Sixth Form Subjects

Food Science and Nutrition

 Course Overview

• To develop an understanding of the nutritional needs of specific target groups and plan and cook complex, high skill dishes to meet their nutritional needs.
• To develop an understanding of hazards and risks in relation to the storage, preparation and cooking of food in different environments and the control measures needed to minimise these risks. From this understanding, students will be able to recommend the control measures that need to be in place, in different environments, to ensure that food is safe to eat.
• To understand the properties of food in order to plan and carry out experiments. The results of the experiments would be used to propose options to solve food production problems.
• To develop the skills needed to plan, carry out and present a research project on current issues linked to issues related to food science and nutrition.

Course Content and Assessment

The qualification will be delivered over two years and is made up of three units:

Meeting the Nutritional Needs of Specific Groups 
This involves a practical food show case and an externally marked written examination. You will demonstrate an understanding of the science of nutrition and nutritional needs in a wide range of contexts. You will experience on–going practical sessions, to gain a wide range of high level skills to produce quality food items to meet the needs of individuals.

Ensuring Food is Safe to Eat 
This is externally marked and involves experimentation and written research. This unit allows you to develop your understanding of the science of food safety and hygiene; essential knowledge for anyone involved in food production in the home or wishing to work in the food industry. Again practical sessions will support the gaining of theoretical knowledge and ensure learning is a tactile experience.

Experimenting to Solve Food Production OR Current Issues in Food Science and Nutrition 
Studying one of the two optional units allows you the opportunity to study subjects of particular interest or relevance to you, building on previous learning and experiences.

Learning Methods

The WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition is an Applied Qualification. This means that each unit within the qualification has an applied purpose which acts as a focus for the learning in the unit. It is assessed through a combination of a written exam and external assignment set and marked by the exam board and two centre marked assignments.
Awards are from Distinction* to Pass and are recognised in UCAS points and for university applications.

Future Pathways

An understanding of food science and nutrition is relevant to many industries and job roles. Care providers and nutritionists in hospitals use this knowledge, as do sports coaches and fitness instructors. Hotels and restaurants, food manufacturers and government agencies also use this understanding to develop menus, food products and policies that support healthy eating initiatives. Many employment opportunities within the field of food science are available to graduates. This is an Applied General Qualification. This means it is designed primarily to support learners progressing to University. It has been designed to offer exciting, interesting experiences that focus learning through applied learning I.e. Through the acquisition of knowledge and understanding in purposeful, work-related contexts, linked to the food production industry.
Possible university courses include:

• BSc Food and Nutrition
• BSc Human Nutrition
• BSc (Hons) Public Health Nutrition
• BSc (Hons) Food Science and Technology
  
  

 Entry Requirements

Merit or above in Level 2 Hospitality and Catering or a 5 and above in GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition. In exceptional cases for students who have not taken Hospitality and Catering or Food Preparation and Nutrition, yet have a very strong portfolio, we would consider their application at interview.

Student Testimonial

Testimonial in the pipeline

Other courses of interest

• Design Technology
• Sociology
• English Language

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