Food Studies Study Notes

On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain the processes of eating and digesting food, and the utilisation of macronutrients, and justify the science behind the development of the Australian Dietary Guidelines, and apply principles of nutrition in practical activities to examine specific dietary needs. In this area of study students focus on the science of food, underpinned by practical activities. They investigate the science of food appreciation, physiology of digestion, absorption and utilisation of macronutrients: carbohydrates, including dietary fibre, fats and proteins. Students develop their capacity to analyse advice on food choices through investigating food allergies and intolerances, and the science behind the nutritional rationale and evidence-based recommendations of the Australian Dietary Guidelines.

On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse factors affecting food behaviours of individuals through examining the relationships between food access, values, beliefs and choices, and demonstrate practical skills to evaluate factors affecting planning and preparing healthy meals for children and families. In this area of study students focus on patterns of eating in Australia and the influences on the food we eat. Students look at relationships between social factors and food access and choices, as well as the social and emotional roles of food in shaping and expressing identity and how food may link to psychological factors. They inquire into the role of politics and media as influences on the formation of food habits, beliefs and food sovereignty. Students investigate the principles of encouraging healthy food patterns in children and undertake practical activities to develop a repertoire of healthy meals suitable for children and families.

On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse food information by applying principles of evidence-based research and healthy eating recommendations to evaluate a selected food trend, fad or diet, and claims on food packaging and advertisements, and undertake practical activities that meet the healthy eating recommendations of the Australian Dietary Guidelines. In this area of study students focus on food information and misinformation and the development of food knowledge, skills and habits. Students learn to assess information and draw evidence-based conclusions to navigate contemporary food fads, trends and diets. They reflect on a selected food fad, trend or diet and assess its credibility and the reliability of its claims. Students practise and improve their food selection skills by interpreting the claims of food labels and interrogating the marketing terms on food packaging.

On completion of this unit the student should be able to critique issues affecting food systems in terms of ethics, sustainability and food sovereignty, and through practical activities propose future solutions that reflect sociocultural, sustainable and ethical food values and goals. In this area of study students address debates concerning Australian and global food systems, relating to issues on the environment, ethics, innovations and technologies, food access, food safety, and the use of agricultural resources. Students explore a range of debates through identifying issues, forming an understanding of current situations and considering possible futures. They research one selected debate in depth, seeking clarity on disparate points of view, considering proposed solutions and analysing work undertaken to solve problems and support sustainable futures.