Yes, chemistry is indeed an important subject for a BSc in nutrition and dietetics. Understanding the principles of chemistry will help you grasp various concepts related to nutrients, chemical reactions in the body, food composition, and metabolism.
To revise the most important topics in chemistry for nutrition and dietetics, here are a few key areas to focus on:
Basic concepts: Review fundamental concepts such as atomic structure, elements, compounds, chemical bonding, and chemical equations.
Organic chemistry: Familiarize yourself with organic chemistry, including the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds. Focus on functional groups, nomenclature, isomerism, and the basic principles of organic reactions.
Biochemistry: Gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of biochemistry, including biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Learn about their structures, functions, and basic metabolic pathways.
Acids and bases: Refresh your knowledge of acid-base concepts, pH, buffers, and their applications in the human body, especially in relation to digestion and nutrient absorption.
Nutrient chemistry: Focus on the chemistry of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Understand their chemical properties, interactions, and roles in the human body.
Food chemistry: Explore the chemistry of food components, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. Understand how cooking, processing, and storage affect the nutritional value of food.
Metabolism: Review the basics of metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Understand the chemical reactions involved in energy production from nutrients.
It's important to note that while revising these topics will provide a good foundation, your nutrition and dietetics program may cover specific areas in more depth. It would be beneficial to consult the curriculum or syllabus of your program to identify any additional chemistry topics that may be emphasized.
Consider utilizing textbooks, online resources, and practice problems to enhance your understanding and proficiency in these chemistry topics. Additionally, reaching out to your professors or seeking guidance from tutors can provide valuable support in improving your grasp of the subject.