacteria and other microorganisms such as viruses. The role of bacteria and viruses as part of the human microbiome and host defenses against pathogens are emphasized. Laboratory procedures include identification, growth and metabolism of bacteria. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 5 hours weekly.
Prerequisite : CHEM 150
A continuation of Chemistry 150, emphasizing the development of the principles and theories of chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics and electro-chemistry, including an introduction to modern means of instrumental analysis. The laboratory consists of experiments in standard qualitative and quantitative analysis. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
15.5 to 16.5
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories : ENGL 101
An Introduction to the concepts, methods, and techniques of psychology. Topics may include: critical thinking, nervous system, perception, learning, motivation, emotion, stress, prejudice, human interactions and social influences, psychological disorders and therapy.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ENGL 103, Critical Thinking and Composition
- PHIL 114, Critical Thinking
Select one course from this list.
Choose one of the following courses:
- COMM 101, Public Speaking
- COMM 102, Small Group Communication
- COMM 106, Argumentation and Debate
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
15 TO 17
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Select one course from area Area 3A: Arts or from area Area 3B: Humanities
If you are planning to transfer to a CSU campus, it is recommended that you take one U.S. History course (HIST 107, 108 or 118) AND one American Institutions (POLS 101 or 103) course. If not, select one course from this list.
If you did not satisfy this requirement with high school coursework or an external exam, complete one of the courses from this list. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, see a counselor.
- ES 120: Chicano History
- ES 121: African American History
- HIST 120: Chicano History
- HIST 121: African American History
If you did not satisfy this requirement with high school coursework or an external exam, complete one of the courses from this list. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, see a counselor.
- ASL 120: American Sign Language 1
- ASL 121: American Sign Language 2
- ASL 124:
- FRCH 101: Elementary French I
- FRCH 102: Elementary French II
- SPAN 101: Elementary Spanish I
- SPAN 102: Elementary Spanish II
- SPAN 103: Intermediate Spanish I
- SPAN 104: Intermediate Spanish II
- SPAN 105: Advanced Composition and Grammar
- SPAN 112: Advanced Spanish Conversation
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
15 to 17
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 27.5 - 29.5 units is required for the degree.
Required core courses 20.5 units:
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 128 | Microbiology | 4.500 - 0.000 |
| CHEM 150 | General Chemistry 1 | 5.000 - 0.000 |
| CHEM 151 | General Chemistry 2 | 5.000 - 0.000 |
| FSN 110 | Nutrition Science | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
List A - Select one course (4-5 units) from the following:
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 124 | Human Anatomy | 4.000 - 0.000 |
| BIOL 125 | Human Physiology | 4.000 - 0.000 |
| CHEM 180 | Organic Chemistry 1 | 5.000 - 0.000 |
| MATH 123 | Elementary Statistics | 4.000 - 0.000 |
List B - Select one course (3-4 units) from the following:
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CA 120 | Principles of Foods 1 | 4.000 - 0.000 |
| FSN 133 | Introduction To Food Science | 3.000 - 0.000 |
| FSN 134 | Food, Nutrition Customs and Culture | 4.000 - 0.000 |
General Education
Please refer to the "Suggested Course Sequence" tab for General Education requirements.
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Contact Information
Department Chair
Thesa Roepke
805-922-6966 ext. 3436
troepke@hancockcollege.edu
Administrative Assistant
Sandra C. Orozco
805-922-6966 ext. 3401
sorozco@hancockcollege.edu
Dean, Academic Affairs
Sofia Ramirez-Gelpi
805-922-6966 ext. 3325
sgelpi@hancockcollege.edu
LOCATION
Santa Maria Campus
Bldg. H
805-922-6966 ext. 3401
