Food Science and Nutrition

WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma (AAQ)

Are you interested in:

• Understanding how food affects health?

• Scientific exploration?

• Healthy lifestyles?

• Food innovation?

What Will I Study?

This Food Science and Nutrition course is ideal for students interested in the science behind food and its impact on health and well-being. This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, covering areas such as food safety, nutrition, food production, and the relationship between diet and health. Students will explore real-world issues like food sustainability and dietary needs, while developing skills in research, analysis, and food preparation.

Units 1 & 2 are mandatory; the school will decide on the most appropriate optional unit.

Unit 1 - The purpose of this unit is for learners to develop an understanding of the nutritional needs of specific target groups and to plan and cook complex dishes to meet their nutritional needs.

Unit 2 - Ensuring food is safe to eat. (Externally assessed; this is an 8 hour timed assessment.)

Unit 3 (Optional) - The aim of this unit is for learners to use their understanding of the properties of food in order to plan and carry out experiments. The results of the experiments would be used to solve food production problems.

Unit 4 (Optional) - This unit develops skills in planning, carrying out and presenting a research project on current issues related to food science and nutrition. This could be from the perspective of a consumer, food manufacturer, caterer or policy-maker.

Learners will have gained an in depth understanding of food science and nutrition, on the lives of individuals and on society today. They will be able to identify hazards, reduce risks and produce food to meet the nutritional requirements of individuals. This will involve practical work and analysis of the results. Learners will draw on a range of skills, research, planning, analysis, evaluation and drawing conclusions from findings. Learners will be able to identify and transfer accurately in depth knowledge and understanding from one task to another.

Additional Entry Requirements:

Grade 5 or above in GCSE Food Nutrition and Preparation (not Food Technology).

Leading to futures in:

This course can lead to a wide variety of careers across the food, health, and education sectors, including roles such as dietitian, nutritionist, food scientist, food technologist, product manager, environmental health officer, supermarket food buyer, and scientist for the Food Standards Agency.