Programmes - HKU SPACE Community College
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Mathematics & Science Mathematics & Science

Associate of Nutrition and Food Science

Programme Code: AD127 25204613
Application Code 報名編號 : AD 127

Programme Aims & Features

This programme equips students with skills and knowledge to pursue careers in the food, nutrition and catering industries. Topics that will be covered include the fundamentals of the human body, the biochemical basis of nutrition, the nutritional requirements of individuals, and the science and technology of food. Students will also develop basic cooking skills so that they may apply the knowledge of nutrition into food preparation.
 
In addition to dedicated and experienced lecturers, some specialism courses are taught by industry professionals, dietitians, and nutritionists. Students could gain practical and up-to-date insights.
 
There are two themes in the programme : Food and Nutritional Sciences and Food Science and Safety. For students who choose Food and Nutritional Science Theme, with nutrition knowledge, each student will also undertake a research project related to food and nutrition in their final year as a part of the programme, providing them with valuable research experience. For students who choose Food Science and Safety Theme, the programme offers thorough training in food microbiology, food analysis, and food chemistry, which are necessary knowledge and skills to work in the food industry.
 
The curriculum strikes a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. To enhance the learning experience, the programme offers hands-on practical sessions in a well-equipped laboratory. This allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge and reinforces their understanding of the concepts. 
 
To provide real-world exposure, the programme also includes practicum opportunities and site visits to local and overseas institutions, nutrition facilities, and food companies. This helps students gain industry insights, develop professional networks, and understand the practical applications of their knowledge.

 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

On completion of the programme, students should be able to:
 
ILO1. communicate ideas in a manner appropriate to the circumstance using English and Chinese languages (oral and written) in social and academic contexts; 
ILO2. use information technology and/or quantitative/numerical skills to manage information and solve daily life problems;
ILO3. analyse and integrate fundamental concepts and ideas across a broad range of core curriculum subjects and describe their relevance to human experiences; 
 
 
For Food and Nutritional Sciences Theme:
ILO4. apply the knowledge of nutrition and related sciences and their applications to human health; 
ILO5. integrate the knowledge of nutrition and food science to prepare healthy and balanced meals; 
ILO6. interpret the basics of food chemistry and production techniques, and apply them in a practical setting; 
ILO7. evaluate nutritional requirements and guidelines for individuals at different stages of life, conduct nutrition assessments, and plan appropriate menus; 
ILO8. synthesise knowledge from nutritional sciences and relate the importance of diet in promoting health and preventing disease.
 
For Food Science and Safety Theme:
ILO9. apply the knowledge of nutrition and related sciences and their applications to human health; 
ILO10. integrate the knowledge of nutrition and food science to prepare healthy and balanced meals;
ILO11. interpret the basics of food chemistry and production techniques, and apply them in a practical setting; 
ILO12. identify the major microorganisms and other substances in foods and work effectively in food laboratories; 
ILO13. apply the scientific principles of food processing and analyse the safety aspects of raw materials and food products in relation to human health. 

Note: Non-Chinese speaking students not taking Course 17 may only partially achieve ILO1 listed above.

Programme Information

  • Programme Duration: 24 months
  • Medium of Instruction: English, except for Chinese Language courses
 

Opportunities for Further Studies

Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to Bachelor’s degree programmes in Food and Nutritional Science, Food Safety and Technology, Nursing or health-related disciplines at both local and overseas universities.  
 
Below are some examples*:
 
The University of Hong Kong
BSc (Major in Food and Nutritional Science)
Bachelor of Science 
Bachelor of Nursing

The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Science
BSc Biochemistry
BSc Community Health Practice
BSc Natural Science
BSc Public Health
 
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
BSc Biotechnology
 
City University of Hong Kong
BEng Bioengineering
BSc Biological Sciences
BSc Biomedical Sciences
BSc Chemistry
 
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
BA (Hons) Applied Ageing Studies and Service Management
BSc (Hons) Applied Biology with Biotechnology
BSc (Hons) Analytical Sciences for Testing and Certification
BSc (Hons) Food Safety and Technology
 
Hong Kong Baptist University
BSc (Hons) Applied Biology – Biotechnology Concentration
BSc (Hons) Chemistry
 
*The above list is not exhaustive and only shows some of the examples.
 

HKU SPACE International College

Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to various degree programmes offered by the HKU SPACE International College, including Bachelor of Science (Honours) Food and Nutrition .
 

Career Prospects

Upon graduation, students have various options available to them. They can choose to enter the food or nutrition industries. Potential career paths include roles such as nutrition assistants, working in the health promotion field and food quality officers. 
 

Special Entrance Requirements

In addition to the minimum entrance requirements, applicants are also required to have obtained Level 2 or above in one of the following HKDSE subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Science, Integrated Science or Technology and Living (Food Science and Technology), or equivalent.
 
 
 
  

GENERIC SKILLS

 

  • Basic Engineering Mathematics /Information Technology Fundamentals
  • Quantitative Analysis I
  • English for Academic Purposes I
  • English for Academic Purposes II
  • English for Science and Technology
  • Introduction to Academic English
  • Practical Chinese
  • Experiential Learning
  • Laboratory and Practical Skills in Biological Sciences 

SPECIALISM

Year 1 
  • Cell Biology and Immunology 
  • Chemistry for Biological Sciences
  • Human Physiology and Anatomy
  • Introduction to Food Science and Nutrition 
Year 2
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Food Chemistry
Theme : Food and Nutritional Sciences 
  • Diet, Health and Disease
  • Lifecycle Nutrition
Theme : Food Science and Safety
  • College Physics 
  • Food Microbiology
CORE CURRICULUM COURSES
  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning in Discipline-based Studies
  • One Core Curriculum Course from the Area of Culture, Media and Society 
  • One Core Curriculum Course from the Area of Perspectives in Arts and Humanities
  • One Core Curriculum Course from the Area of Scientific and Technological Literacy