A week in the life of a nutrition and dietetics student
From microbiology lectures to group work, discover what a typical week looks like as a first-year BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Dietetics student at Surrey.
As your course progresses, you’ll complete three integrated clinical placements in the NHS to acquire a wealth of practical experience, under the supervision of qualified dietitians.
How you'll learn
Your day-to-day teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
- Distance learning (on occasion)
- Group work (e.g. group presentations)
- Laboratory-based practicals
- Lectures
- Online learning
- Role plays (e.g. health coaching skills)
- Seminars
- Tutorials.
Outside of these, you’ll be expected to carry out independent study, including coursework, essays, laboratory write-ups and reading.
We’ve also introduced hybrid learning, a mix of online and face-to-face sessions, in light of Covid-19.
When you’re on placement, your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
- Demonstration
- Discussion groups e.g. journal clubs
- Observation
- Practice under supervision
- Reflective dialogue
- Role modelling
- Shadowing.
"I have lab sessions and access to simulation suites. We also participate in anthropometry [measurement of the physical aspects of the human body] sessions in classrooms, with bioimpedance machines."
Laura Dobson, BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Dietetics
A typical week in Semester 1 of your first year
In your first year, you'll receive approximately 15-20 contact hours each week.
Monday
- 9am to 11am – 'Principles of Nutrition and Health' laboratory session
- 2pm to 3pm – Tutorial with programme leader
- 4pm to 6pm – 'Biochemistry: The Many Molecules of Life' lecture
Tuesday
- 10am to 1pm – 'Microbiology: An Introduction to the Microbial World' laboratory session
Wednesday
- 9am to 11am – ‘Cell Biology' lecture
Please note, Wednesday afternoons are left free for sporting activities.
Thursday
- 9am to 11am – 'Cell Biology' tutorial (discussion based on pre-recorded lecture)
- 12pm to 1pm – 'Principles of Nutrition and Health' health coaching role play
- 2pm to 3pm – 'Biochemistry: The Many Molecules of Life' lecture
Friday
- 9am to 10am – 'Cell Biology' lecture
- 11am to 1pm – 'Food Science and Nutrition' lecture
- 2pm to 5pm – 'Nutrition and Dietetics Placement A' portfolio discussion
Find out more about our nutrition and dietetics course
Disclaimer
The timetable and modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication and may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
Given the changing nature of the Covid-19 pandemic, our hybrid learning model is under continuous review. See the latest information on all changes.
