Science of Food Nutrition and Exercise

The program meets the pre-professional academic requirements for medical, dental, physical therapy, nursing, physician assistant, veterinary, and other professional programs. The degree may be tailored to individual needs through controlled electives, field studies, and internships.

The curriculum offers a strong background in basic sciences, including a year of chemistry, biology, and human anatomy and physiology. Students will also study exercise physiology, nutrition, epidemiology, metabolism, and behavior modification.  

After graduating, employment opportunities include laboratory research in a variety of settings,  clinical exercise physiology, and health and fitness organizations.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions

1004: FOODS, NUTRITION AND EXERCISE
Scientific information applied to current concerns in foods, nutrition and exercise as it affects the nutritional health well-being of humans. (3H,3C) I,II.

1114: ORIENTATION TO HNFE
An introduction to the academic and career planning for students in the Human Nutrition, Foods & Exercise major. (1H,1C)

1214: WEIGHT TRAINING
This course is designed to enhance muscular function to enable one to engage in activities requiring greater than normal levels of muscular development. Pass/Fail only. (3L,1C)

1264: RACQUETBALL
This course will provide basic instruction in the fundamentals of racquetball. Pass/Fail only. (3L,1C)

2004: PROFESSIONAL DIETETICS
Introduction to the profession of dietetics with emphasis on competencies, preparation, and responsibilities associated with dietetic practice. Overview of the structure of The American Dietetic Association (ADA) and its relationship to the dietetic professional. Discussion of current professional concerns. Co: 2014. (1H,1C) II.

2014: NUTRITION ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN
Nutritional requirements and related health concerns of pregnant and lactating women, infants, children, adults and the elderly are studied in relation to the physiological and metabolic aspects of pregnancy, lactation, growth and development, maintenance of health, prevention of disease, and aging. 1 year of biology or chemistry required. CHEM 1056 may be substituted for co-requisite CHEM 1036. Pre: 1004, (CHEM 1035 or CHEM 1055). Co: CHEM 1036. (3H,3C)

2014H: NUTRITION ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN
Honors section Pre: 1004, CHEM 1035, CHEM 1036. (3H,3C)

2204: MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
Structure, pronunciation, and use of medical terms; anatomical structures and body systems; terms used in pathology, testing, diagnosis, surgery, pharmacology and treatment. Pre: (BIOL 1005 or BIOL 1105 or BIOL 1205H), (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106 or BIOL 1206H). (3H,3C)

2224: FOOD SELECTION AND PREPARATION LABORATORY
Principles of food preparation and the effect on food quality determined by objective and sensory evaluation. Food choices at the market and consumer consumption and utilization. Pre: (CHEM 1036 or CHEM 1056), HNFE 1004. Co: 2234. (3L,1C) I,II.

2234: FOOD SELECTION AND PREPARATION
Principles of the selection and preparation of foods with emphasis on the preparation and the effect on flavor, texture, and nutritive properties of food. Pre: (CHEM 1035 or CHEM 1055), (CHEM 1036 or CHEM 1056), HNFE 1004. Co: 2224. (2H,2C) I,II.

2254: EXERCISE LEADERSHIP - GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Review of the physiological and behavioral concepts and practical skills required to be an effective group fitness instructor for the general population as well as special audiences. Training and certification for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Fibrillation Certification- CPR and AED is provided. Prepares students to successfully complete the American Council on Exercise Group Fitness Instructor National Certification Exam. Pass/Fail only. (2H,2C)

2264: EXERCISE LEADERSHIP- PERSONAL TRAINER
Review of the physiological and behavioral concepts and practical skills required to be an effective personal trainer, for the general population as well as special audiences. Training and certification for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Fibrillation Certification- CPR and AED is provided. Prepares students to successfully complete the American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer National Certification Exam. Pass/Fail only. (2H,2C)

2544 (FST 2544): FUNCTIONAL FOODS FOR HEALTH
Introduction to functional foods (foods with additional value beyond basic nutrition) including development of functional foods, novel sources, and traditional foods with value-added health benefit; regulatory issues; and media messages. (3H,3C)

2664: BEHAVIORAL NUTRITION & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Epidemiological evidence of the benefits of healthful eating and physical activity. Interactions between individuals, the physical/social environment, interpersonal, and intrapersonal determinants of a healthful diet and regular physical activity. Theories underlying individual behavior change and promising approaches for the promotion of healthful eating and physical activity. (3H,3C)

2774: TOPICS IN HNFE
A variable-content course. Explores significant contemporary topics in the areas of nutrition, foods, exercise and health. May be repeated for up to six credits. Variable credit course. Pre: 1004.

2804: EXERCISE AND HEALTH
Introduction to the foundations of exercise science as applied to healthy living, and the concept of exercise as medicine. Fundamentals of health appraisal, foundations of fitness training principles and prescription; nutrition and energy cost, and application of exercise prescription for disease prevention and treatment. Pre: 1004. (3H,3C)

2824: PREVENTION AND CARE OF ATHLETIC INJURIES
An introduction to the techniques and principles of athletic training. (1H,3L,2C) I,II.

2964: FIELD WORK/PRACTICUM
Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3014: FOOD, NUTRITION AND WELLNESS STUDY TOUR
Study of emerging career opportunities in industry, government, and other nonprofit agencies, health care, consumer education, and research for students in foods, nutrition or exercise science. Special emphasis on program or product development, evaluation, and marketing as related to a target consumer group. Seminars on campus and at prearranged locations during the two day tour. Junior standing or permission; HNFE majors only. II. (1H,1C)

3025-3026: METABOLIC NUTRITION
Study of bioenergetics and carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins and minerals with emphasis on sources, interrelationships and factors affecting utilization and metabolism. The effects of macronutrient and micronutrient intakes related to several metabolic states diseases will be examined. Pre: BMSP 2136, (HNFE 2014 or HNFE 2014H), BCHM 2024 for 3025; 3025 for 3026. (3H,3C)

3034: METHODS OF HUMAN HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Evidence-based practice in areas of human health assessment including: anthropometric measurements, vital signs, body composition, aerobic capacity, muscular strength, energy requirements, and health behaviors. Comparison and analysis of assessment methods. Pre: 1004, 2014, BMSP 2136. (1H,3L,2C)

3114: FOODSERVICE AND MEAL MANAGEMENT
Foodservice and meal management for the dietetics professional. Emphasis is placed on understanding food procurement, production, distribution, and marketing in a safe and well managed operation. I Pre: 2234, 2224. (3H,3L,4C)

3224: COMMUNICATING WITH FOOD
Development of oral and written communication skills to communicate food and nutrition information to diverse populations. II Pre: 2014 or 2014H, 2234, 2224. (2H,3L,3C)

3234: SCIENCE OF FOOD
Theoretical and experimental study of food components with emphasis on the basic chemical and physical reactions, properties, interactions, and functions in foods. I Pre: 2234, 2224, (CHEM 2535 or CHEM 2514). (3H,3L,4C)

3634: EPIDEMIOLOGIC CONCEPTS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
Designed to give students in the health sciences a basic understanding of the modern concepts regarding health and disease as well as skills in organizing epidemiological data, disease investigation and surveillance. Includes a survey of terms, concepts, and principles pertinent to epidemiology. Lifestyles of populations and the relationships between lifestyles and health status are studied. (3H,3C) II.

3804: EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
Effects of exercise on physiology: neuromuscular, metabolic, cardiopulmonary. Scientific basis of physical training. I Pre: (BIOL 2405, BIOL 2406) or (BMSP 2135, BMSP 2136). (3H,3C)

3824: KINESIOLOGY
The anatomical and biomechanical basis of human motion, with applications for motor skill acquisition, and development and rehabilitative exercises. I Pre: (BIOL 2405, BIOL 2406) or (BMSP 2135, BMSP 2136), (PHYS 2205 or PHYS 2305). (3H,3C)

3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.

3984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4004: SEMINAR IN HNFE: WRITING AND DISCOURSE IN THE MAJOR
Focused review of relevant and current literature in selected areas of food, nutrition and exercise. Develop practical strategies for finding research articles on specific topics utilizing a variety of search tools (e.g., library, on-line search engines, etc.). Develop analytical skills to critically assess the significance of published research data. Develop competence in written and verbal presentation of current research in formats suitable for a scientific or a lay audience. Pre: COMM 2004 or ALCE 3634. Co: 3025. (3H,3C)

4024: EMERGING ISSUES IN DIETETICS
Investigation of emerging dietetics topics including professional development, new technologies, current legislative issues, and promising evidence-based practice strategies. Integration of knowledge from previous courses to support quality dietetics practice will be emphasized. Pre: 3026. Co: 4125. (1H,1C)

4125-4126: MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY
Study of nutritional diagnostic, therapeutic and counseling services provided by a registered dietitian. 4125: Emphasis on the relationship between principles of nutritional care and the medical treatment of individuals with selected diseases or clinical problems. 4126: Integration of knowledge of pathophysiology, biochemical, and clinical parameters, medical treatment and nutrition therapy for patients with selected clinical problems/disease states. 4125: I. 4126: II Pre: 2004, 3026 for 4125; 4125 for 4126. Co: 3034 for 4125. (3H,3C)

4134: EXPERIENTIAL APPROACH TO NUTRITIONAL THERAPY
Use of didactic and experiential methods to learn and apply theories of behavior change in diverse nutrition counseling situations. Pre: Instructor approval. I Pre: 4644. Co: 4125. (2H,2C)

4174: NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE
Interaction of human nutrition with exercise physiology. Nutritional principles applied to the well being of the athlete and to the optimization of exercise performance. Pre: 1004, 3804. (2H,2C) II.

4224: ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY NUTRITION THERAPIES
Critical evaluation of health claims, mechanisms of action, and research literature for a wide variety of alternative nutrition therapies used for disease prevention and treatment. Practical application of knowledge through completion of problem-based learning projects. Pre: (BIOL 1005 or BIOL 1105 or BIOL 1205H), (BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106 or BIOL 1206H), (CHEM 1036 or CHEM 1056). (2H,2C)

4254: EXPERIMENTAL FOODS
Experimental study of the functions of ingredients and factors affecting food quality with emphasis on an independent project. Pre: 3234. (1H,3L,2C) II.

4624: COMMUNITY NUTRITION
The application of nutrition principles to an analysis of current applied nutrition programs and a study of the political and legislative processes affecting the practice of dietetics. I Pre: (2014 or 2014H), 3026. (3H,3C)

4634: SOCIO-CULTURAL FOOD SYSTEMS
Study of social, cultural, and economic aspects of food systems, using quantitative and qualitative methods to assess nutritional status. I Pre: 1004, SOC 3004. (2H,2L,3C)

4644: HEALTH COUNSELING
Roles, responsibilities, and limitations of the professional health educator in health counseling, guidance and referral, health needs assessment, dynamics of health counseling interaction, and selected counseling techniques such as crisis intervention and value clarification. Junior standing required. (3H,3C) II.

4774: ADVANCED CONTEMPORARY TOPICS IN HNFE
A variable-content course. Explores advanced topics in the areas of nutrition, foods, exercise or health using higher- order thinking and problem-solving skills. Qualitatively and quantitatively assess current facts supported by scientific literature, as well as controversial issues with conflicting data. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Junior Standing. Variable credit course. Pre: 2014.

4834: APPLICATIONS IN CLINICAL EXERCISE
Supervised experience with the Therapeutic Exercise and Community Health Center. Direct Involvement with rehabilitative and preventive exercise and lifestyle programming for cardio-vascular, musculo-skeletal, and other conditions. Exercise leadership, case management, and daily operations. Included seminars, lab experience, and individual meetings with participants and supervisors, related projects. X-grade allowed. Pre: 3874. (9L,3C)

4844: EXERCISE AND NEUROMUSCULAR PERFORMANCE
Functional properties of the neuromuscular system. Emphasis placed on the acute and chronic responses of muscle in exercise, rehabilitation and the factors which determine human performance. Special emphasis on the molecular biological factors responsible for skeletal muscle development and differentiation, as well as adaptation to training and disease states, including activation of signal cascades responsible for the changes in muscle performance. Pre: 3804. (3H,3C) II.

4854: INTERNSHIP IN EXERCISE SCIENCE AND HEALTH PROMOTION
Capstone internship experience in the fields of exercise science and/or health promotion. The student will be immersed in the day-to-day challenges and responsibilities of a practicing health-fitness professional. The 45 contact hours per credit will involve work experience in some aspect of exercise science and/or health promotion. Senior standing and Exercise and Health Promotion majors only. May be repeated for maximum 3 credits. Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course. Pre: 4834.

4964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

Academic Requirements for International Freshmen

Before you can be considered for freshman admission, you must complete:

• 3 units of math (includes algebra I, geometry, and algebra II)
• 2 units of laboratory science (chosen from biology, chemistry or physics)
• additional academic units (foreign language is highly recommended)

Some majors have other requirements, such as an additional year of advanced math or lab science. Most students who are selected for admission have completed more than the minimum requirements and have at least a B+ grade point average.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by taking ONE of following tests.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered by the Educational Testing Services of Princeton, New Jersey. 
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS), jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. 
• The PTE is the Pearson Tests of English, which measures your English ability by testing your level of English through tasks which reflect real-life settings. 

We recommend the TOEFL or IELTS be taken by January 15. Late test scores MUST be received by March 1.

SAT Optional

Virginia Tech does not require the SAT for international applicants. If you would like to send the SAT Reasoning Test (including critical reading and math) or ACT test scores, scores should be forwarded to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (CEEB code 5859; ACT code 4420).

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

HNFE offers these awards and scholarships to outstanding applicants. 

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation Hokie Spirit Endowed Scholarship

Established by the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation in 2008, in memory of and to honor the victims of the April 16th, 2007 tragedy at Virginia Tech. This scholarship recognizes outstanding undergraduate students with exceptional commitment to community service and financial need.

Cardiac Rehab Scholarship

Awarded to one undergraduate student with outstanding grades who has a strong record of community service in health promotion, rehabilitative or preventative exercise who plans to attend graduate school (May 2016 graduation date or later). 

P. Howard Massey International Scholarship
Supports graduate or undergraduate students engaged in multi-disciplinary applied scholarly activities related to the food/nutrition problems of developing countries. The award supports international and cross-cultural costs related to food and nutrition and can cover travel costs for research, study abroad, and exchange at professional meetings; and student tuition and fees.