Home Economics – Scientific and Social, is concerned with the way individuals and families manage their resources to meet physical, emotional, intellectual, social and economic needs. Home Economics is a life skills programme. It focuses on the acquisition of knowledge, and the development of skills that can be applied in the home, in further education, in the world of work, or other life situations. It prepares students of both sexes for a life in a consumer orientated society. It provides a learning foundation for those seeking employment in a wide range of careers.

Leaving Certificate Home Economics-Social & Scientific Syllabus

Core Units (This must be completed by all students)

Food Studies

• Food science and nutrition
• Diet and health
• Preparation and processing of food
• Food legislation
• Food safety and hygiene
• Microbiology

Resource Management & Consumer Studies

• Family resource management
• Consumer studies
• Household technology

Social Studies

• The family in society (structures, functions, marriage & law)

Elective Units (all students must do one of the following)

Home Design and Management

• Housing styles and provision
• Interior design
• Systems and services, e.g. water, heating, ventilation

Social Studies

• Education (purpose and factors influencing achievement)
• Leisure (role of leisure in the development of the individual)
• Poverty (concepts, causes, and effects)

Textiles, fashion and design.

The Leaving Certificate examination for both Higher and Ordinary levels will of comprise of Written Examination (80%) and Food studies Coursework (20%)*

*Food Studies Coursework for both Higher and Ordinary Level candidates will involve the completion and presentation of a written record of five assignments from the following options:

• Application of nutritional principles
• Food preparation and processes
• Food technology
• Properties of food
• Comparative analysis including sensory analysis

Students who intend choosing Home Economics as a Leaving Certificate subject, and have not studied the subject for the Junior Certificate examination, should talk to one of the teachers of Home Economics before making their final decision.

Career

BSc in Food Business/Technology/Science Nutritional Sciences, food technology, food analysis, human nutrition and dietetics, biotechnology, hotel management, food and drinks services, administration, chefs, etc.