Food Science and Dietetics
Through laboratory and other practical experiences, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the food system and the impact of science on the food and nutrition industries. Students will explore food sources, the science and technology of food production and processing, and the implications for individual and global health and wellness. Career opportunities are broad and include health care; dietetics; and food research, development, and manufacturing. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.
Corequisite: Chemistry
Suggested prerequisite: Nutrition and Wellness
Class Size Regulation
The Virginia Administrative Code regulates the class size for this course. For additional information, see 8VAC20-120-150, "Maximum class size," or contact the Virginia Department of Education Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education at cte@doe.virginia.gov.
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Course Sequences
A combination of this course and those below, equivalent to two 36-week courses, is a concentration sequence. Students wishing to complete a specialization may take additional courses based on their career pathways. A program completer is a student who has met the requirements for a CTE concentration sequence and all other requirements for high school graduation or an approved alternative education program.
- Applied Agricultural Concepts (36 Weeks)
- Baking and Pastry Specialization (36 Weeks)
- Biological Applications in Agriculture (36 Weeks)
- Biotechnology Applications in Agriculture (36 Weeks)
- Biotechnology Foundations in Agricultural and Environmental Science (36 Weeks)
- Culinary Arts I (36 Weeks)
- Culinary Arts II (36 Weeks)
- Foundations of Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources (36 Weeks)
- Introduction to Culinary Arts (18 Weeks)
- Introduction to Culinary Arts (36 Weeks)
- Introduction to Health and Medical Sciences (18 Weeks)
- Introduction to Health and Medical Sciences (36 Weeks)
- Introduction to Nutrition for Health and Medical Sciences (18 Weeks)
- Nutrition and Wellness (18 Weeks)
- Nutrition and Wellness (36 Weeks)
Industry Credentials (Only apply to 36-week courses)
Virginia’s High Demand Occupations and Apprenticeable Occupations
Section § 2.2-2472 of the Code of Virginia requires the Virginia Board of Workforce Development (VBWD) to publish a list of jobs, trades, and professions for which a high demand for qualified workers exists or is projected. The Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) collaborated with the VBWD and related stakeholders to develop the high demand occupations list. VOEE’s mission is to leverage data to inform educational programming, policy, and workforce partnerships across the Commonwealth. See also the Virginia 2024 High Demand Occupations Dashboard.
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code, Occupation Description, and Active Apprenticeable Occupation status (Yes/No per the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry).
| SOC Code | Occupation Description | Apprenticeable Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| 292056 | Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | No |
| 292034 | Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | Yes |
| 211091 | Health Education Specialists | No |
| 319092 | Medical Assistants | No |
| 319091 | Dental Assistants | No |
| 292061 | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | No |
| 312021 | Physical Therapist Assistants | No |
| 291141 | Registered Nurses | No |
| 291126 | Respiratory Therapists | No |
| 292055 | Surgical Technologists | No |
| 319096 | Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | No |
| 291031 | Dietitians and Nutritionists | No |
| 399011 | Childcare Workers | Yes |
| 252021 | Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | No |
| 252011 | Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | Yes |
| 399099 | Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | No |
Career Clusters
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Animal Systems |
|
| Environmental Service Systems |
|
| Food Products & Processing Systems |
|
| Natural Resources Systems |
|
| Plant Systems |
|
| Power, Structural, & Technical Systems |
|
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Biotechnology Research and Development |
|
| Diagnostic Services |
|
| Health Informatics |
|
| Support Services |
|
| Therapeutic Services |
|
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Counseling & Mental Health Services |
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| Early Childhood Development & Services |
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| Family & Community Services |
|
| Personal Care Services |
|
