Human Nutrition
Human Nutrition research explores the links between all aspects of nutrition and human health with the ultimate goal of preventing diseases and enhancing the quality of life.
Career as a Registered Dietitian
If you love science, nutrition and helping others, consider a healthcare career as a Registered Dietitian. Learn the essentials by applying to the Dietetics Specialization at the University of Alberta.
Meet Dr. Hiwot Haileslassie
New expertise in the Division of Human Nutrition
Welcome Dr. Hiwot Haileslassie to the AFNS department and the Division of Human Nutrition. Dr. Haileslassie received her PhD in Nutrition from the University of Saskatchewan in 2019 and was the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships during her program. Prior to her PhD program, Dr. Haileslassie completed an MSc in Applied Human Nutrition at Hawassa University in Ethiopia. Dr. Haileslassie is coming to us from the University of Prince Edward Island, where she has been an assistant professor since 2021. Prior to her position at U PEI, Dr. Haileslassie completed a postdoctoral term at the University of Saskatchewan focusing on integrating pulses into elementary school lunch programs.
Significant contributions are being made in the areas of:
Nutrient Requirements: Investigation of nutrient digestion and metabolism with the aim of understanding nutrient requirements. Significant advancements have been made in understanding amino acid and fatty acid requirements as well as impact of dietary intake on the gut microbiome.
Team: Catherine Chan, Catherine Field, Diana Mager, Rene Jacobs, Vera Mazurak, Carla Prado, Caroline Richard, Ben Willing
Nutrition and Disease: Understanding of the role of nutrition on immune function, energy metabolism, and the development and treatment of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome and cancer.
Team: Jean Buteau, Catherine Chan, Catherine Field, Rene Jacobs, Diana Mager, Vera Mazurak, Carla Prado, Spencer Proctor, Caroline Richard, Donna Vine, Ben Willing
Community Nutrition and Dietetics: Understanding the social and behavioural determinants of nutrition and health, childhood obesity and practitioner behaviour.
Team: Heidi Bates, Catherine Chan, Noreen Willows
In the News
Featured publication
The High Protein Cookbook for Muscle Health During Cancer Treatment
By Hillary Wilson, Anissa Armet and Carla Prado
People with cancer need more protein than those who are healthy. This cookbook is designed to help people with cancer get enough protein to maintain muscle mass so that they live longer with better health. It is stuffed with 66 healthy, tasty and easy recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
English Spanish PortugueseDownload your free copy in one of three languages*, or order a hard copy on Amazon.
* Translation of original English publication by colleagues. More translations underway.
Meet the Team
Virtual tour
Check out the Human Nutrition Research Unit
Located at the University of Alberta, the Human Nutrition Research Unit is a world class nutrition research centre. Our combined infrastructure for body composition and energy metabolism assessment positions us at the forefront of nutritional assessment and clinical nutrition research. View a virtual tour of our facilities.
nutrition degrees
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Food Science
If you have a passion for the food that we eat or assisting others in living their healthiest lives, this degree will provide you with the foundation you need to launch your career. Apply your knowledge and skills while completing real-world projects and case studies that examine issues faced by the food industry and nutritional health sector.
Available programs:
- Nutrition & Food Science General: Learn the fundamentals of nutritional science coupled with knowledge in applied chemistry and microbiology related to food products.
- Dietetics Specialization: Gain both the knowledge and practical skills needed to practice as a Registered Dietitian
- Honors in Nutrition: A specialized, research-based degree focusing on nutritional science and the related physical, health and social sciences.
Graduate
We offer a variety of science-based graduate degrees, including several specializations that are both course and thesis based. Graduate research opportunities include science and agriculture as well as business and international dual degree options.
- Master of Science Course-Based (MSc): The MSc course-based degree is a 2 year course-based degree designed for professionals who have been with government, industry, or private practice and who wish to return for upgrading and specialization. Students are required to complete 8 graduate level courses, AFNS 601 Seminar course, 8 hours of Ethics, Professional Development and a project.
- Master of Science Thesis-Based (MSc): The MSc thesis-based degree is a 2 year thesis-based degree designed for students wishing to specialize and develop skills in research and scientific communication. It prepares students either for further advanced training or for mid-management positions in government or industry. Students are required to complete 3 graduate level courses, AFNS 601 Seminar course, 8 hours of Ethics, Professional Development and research, write and defend a thesis.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): A four-year thesis-based degree offers an opportunity for independent research at an advanced level in preparation for careers in research, university teaching, and administration. It often builds on research skills gained in the MSc program. Students are required to complete 3 graduate level courses, two terms of registration in AFNS 601 Seminar course, 8 hours of Ethics, Professional Development, Candidacy Exam and research, write and defend a thesis.
The Department offers world-class research divisions to compliment graduate studies in nutrition and metabolism: clinical, community, metabolic and public health nutrition, as they relate to nutrition policy, infant and child health, and to chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer.
Continuing Education
Alberta Internationally Educated & Return-to-Practice Dietetic Bridging
The Alberta Internationally Educated & Return-to-Practice Dietetic Bridging offers significant advantages for Internationally Educated Dietitians and Canadian Dietitians wanting to return-to-practice. Courses are designed specifically to bridge the knowledge, clinical skills, and judgement required to deliver safe and effective dietetic practice in the Canadian context.
CONTACT & Resources
Divisional Director
Dr. Spencer Proctor
Divisional Director of Human Nutrition & Professor
spencer.proctor@ualberta.ca
4-002J Li Ka Shing Centre
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1
(780) 492-4672