The CCEA GCE Nutrition and Food Science specification focuses on good nutrition as an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy food can help to reduce the risk of chronic illness and promote overall health.

This specification is available at two levels: AS and A2. Students can take the AS units plus the A2 units for a full GCE A level qualification. They can also choose to take the AS course as a stand-alone qualification.

In the AS units, students learn about macronutrients and micronutrients, and study nutritional requirements and current dietary recommendations for each life stage. In Unit AS 2, students investigate current research on diet, lifestyle and health.

Students who continue to A2 may choose to examine consumer behaviour when making food purchasing decisions and consider the issues and implications of consumer food choice (Food Security and Sustainability). Alternatively, they might explore securing a safe food supply from the primary producer to the consumer (Food Safety and Quality).

The specification has four units:

• Unit AS 1: Principles of Nutrition
• Unit AS 2: Diet, Lifestyle and Health
• Unit A2 1:
  • Option A - Food Security and Sustainability; or
  • Option B - Food Safety and Quality
• Unit A2 2: Research Project.