UNDERGRADUATE
Bulletin

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Program Descriptions

Nutrition and Dietetics (ND)

Proper nutrition plays a major role in the maintenance of health and the quality of life, prevention and treatment of certain diseases, as well as recovery and rehabilitation following physiological trauma. Although a number of professions include nutrition as one area of research and/or practice interests, it is the profession of dietetics that dedicates its efforts entirely to the improvement of the nutritional status of people and the advancement of the science of nutrition. Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) possess specialized education to provide nutritional care to people, both well and ill, by using their expertise in nutrition science, food science, psychological and social significance of eating behavior management, food economics, budgeting, counseling, and education, and research methodology. Registered dietitian nutritionists practice in a variety of settings. These include hospitals and other health care institutions, industry, wellness and community programs, government, research, and private practice.

Preparation for a career as a registered dietitian nutritionist requires the completion of:

• a bachelor’s degree and coursework verified by the Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
• an accredited supervised practice experience
• The National Registration Examination for Dietitians.

The Nutrition and Dietetics program offers several options for meeting the eligibility requirements to take the registration examination:

• Completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. The B.S. degree is a Didactic Program in Dietetics accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. Following competition of the didactic BS degree, completion of an accredited post baccalaureate supervised practice program is required in order to be eligible for the National Registration Examination for Dietitians. The University assumes no responsibility for the placement or supervision of graduates in supervised practice programs.
• Completion of the Coordinated Master Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (MS), which combines didactic education leading to a Master of Science degree with supervised practice. The MS emphasis area is nutrition therapy. Admission prerequisites for the MS are provided in the graduate bulletin or see http://www.shrs.pitt.edu/ndbs/. The MS is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995.

 

Admission Prerequisites for the Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics are:

Biological Sciences	7-8 credits: (University of Pittsburgh students should take BIOSC 0150 Foundations of Biology 1 with BIOSC 0050 Biology Lab and BIOSC 0160 Foundations of Biology 2).
Chemistry (general)	8 credits: Courses must include labs (University of Pittsburgh students should take CHEM 0110 and 0120)
Chemistry (organic)	3–6 credits: (University of Pittsburgh students should take CHEM 0350 [3 credits] offered each spring or must take CHEM 0310 and 0320 Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 [6 credits] to satisfy the organic chemistry requirement.)
Economics	3 credits: (University of Pittsburgh students should take ECON 0100 Introduction to Microeconomic Theory or ECON 0110 Introduction to Macroeconomic Theory.)
English Composition	3 credits: (University of Pittsburgh students should take ENGCMP 0200 Seminar in Composition); see also W course requirement below.
Algebra	2–4 credits: algebra and trigonometry (University of Pittsburgh students should take MATH 0031 Algebra and 0032 Trigonometry and Functions, 0100 Preparation for Business Calculus, or 0200 Preparation for Scientific Calculus.)
Introduction to Psychology	3 credits: (University of Pittsburgh students should take PSY 0010 Introduction to Psychology.)
Public Speaking	3 credits: (University of Pittsburgh students should take COMMRC 0520 Public Speaking.)
Sociology	3 credits
Statistics	3–4 credits: (University of Pittsburgh students should take STAT 0200 Basic Applied Statistics STAT 0800 Statistics in the Modern World or 1000 Applied Statistical Methods.)
Writing Course	*3 credits: in any advanced composition course or in any course with a writing component (as designated with a W or WRIT in the Schedule of Classes) after English composition requirement has been completed.
Introduction to Human Nutrition	3 credits: (University of Pittsburgh students should take CDN/HRS/NUTR 1006.)
*Introduction to the Profession of Dietetics	1 credit: NUTR/CDN 1600. (Transfer students may take this in their junior year.)
Introduction to Microbiology	3 credits (Students applying to the major starting in SP 2016 must fulfill this course as a prerequisite.  Students applying to SP 2015 and prior may take this in their Junior year.  University of Pittsburgh Students should take HRS 1025, BIOSC 1850, and NUR 0031)

 

Degree Requirements:

The BS degree in Nutrition and Dietetics* requires the completion of a minimum of 122 credits. A sample curriculum follows:

 

 

 

 

Rehabilitation Science

The Bachelor of Science program in rehabilitation science offers a dynamic curriculum designed to prepare students for graduate education in occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, prosthetics and orthotics, rehabilitation counseling and assistive technology, as well as for graduate studies in other health care fields. In addition to the coursework offered, the program has the flexibility to allow students to pursue their particular interests and goals. Students are encouraged to explore other areas of academic inquiry through elective courses, minors and certificates throughout the University and abroad; to participate in clinical experiences; to involve themselves in undergraduate research; and to develop their leadership and community building skills through participation in student organizations and community service.

The faculty members who teach in this program are a strong interdisciplinary group from most School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences departments, including the departments of Emergency Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Rehabilitation Science and Technology, and Sports Medicine and Nutrition.  In addition, community leaders, clinicians and researchers with experience in selected areas teach within the program.

 

Admission Requirements

Students are eligible for admission to the rehabilitation science program after successful completion of 60 college credits including the following prerequisite courses, other admission criteria and an application.

 

 

*1. MATH 0032 Trigonometry and Functions or higher is highly recommended.

**2. REHSCI 1245 Human Development or PSYED 0005 Life Span Development preferred;
PSY 0310 Developmental Psychology accepted

***3. Minimum ENGCMP 0200 or equivalent

***4. Research Writing recommended

***5. Cultural Anthropology recommended

Students planning to apply to graduate programs in health sciences are encouraged to complete most of the prerequisite courses for those programs (e.g., Physics 2, Biology 2, Chemistry 2, etc.) prior to admission to the undergraduate rehabilitation science program. Anatomy and Physiology (prerequisites for many professional health science programs) are included in the rehabilitation science curriculum.

For additional admission criteria, see the SHRS Admissions section of this Bulletin.

Please note that admission to the Rehabilitation Science program is competitive. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission

 

Rehabilitation Science Degree Requirements

General Requirements

• Prerequisites for admission into BS program
• Minimum of 60 Rehabilitation Science credits
      (minimum 30 SHRS credits and 30 additional credits approved by RS program director)
• 120 credits total
• Fulfillment of core requirements
• Plan of study approved by program director or academic advisor

Core Curriculum Requirements

• REHSCI 1225 Introduction to Rehabilitation Science
• REHSCI 1235 Medical Terminology
• REHSCI 1240 Issues in Health Care
• REHSCI 1265 Pharmacology in Rehabilitation
• REHSCI 1280 Psychology and Sociology of Disability
• Human Anatomy (one of the following):
• REHSCI 1200 Human Anatomy and Lab
• HRS 1020 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Another approved human anatomy course
• Human Physiology (one of the following):
• REHSCI 1205 Human Physiology/HRS 1023 Human Physiology
• HRS 1020 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Another approved human physiology course
• Neuroscience (one of the following):
• REHSCI 1210 Neuroscience
• NROSCI 1000 Introduction to Neuroscience
• PSY 0505 Introduction to Biopsychology
• Research (one of the following):

• REHSCI/HRS 1000 Introduction to Research
• PSY 0035 Research Methods
• SOC 0230 Social Research Methods
• Global Citizenship (one of the following):
• Designated course, 3 credits (course list available on request)
• Study/Internship Abroad, 4 weeks minimum, health or disability and cultural          study component required (additional guidelines available on request)

Additional Rehabilitation Science Elective Courses

Advanced Health Assessments and Exercise Prescription
Assistive Technology in Rehabilitation Field Experience
Cross-cultural Independent Study
Diversity and Cultural Issues in Health, Disability, and Rehabilitation
Epidemiology of Disability

Emerging Biomedical Technologies
Exercise Physiology
Field Experience
Human Development
Independent Study
Introduction to Assistive Technology
Introduction to Evidence-based Rehabilitation
Introduction to Occupation Science
Introduction to Orthotics and Prosthetics
Kinesiology and Biomechanics
Neuroscience
Pathophysiology/Human Disease
Practical Issues in Disability
Rehabilitation Ethics

Example Plan of Study

This plan of study example includes both required and elective courses offered in the Rehabilitation Science program.

 

Undergraduate Rehabilitation Science Certificates

The undergraduate program in Rehabilitation Science offers undergraduate certificates for students planning to continue their education in rehabilitation science programs or seeking a concentration of courses in a particular rehabilitation science area.  These certificates are designed to best prepare students for such graduate programs, but are not required for application to them. 

The undergraduate Rehabilitation Science certificates are listed below. The requirements for each follow.

• Assistive Technology in Rehabilitation
• Pathokinesiology in Rehabilitation
• Psycho-Social Issues in Rehabilitation and Personal Care

Assistive Technology in Rehabilitation

This certificate provides a focused area of study for students interested in careers providing technology to individuals with disabilities.  It will prepare students for graduate programs such as prosthetics and orthotics or rehabilitation technology.  It will also provide the course work and some of the clinical hours needed to satisfy the requirements for the RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America) Assistive Technology Supplier certification. 

 

 

Pathokinesiology in Rehabilitation

Completion of this certificate provides the student with an excellent background in the sciences related to normal and pathological motion.  It often complements coursework offered in graduate programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise science, kinesiology, and sports medicine. With minimal additional coursework (nutrition and fitness instruction), it also prepares students to take examinations for certification as a personal trainer or fitness expert, such as the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS®) offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.