Foundation to future

The Science Access Course at ION has given Ruth Donaldson, a third-year BSc student, a solid grounding and is proof that even the busiest of careers can make room for a healthy new beginning.

For Ruth Donaldson, a tax partner by profession, her interest in nutrition seemed worlds apart from her career. However, the COVID-19 lockdown changed everything.

“I’ve always had a passing interest in nutrition, but I never pursued it properly,” Ruth shares. “It wasn’t until lockdown hit and I read a book about the gut microbiome that I realised how fascinating it all was. That book was the spark that made me want to learn more.”

Determined to turn her curiosity into knowledge, Ruth discovered the Science Access Course (SAC) at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION). “I hadn’t studied chemistry or anatomy & physiology at school, and my biology was definitely rusty!” she adds.

“But the SAC course was structured in such a helpful way – it eased me into the science and allowed me to build the foundations I needed for further study.”

Despite juggling full-time work as a tax partner, Ruth found the SAC manageable, thanks to its flexibility and clear timelines. “The online lectures, tutorials, and step-by-step guide on what topics to tackle when really helped me stay organised,” she explains. “As someone who studies on weekends, discipline is key, and the SAC gave me the tools to manage my time effectively.”

Now in the third year of her BSc Nutritional Therapy degree at ION, Ruth reflects on how the SAC helped prepare her for the challenges of higher education. “It was such a great taster of what it’s like to study in a modern setting, with online resources and assignments that really embedded my knowledge,” she says.

Studying at ION has also transformed how Ruth views nutrition and health science. “One thing I’ve learned is the importance of relying on scientific evidence,” she notes. “It’s completely changed the way I look at nutrition advice, especially on social media. Now, I find myself digging deeper, looking for randomised control trials or credible epidemiological studies to assess the quality of the evidence before trusting claims.”

“A great source of support”

Beyond the academics, Ruth has found tremendous value in the ION community. “I’ve been part of an amazing study group within my cohort. We meet every one to two weeks online to discuss casework and learn from each other,” she says. “It’s been such a great source of support – not just academically, but personally, too.”

Ruth adds that she has also benefitted from ION’s wide range of resources. “The content is so comprehensive, from technical materials to guidance on researching and referencing,” she says. “Plus, the module leaders and lecturers are incredibly supportive, always available during online tutorials or drop-in sessions.”

Looking ahead, Ruth is excited about the future. “This degree is a milestone for me,” she shares. “It’s the foundation I need to start a second career as a nutritional therapist and to continue my studies with a Master’s degree.”