Ökotrophologie / Nutritional Sciences and Home Economics (B.Sc.)

Where does our food come from, how is it produced and what is its composition? What factors influence our eating habits? What do we eat and what impact does it have on our bodies, the environment and society? How do we achieve a healthy and sustainable diet for the planet and for us humans? 

Ecotrophology deals with these and many other questions. The degree programme is interdisciplinary. This means that during your studies you will deal with questions, methods and ways of thinking from different disciplines. These include the natural sciences, social sciences, economics and technology.

Ecotrophology takes a systemic view of human nutrition, which is why we speak of food systems: We look at food in its production, on the plate and beyond. In doing so, we have not only a scientific but also a psychological-sociological view of our nutrition: How do we make decisions about what we eat? What role do higher-level drivers such as politics, culture, economics and technology play in this? How does advertising affect us? 

What will I learn?

Students of the Bachelor's degree programme in Ecotrophology receive a broadly based education by gaining insight into the various disciplines. The content covers the entire food system: from supply chains to consumer behaviour to various facets of nutrition itself. The focus is on the consequences of the food system on an ecological, economic and social level and the development towards more sustainability in the entire system.

What skills and interests should I have?

In addition to the formal entry requirements (see application), we expect an interest in natural sciences, a certain down-to-earth attitude and an interest in technological issues. Basic knowledge of mathematics, chemistry and biology is advantageous.

JLU offers preliminary courses in which you can refresh your knowledge before starting your studies. This way you are optimally prepared for your studies.

The programme consists of 17 core modules (compulsory modules) and 11 profile modules (elective modules). Each module has a scope of 6 CP (4 hours per week for one semester) and concludes with a course-related examination. The grades achieved in the individual module examinations result in the final degree grade. In addition, the programme includes a Bachelor's thesis, which is equivalent to 2 modules. This proves that you are capable of independently writing a scientific paper.

Individual profile

The development of an individual profile plays a major role in the degree programme. Our students decide for themselves whether they want to acquire a broad all-round knowledge or prefer to specialise, whether their studies are more practice-oriented or scientific and theoretical. They can choose profile modules from the complete range of courses offered by the Department 09 or even from other departments at JLU. 

Practical relevance

In addition to choosing practice-oriented modules, students have the opportunity to complete an internship to gain a first insight into professional life. Module BP 144 "Professional Internship" corresponds to 12 CP and can be chosen as a profile module in all Bachelor's degree programmes of Faculty 09. In this way, students familiarise themselves with the professional world and get suggestions for the individual organisation of their further studies. The Internship Office maintains a database of suitable companies and institutions and supports students in their search for a suitable internship.

Composition of degree programme

The course content is divided into modules. Each module has a scope of four semester hours 6 CP (4 semester hours each) and concludes with a course-related examination. The grades achieved in the individual module examinations result in the final degree grade. 
17 of the modules are compulsory (core modules), 11 modules are profile modules and can be selected from the entire range of courses offered by the department. The Bachelor's thesis corresponds to the scope of two teaching modules.
Individual specialisation takes place through the choice of profile modules. The degree programme is successfully completed when all modules have been passed.

Specialisation modules

Broad all-round knowledge or specialisation - both are possible. Our students have it in their hands, they put together their studies according to their individual inclinations from the entire range of our offerings. In a catalogue of over 80 modules, students can choose profile modules from the following topics, for example:

• Human nutrition 
• Dietetics
• Biochemistry and molecular biology
• Nutritional Medicine
• Nutrition and the Immune System
• Food Sciences
• Molecular Nutrition Research
• Communication and Counselling
• Nutritional and Environmental Psychology
• Consumer Behaviour
• Market theory
• Agricultural, food and environmental policy
• Business administration

Modules from other research fields of the department can also be chosen, e.g. agricultural production and its impact on the environment, applied microbiology, soil science, insect biotechnology, plant production and breeding and animal welfare.
The exact names and descriptions of the profile modules can be found in the Special Regulations.

Examination- and study regulations

Special Regulations (with module descriptions and module plans)
General Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes

Please note that only the German version of the regulation is official and legally binding. The English version is for informative purposes only.

Courses offered in the course catalogue

Electronical course catalogue (in German)

Study pogramme flyer

B.Sc. Ökotrophologie (PDF in German)

Accreditation

The programme has been accredited since 28 September 2007.

Are you still not entirely sure whether the course of study is the right one for you? We support you with a wide range of information, events and advisory services around your study orientation and choice. For example, experience real university atmosphere at our Hoch­schul­informations­tagen (HIT) and the Open Campus Day!

Study orientation

To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn
everything you need to know about starting your studies:

• creating a course schedule,
• examination regulations and registration deadlines,
• campus areas and leisure activities,
• and much more.

At the same time, you will have the opportunity to get to know your future fellow students.