Course Description

The WJEC Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification in Food Science and Nutrition (Extended Certificates) is designed for 16-18 year old who are passionate about food science, nutrition and health, and who are considering pursing graduate careers in these fields.

Contact:	Mrs K Coggins	Exam Board:	EDUQAS
QAN:	60145523	Subject Code:	Fd

The Course at A Level

Year 1

Unit 1: Nutritional Needs Across the Life Stages:  This unit will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the properties and functions of nutrients, the impact of food production on nutritional value and how dietary requirements vary across different stages.  These topics are directly relevant to human nutrition and food science degrees.

Unit 2: Developing Practical Food Production Skills: You will apply theoretical knowledge in a hands-on environment, learning advanced food preparation techniques while considering nutritional value and dietary needs.  These skills mirror practical elements found in undergraduate laboratory-based / practical food science modules.

Year 2

Unit 3: Principles of Food Hygiene and Food Safety:  The unit is particularly relevant if you intend to pursue a career involving food technology, quality control and food safety management as it introduces fundamental concepts relating to foodborne illnesses, hazard analysis and industry standards.  These topics are widely covered in food science and public health degrees.

Unit 4: Experimenting to Solve Food Production Problems:  You will develop research and investigative skills, mirroring scientific methodologies used in university-level courses.  You will learn how to formulate hypotheses, design and conduct experiments and analyse results.  

Entry Requirements

A minimum of Grade 4 or above in GCSE Food is desirable.

Possible Subject Combinations 

Biology, Chemistry, Health and Social Care, Sport, Design and Technology, Fashion and Textiles Design

What do the students say? 

I have really enjoyed studying food at GCSE and I am excited to have the chance to take this subject at a higher level.

Where can Food Science & Nutrition take me?

An understanding of food science and nutrition is relevant to many industries and job roles. Care providers in all settings 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. In combination with A levels in sciences, sociology or maths this course can allow entry to university courses such as BSc in food science, nutrition or public health.

Assessment