Careers in foods and nutrition

WEEK: 2

DATE……………….

Subject: Food and nutrition

Topic: Careers in foods and nutrition

Content:        

(i) Teaching

(ii) Dietetics

(iii) food science and technology

(iv) food engineering

(v) hotel and catering management.

Sub-Topic 1: (i) Teaching

(ii) Dietetics

(iii) Food science and technology

A career is a long term or life-long job or occupation that an individual is trained for, which he practices for a long period of time.

The field of nutrition is one of the most dynamic and diverse professions, thus, career opportunities are quite numerous and varied. This is a diagram representing the careers in food and nutrition.

Various career opportunities are open to those who have formal training in foods and nutrition. They include the following;

Teachers

Foods and nutrition teachers impact knowledge to reduce the rate of ignorance about the science of nutrition, effect of malnutrition and encourage good cooking and feeding habits for the maintenance of good health. They find job opportunities in schools i.e. secondary schools, schools of nursing, medical schools etc.

Dieticians/Nutritionist can be employed to give counseling to patients who need diet therapy in hospitals.

This is the study of foods and nutrition and its relation to people’s health. The people who practice dietetics are called dietitians. They recommend diets for patients in hospitals and health departments.

Food science and technology

A food scientist studies the basic chemical, biochemical, physical and biophysical properties of foods and their constituents .He is more involved in research and development in the universities, polytechnics, food research institutes, food processing industries etc.

Food technologist is involved in the application of the knowledge of food science to the processing of foods, to preserve them, improve their flavor, texture, appearance and other desirable properties. He carries out research and manufactures food from basic materials.

Food engineering

The food engineer devices means and techniques of post harvest storage of food and preservation of processed food to prevent deterioration and spoilage.

Hotel and catering management

A caterer can be self employed by setting up catering services, attending to the catering needs of the public especially during parties, dinners and on ceremonial occasions. He can also open a canteen as a food vendor or fast food operator.

Sub-Topic 2: 

(iv) Hospitality and tourism

(vii) Food research and development

(viii)  Community nutrition

(ix)  Clinical nutrition

(x) Home science and nutrition.

Hospitality and tourism.

Hospitality management is a study that offers related subjects in food services, catering and hotel management. A degree in hospitality management gives an in depth understanding of the structure and operations of hospitality management practice, such as catering and food services managers and hotel managers. A catering manager is the person who manages all of the day to day operations of catering services in a restaurant. A food service manager also oversees the day to day running of restaurants, bars and other establishments that prepare and serve meals and beverages to customers. They also work to make sure that customers are happy with their dining experience. In other words, a catering manager and a food service manager work hand in hand. The people in this career serve various functions depending on the demands placed on them by their customers which vary from small to very large establishments. The food service manager cooks and serves food from restaurants to sports complexes, school dormitories, campuses and personal kitchens. Their primary objective is to make sure that customers are happy with the service and food they receive.

Food research and development

Food research has shown that there is a direct relationship between adequate diet and good health. It has also been researched that there is a link between poor diet and ill health. This has made foods and nutrition research very relevant as they influence people’s lives. Many food manufacturers and retailers employ nutritionist and food scientist for research purposes. These researchers develop new methods or forms of food processing, packaging and storage. Food research and development are required in all the careers.

Community nutrition

As a community nutritionist, he can be employed to enlighten people about the various aspects of nutrition and so help to promote the good health of the people.

Clinical nutrition

As a school matron, a nutritionist helps to plan menu/meal for the students.

Home science and nutrition

This is the science that deals with foods and its effect on health. People who studied nutrition are called nutritionist. They advise people on matters of nutrition. They plan and supervise meal preparations in hospitals, industries and institutions. Nutritionist is required in rural areas where they assist in public nutrition enlightenments.

Evaluation

1. Define community nutrition, clinical nutrition.
2. Explain hospitality as a career in food nutrition
3. What is career?
4. List and explain the career opportunities available in foods and nutrition.
5. Describe the careers available in foods and nutrition.
6. What is the relationship between a food engineer and a food nutritionist?
7. In what form can a nutritionist be effective as a school matron?
8. What does a dietitian does?

Objective test:

1. Which of these is not a career in foods and nutrition?
   1. Dietitian
   2. Nutritionist
   3. Teacher
   4. Self employment.
2. .…………… play an important role in maintaining the nation’s food supply by enhancing food security.
   1. Nutritionist
   2. Dieticians
   3. Food technologists
   4. Food scientist
3. Foods and nutrition teachers impact knowledge to reduce the rate of ………….
   1. Ignorance
   2. Occupation
   3. Food
   4. Pleasure
4. A dietician works in a …………
   1. Hospital
   2. Canteen
   3. Theatre
   4. Store
5. A nutritionist that studies the basic chemical, biochemical, physical and biophysical properties of foods and their constituents is a ………………..
   1. Food scientist
   2. Food engineer
   3. Dietician
   4. CHEMIST
6. Which of these is not a career in foods and nutrition?
   1. Dietetics
   2. Nutrition
   3. Teaching
   4. Self employment.
7. A dietician works in a …………
   1. Hospital
   2. Canteen
   3. Theatre
   4. Store

Weekend assignment:

Read Evans food and nutrition for senior secondary school 1 by F.A. Bakare et el; (pages7-9)

Pre- reading assignment:

Read on the Relationships between foods and nutrition and other subjects.

Reference texts:

1. Evans food and nutrition for SS1 book 1 by F.A Bakare et al .
2. Exam focus foods and nutrition for WASSCE and SSCE by J.O Olusanya et al.

Mock Exams Chemistry SS 3

Exam Questions Third Term SSS 1 Biology