Nutrition & Metabolic Biology
Offered by the Department of Metabolic Biology & Nutrition, the Nutrition & Metabolic Biology (NMB) major offers education in the experimental biology of metabolic regulation, the impact of genetics on the use of dietary constituents, and the interaction among genetics, health/chronic disease, and dietary chemicals. This program prepares students to perform research into the relationship between diet and vertebrate development and well-being mechanistically, and/or for health professional careers.
The major combines a strong foundation in the biological and chemical sciences with specialized advanced coursework that focuses on nutrient/non-nutrient function and metabolism. The application of this field informs recommendations for dietary patterns to achieve optimum health and the treatment or prevention of disease conditions, as well as food production and safety.
What will I study?
The Nutrition & Metabolic Biology major explores the following topics:
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Delivery of nutrients from foods to cells and the function of nutrients in energy metabolism
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The cellular and molecular regulatory mechanisms by which humans respond metabolically to changes in the nutritional environment
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Dietary patterns causing nutrient imbalances and the effect these imbalances have on function and health of humans
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The methodological and conceptual processes of nutrition and food science laboratory research
How much coursework is required?
NMB requires 60 lower division unit requirements and an additional 36 units of upper division coursework. Of the 36 units, 15 must be fulfilled with courses offered at the Rausser College of Natural Resources.
All courses must be taken for a letter grade except for free electives or courses that are only offered on a pass/no pass basis. You must receive at least a 'C-' in all courses required for the major.
What can I do with this major?
The NMB degree provides an excellent foundation for employment in research, education, industry and government – as well as advanced studies in nutrition, health and bioscience fields. Students are encouraged to pursue internships and work experiences to assess their individual interests and establish a career path.
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Industry: Developing products and conducting research for food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology firms.
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Health: Working as a professional in Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Pharmacology, or as a Registered Dietitian. Many of the required pre-medicine and pre-health professions courses are part of our curriculum, and additional pre-medicine courses can be easily added to the academic plan. Our graduates who have pursued medicine and health professions find that the upper-division Nutritional Science coursework, which focuses on the characteristics of nutrients and how they are processed and utilized in our body, informs their medical studies and helps them to promote good health as professionals. The curriculum provides the required prerequisites for the department's Master of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, a professional master's degree to become a registered dietitian.
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Education and Research: Teaching in the biological, chemical, nutrition, and food sciences. Participating in scientific research to advance techniques in the biological sciences.
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Governmental Agencies: Advising and policymaking for California agencies such as Agriculture, Health Services, or for Federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Environmental Protection Agency.
Careers for NMB Graduates
- Medicine or Public Health
- Registered Dietitian
- Teaching and Research
- Foodservice industries
- Biotechnology
Sample Classes
- Nutrient Function and Metabolism
- Food, Culture, and the Environment
- Introduction & Application of Food Science
- Metabolic Bases of Human Health and Diseases
- Nutrition in the Community
Information for Legacy Majors
As of Summer 2024, the Nutritional Sciences & Toxicology department has undergone curriculum and structural changes for the previous NST majors (Physiology & Metabolism, Toxicology, and Dietetics).
Please note: Any student who has been admitted to UC Berkeley starting in Fall 2024 and after can no longer pursue the legacy majors. Any student interested in nutrition must declare the Nutrition & Metabolic Biology major.
Students admitted in Fall 2024 to the Nutritional Sciences B.S are the only students who can still declare the NS-PM specialization. Please reach out to the NMB Advisor about how to officially declare NMB or NS-PM.
Advising
Major Advisor:
Mayra Herrera (she/her/ella)
nmb.ugrad@berkeley.edu
260 Mulford Hall
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720-3100
View our advising hours schedule here