A Message from Robert Parker, Director of Undergraduate Studies

Dear New Students,

We are delighted to have you joining us in the Division of Nutritional Sciences (DNS). The DNS is home to the human health science majors at Cornell and includes students from three colleges.  You are a student in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and are majoring in Nutritional Sciences (NS).

Soon after you arrive on campus, you will be assigned an academic advisor from the DNS faculty. Any questions you have about advising should be directed to that person. In the meantime, for the first term schedule, “Scheduling Advice for Freshmen” below will help you to choose courses.  Please read it carefully to thoroughly understand your different options and choices. You can still make changes (add/drop) to your schedule during the first three weeks of classes.

If you have any further questions regarding the first term schedule, please contact Dr. Cha-Sook You (Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies), Professor Robert Parker (Director of Undergraduate Studies), CHE Student Services Office, or the DNS academic affairs office.

Again, we welcome you to the Division of Nutritional Sciences and hope that you will let us be your HOME away from home...

Scheduling Advice for Freshmen:

First Term Schedule: You must enroll minimum 12 credits, not including PE.

1. General Chemistry (4 cr): CHEM 2070
2. Introductory Biology (3-5 cr):  BIOG 1500 and/or one lecture course (e.g. BIOMG 1350, BIOG 1440, or BIOG 1445). Click here for detailed information. May postpone to sophomore year.
3. First Year Writing Seminar (3 cr): College Distribution Requirement; Must take it.
4. NS 1150, Nutrition, Health, and Society (3 cr): Requirement in the Major (core nutrition class)
5. NS 1160, Personalized Concepts and Controversies (1 cr): Additional session for NS 1150; strongly recommended
6. If biology classes are not taken in the freshman year, other distribution requirement classes can be taken during first semester: go to DUST and click "Find Courses for Distribution Requirements" to check available courses for the college's distribution requirement. For Dietetics, PSYCH 1101 will be needed.
7. Physical Education (PE)
8. Supplementary Courses (e.g. CHEM 1007. See below for more information about supplemental courses.)

For Transfer Students: Need individualized schedule after credit evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Is it necessary to take both chemistry and biology in my freshman year?
2. Which biology courses should I take?
3. What are supplemental courses and do I need to take them?
4. How should I decide whether to use AP credit to fulfill a requirement?
5. How do I register for a First Year Writing Seminar?
6. Do I need to register for Physical Education (PE)?

Thank you!

Professor Robert Parker
DNS Director of Undergraduate Studies
607-255-2661

Dr. Cha-Sook You
DNS Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies
607-255-2651