TECEP Science of Nutrition

[cookderosa]

I can't get this posted in the specific exam feedback section- can someone please move it over there for me??


The Science of Nutrition TECEP exam (BIO208)

This test is worth 3 Natural Science credits at TESC.

I used a text called Perspectives in Nutrition that was a college discard from 1990. I also had a laminated nutrition Quick Study card from 2003. There were a couple questions on the current nutritional info, but nothing that wasn't already in the news headlines. So, for that reason, I suggest any college text used in a biology based nutrition course will do.

TESC has a print out exam prep guide which includes an outline and sample questions, be sure to get this. I found it was very on target. I am using it in my feedback- much of what I am writing is ALREADY ON the guide, I am just pointing it out to underscore that it WAS included on the exam as predicted in the guide.

There are 100 multiple choice questions drawing from three areas. 60 is passing. You have 2 hours to take the test, it is pencil and paper given by the proctor of your choosing.

Digestion 5% (5 questions)
-know the basic parts of the digestive system as well as which part is responsible for each function. Know where digestion vs absorption occurs in various parts.
-know the names of enzymes and hormones, as well as where they are found and what they do. (very basic, not in depth, just memorize)

Metabolic Process 40% (40 questions)
-Carbs: My carb questions mainly required a thorough understanding of glucose. Do understand sucrose, fructose, dextrose, maltose, galactose, etc. Glucose + what = what. Also, understand glucose function and storage. What type of carb is found in various foods (from choices) as well as identify simple and complex carbs from a list.
-Lipids: not too much. Do know the various classifications.
- Protein: brush up on vegetarian, amino acids, and metabolism of proteins.
-vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals: quite surprised by the number of questions in this area. I had no less than 10! A standard table of food sources, excess of, deficiency of, functions of, and scientific name will do. I had several questions EACH specifically on B vitamins, zinc, and iron.

Direct Nutrition 55% (55 questions)
- know the names and tools RD's use- like BM tables, height to weight tables, RDA guides, etc.
- a few questions on obesity- causes, treatment
- at least 2 questions on pregnancy, and another 5 on lactation. These were "gimme" questions for me since I used to be a childbirth educator! For the rest of us, you'll want to read up on the benefits of breastmilk and how long you should breastfeed- as well as knowing when it is safe to start other foods. Especially if there are foods that cause allergies in infants.
-one food borne illness question about the most deadly type.
- one question on the content of sports drinks.
-finally, several questions on cancer, hypertension, diabetes.

Missing:- nothing to calculate. You won't have to calculate calorie content, BMI, weight in kilograms, daily RDAs or any math at all.

-nothing on food labels (one question on label law, but it was from left field)

- nothing on the food pyramid, or number of servings/RDA

[ali4nia]

how did you do on that test? hope it went well, I will probably takethis in a few month or so..anyway thanks for your post its awesome information, very useful for me in couple month

[cookderosa]

Originally Posted by ali4nia

how did you do on that test? hope it went well, I will probably takethis in a few month or so..anyway thanks for your post its awesome information, very useful for me in couple month

>>

I passed with a 69. 60 was required. I have not looked at my score report, I phoned to get the score. My score is much lower than I expected, I expected to be at least 10 to 15 points higher. My best guess, is the extensive vitamin/mineral questions must have been my downfall- but I'm not certain. My knowledge in carbs, protein, lipids, and food is solid.....so..... that's my best guess.
Another thought-
If you look in the free TESC Nutrition study guide, there was 1 "trick" question.
Something like- which one of these populations is most significantly impacted by a deficiency of x.
The population that is most stricken by the deficiency is senior citizens by far...but that's not the answer. The answer is infants, because SHOULD an infant have the deficiency, then they would be the more nutritionally compromised than a senior. Hummmm......
Looking back, maybe there were more of these type of questions than I realized- in other words, maybe they tricked me!

[Lindagerr]

Remember you don't get a grade for TECEP's so a pass is a pass. Congrats.
Are you finished now?