A pathway from foundations to application
This self-directed pathway organises nutrition science into four connected stages. It is a subject exploration resource rather than an accredited programme specification. Work through the stages at a pace that allows time for reading, practice and reflection.
1. Human physiology
Focus on human physiology as a way to understand food, metabolism and the study of dietary patterns. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to human physiology. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how human physiology connects with nutrient metabolism. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
2. Nutrient metabolism
Focus on nutrient metabolism as a way to understand food, metabolism and the study of dietary patterns. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to nutrient metabolism. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how nutrient metabolism connects with dietary assessment. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
3. Dietary assessment
Focus on dietary assessment as a way to understand food, metabolism and the study of dietary patterns. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to dietary assessment. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how dietary assessment connects with food systems. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
4. Food systems
Focus on food systems as a way to understand food, metabolism and the study of dietary patterns. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to food systems. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how food systems connects with human physiology. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.