A person purchasing vegetables at a farmer's market, representing local food systems and practical nutrition.

NUTR 525 Organic Food and Health: Evidence and Consumer Perceptions

3 credit hours

Enrollment is limited to graduate level students, with the exception of Honors College students.

What does organic really mean for people and the planet?

In NUTR 525, you’ll examine what organic means from farm to label to plate. Learn how certification works, how production compares with conventional systems, what the evidence says about health and safety, and how consumer attitudes shape the organic marketplace.

What makes this course stand out?

Clear foundations

Understand USDA organic certification, labeling and oversight, and how these differ from conventional systems.

Research-informed perspective

Examine the latest studies on nutrition, health and safety to understand where evidence supports or challenges organic food claims.

Production realities

Compare organic and conventional practices across crops and supply chains.

Consumer insights

Study attitudes and perceptions that influence buying behavior and brand strategy.

Communication practice

Translate complex evidence into clear messages for the public and professionals.

Who should take this course?

Business and marketing students

Understand how perception, branding and certification shape the organic sector.

Nutrition graduate students

Build evidence appraisal skills and a systems view of organic food and health.

Master of Public health students

Connect consumer behavior, regulation and health outcomes across populations.

Agricultural sciences students

Link organic standards to farming practices, markets and sustainability goals.

Honors College students

Count this course toward your honors credits; Ecampus graduate tuition applies. 

  

Your next step

Ready to enroll? Check the schedule of classes or talk with your advisor to see how this course fits into your academic plan.