Nutrition

• The IMU nutrition programme is a 3-year, full-time course comprising a total of 6 semesters and 1 short semester. This programme incorporates a comprehensive curriculum that integrates knowledge from the physical, biological and social sciences.
• The first two years of study are devoted to basic sciences, core nutrition subjects, and supporting modules. In the third year, students are able
  to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to the conduct of nutrition education and health promotion activities, as well as to undertake a research project that spans two semesters.
• In the final semester, students are required to complete supervised practical placement in partnership with an appropriate industry, and in a community setting, each of 8 weeks (full-time) duration. These obligatory practical training prepares students with the professional experience
  necessary for competent delivery of education and health promotion activities.

• With the university’s strong emphasis on the problem-based learning model, nutrition students will also be trained to engage stimulating
  issues and work as a team toward resolving the challenges.
• In keeping with the reputation of the university academic programmes, the nutrition curriculum is also driven by outcomesbased approaches to student learning. Students are trained to have the essential knowledge, skills and work ethics to meet market demands for nutritionists.
• Our nutrition curriculum was developed leveraging on the strengths of well-renowned nutrition programmes world-wide. It is structured to prepare students with the intellectual and functional competencies to cope with multiple demands of the nutritionist.

The nutrition programme utilises a combination of teaching and learning approaches, including lectures, tutorials, practical classes, computer-aided learning (CAL), e-learning portal, seminars, debates, problem-based learning, field visits, group and individual assignments and presentations in the community.

The faculty comprises well-qualified lecturers with vast experiences in teaching, research, publications, working in partnership with the government and industry in Malaysia and internationally. Expert research areas of the faculty include maternal and child nutrition, micronutrients, dietary lipids and diet-disease relationships. The nutrition programme also receives teaching support from experienced staff in IMU with respect to teaching basic sciences and
other modules.

Students will be assessed through class tests, end of semester examinations, practical work, reports, assignments, problem-based learning, projects, presentations, and thesis for the final year projects.

Students are required to undergo industrial placements scheduled in the 6th semester. Students will be attached to appropriate community level in collaboration with the industry partners, government, private associations, non-governmental organisations or related international agencies.

Semester contents are available in the programme brochure [Download Brochure]

The medium of instruction is English. Students who come from a system of education in which the medium of instruction is not English are strongly recommended to improve their proficiency in English by making their own arrangements to attend additional English Language classes before entering IMU.

The Bachelor of Science (Hons) Nutrition degree is awarded by IMU.

In the past decade, the government of Malaysia has substantially expanded its nutrition programmes and number of nutritionists to address diet-related challenges in the country. Increasing public interests in nutrition and health-promoting products have led the food and related industries and businesses to create more job opportunities for nutritionists. Nutritionists are well–placed to be employed in different settings in Malaysia and internationally.

Community Nutrition
Nutritionists are employed by government agencies and private organisations for community nutrition activities. These include assessment of nutritional status; formulation and evaluation of nutrition programmes; development of training manuals and guidelines, conduct of nutrition education and health promotion, undertake surveys and research, and coordinating nutrition intervention activities. Community settings include schools, work places (e.g. offices and factories), orphanages and homes, as well as rural and urban populations of concern.

Industry and Businesses
There are diverse roles for nutritionists in the food industry, ranging from regulatory roles to ensure nutritional claims and product labelling are appropriate, to being involved in nutrition research for supporting new product claims. The food industry also engages nutritionists for marketing, advertising, advisory and communication roles.
The wellness industry in Malaysia is growing rapidly in tandem with the increase in people becoming more health conscious. The wellness business offers career opportunities for nutritionists in providing healthcare services and products to individuals and corporates. The fitness industry and sports nutrition industry are also fast growing in Malaysia, as increasingly more fitness clubs and exercise facilities are set up. Nutritionists have advisory roles in these businesses on matters related to body composition, weight management, energy and nutrient requirements, and dietary supplements.

University / Research Institutions
A career in an academic institution is for those interested in teaching, research, scientific writing, giving presentations and building capacity
in training future nutritionists. For those who wish to focus on research, they may explore working in research institutions in the public sector (e.g. Institute for Medical Research, Institute of Public Health), or the private sector (e.g. food and healthcare industry).

Consultancy
Nutritionists with sufficient experience can offer consultancy in nutrition services, education and advocacy to the corporate and government sectors, professional societies and the mass media. Freelance nutritionists may be engaged to offer nutrition screenings, education, and healthy lifestyle management to individuals and in group settings.

You can apply using forecast or actual results.