Semester-wise Syllabus for MSc in Dietetics and Nutrition

Semester 1: Foundations of Nutrition Science

1. Advanced Human Nutrition

   • Macronutrients, micronutrients, digestion, absorption, and metabolism.

2. Food Science & Chemistry

   • Food composition, preservation techniques, and biochemical analysis.

3. Medical Biochemistry

   • Metabolic pathways, enzyme functions, and nutrition-related disorders.

4. Principles of Dietetics

   • Diet planning, nutritional assessment (BMI, BMR, anthropometry).

5. Research Methodology & Biostatistics

   • Study designs, data analysis, and interpretation in nutrition research.

6. Practical Lab Work

   • Food analysis, biochemical tests, and nutritional status evaluation.

Semester 2: Clinical Nutrition & Diet Therapy

1. Clinical Dietetics

   • Nutrition for diabetes, CVD, renal diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders.

2. Therapeutic Nutrition

   • Diets for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and post-surgical recovery.

3. Public Health Nutrition

   • Community nutrition programs, malnutrition, and supplementation.

4. Food Microbiology & Safety

   • Foodborne illnesses, HACCP, and food quality standards.

5. Sports Nutrition

   • Nutrient timing, hydration, and supplements for athletes.

6. Practical Training

   • Hospital case studies, diet chart preparation, and counseling simulations.

Semester 3: Specializations & Advanced Topics

Students choose a specialization track (varies by university):

1. Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics

• Pediatric & Geriatric Nutrition

• ICU & Critical Care Nutrition

• Eating Disorders & Behavioral Counseling

2. Public Health & Community Nutrition

• National Nutrition Programs (ICDS, POSHAN Abhiyaan)

• Global Nutrition Policies (WHO, UNICEF)

3. Food Service & Dietetics Management

• Hospital Food Systems

• Menu Planning & Cost Control

4. Sports & Fitness Nutrition

• Ergogenic Aids, Doping Regulations

• Weight Management Strategies

Electives (Examples)

• Nutrigenomics

• Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals

• Nutrition in Mental Health

Semester 4: Internship & Research

1. Hospital/Community Internship (6–8 weeks)

   • Clinical rotations (diabetes clinics, ICU, maternity wards).

   • Community fieldwork (anganwadis, school nutrition programs).

2. Dissertation/Thesis

   • Original research (e.g., "Impact of Mediterranean Diet on PCOS Patients").

3. Seminar & Viva Voce

   • Presentation and defense of research work.