• Length of Study: Semester
• Number of SACE Credits: 10
  
• Pre-Requisite Information: At least a C grade in Year 10 Science
  

Subject Overview

Nutrition is a science that immerses students in the fundamentals of human nutrition, physiology, and health, and promotes investigation of current and emerging trends. It is the study of dietary, lifestyle, and healthy eating patterns with specific focus on nutrients in food, how the body uses nutrients, and the relationship between diet, health, and disease. Students apply knowledge and understanding of nutrition to conduct investigations and examine scenarios. Students use technologies, scientific evidence, and research to critically analyse information and make informed decisions or recommendations.

Students consider how the food and nutrition needs of different population demographics are affected by food availability and product development. Students examine political, economic, cultural, and ethical influences and ecological sustainability in order to recommend actions or develop arguments about future food needs and food ethics. Critical literacy and numeracy skills and a deep understanding of nutrients enable students to analyse diets that improve health outcomes for individuals, community groups, and/or society.

Students develop an understanding of the need to evaluate food systems and food quality standards, marketing of food, food availability, and cultural influences on food selection. Through this understanding, students develop their personal and social capabilities, and ethical and intercultural understanding. Students explore the link between food systems, environmental impacts, climate change, and food sustainability. They suggest solutions to complex issues, informed by current research and Australian consumer-protection practices.

Students undertake study in Stage 1 Nutrition through the following topics:

• Fundamentals of Nutrition
• Dietary Disorders
• Digestion, malabsorption and the microbiome

Assessment

Stage 1 assessment is comprised of 100% school-based assessment. Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types:

• Assessment Type 1: Folio (50%)
• Assessment Type 2: Skills and Applications (50%)

Examination:

• This subject has a 130 minute Examination at the end of the semester.