LEVEL 400
FCOS 424: Fashion Production Internship
Credits: 3
A semester of intensive practical training in fashion design or accessories under the tutelage of an experienced fashion designer; acquisition of hands-on skills in a commercial environment to link classroom experiences to commercial production of apparel design and accessories. Students will choose commercial production units where a) the designer uses paper patterns/ freehand-cutting methods for garment production or b) specializes in the making of accessories for their internship. At the end of the programme, students will present either i) three (3) different tailored garments or ii) three (3) accessories (two hats and a neck-tie) for grading. In addition, each student will hand in a detailed report on the activities covered. There will be occasional supervision by a lecturer in charge of the course.
FCOS 418: Marriage, Family and Intimate Relationships
Credits: 3
Topics include romantic love, the meaning of marriage, qualities of a successful marriage, sexual patterns, courting and dating, love and mate selection, intimate relationships, happiness and tension and conflict in relationships, separations, divorces, widowhood, remarriages, family systems in other cultures, family system in Ghana, minority family patterns, current changes, and prospects for the future. Presents sociological descriptions and explanations of these topics and also guides students into ways of coping better in their own relationships
FCOS 415: Management of Food Service Systems
Credits: 3
The course aims to give the student a comprehensive appraisal of all elements involved in good food service systems management. Areas to be covered will include food service systems and their development; food service organization and management - This will include discussions on Theories of organization; Types of organizations; Functions of management, Tools of management, Scheduling of employees, and Work improvement; Personnel Management - The employment process involving recruitment and Selection; the worker on the job with emphasis on orientation, training, work standard and productivity, performance, promotion and transfer, routine supervision and decision- making; Cost Control - Factors affecting cost control such as Food costs, Labour costs, Operating and other expenses, Records for control including Procurement and receiving records, Storage and storeroom, control, Production and services, Dining room records, Cash transaction, Operating and maintenance, and Personnel cost control records; Reports as a Management Tool including Budget planning, Financial reports, and Annual reports.
FCOS 413: Child Study Laboratory Experience
Credits: 3
Laboratory experience at the Child Study Center, which includes observing and recording the growth and behaviour of toddlers and preschool children, working in the classroom with children, and understanding principles and techniques for assessing, planning, and working with young children through direct experience.
FCOS 411: Garments and Accessories Technology
Credits: 3
The course will examine the development of patterns for men's and women's bespoke tailored suits; construction techniques including lining, interfacing, padding, bound pockets and buttonholes, welt pockets and pressing; and different materials and fabrics used for fashion accessories. The design, production and care of accessories with emphasis on millinery, belts, bags, shoes and neckwear will also be handled.
FCOS 422: Food Product Development
Credits: 3
Designing new products from a market perspective; Driving forces in the marketplace; Consumer Research; Methods of Idea development and management, Product development sequence; Engineering role in a typical food process; Food packaging industry, Safety and Regulatory Aspects; Agencies responsible for food safety, HACCP system, Nutrition promotion; Standardizing recipes.
FCOS 416: Special Topics In Family Resource Management
Credits: 3
The course will examine how gender studies and social class shape the experience of family life in contemporary African Countries. This multi-disciplinary course introduces various concepts and issues related to contemporary women, men, young people, reproductive health and rights and health communication in African Families. The course incorporates foci on reproductive health (including adolescent reproductive health and rights), Gender Violence (with attention to historical responses and prevention efforts, and HIV/AIDS (including global inequities in risk, incidence and treatment).
FCOS 414: Textiles and Clothing Maintenance
Credits: 3
Historical development of soaps and detergents (surfactants); structure, properties, categories and functions of surfactants, dry cleaning agents, builders, stain/spot removers; types of dirt/soil, detergency, the effect of water hardness, temperature, pH and agitation on detergency and soil removal; types of washing machines, rules governing the care of clothing; commercial and home laundering procedures, laundry mishaps; care labelling and labelling symbols; ironing/pressing equipment; storage and repair of clothing; preparation of soap.
FCOS 412: Policy Perspectives in Child Studies
Credits: 3
Analysis of issues, contexts and variables related to children- how these factors impact on families and childcare professionals; examination and discussion of children’s rights, global and national perspectives of these issues and barriers to the realization of these ideals. Advocacy issues and how they relate to public policy decision-making of children and their families.
FCOS 408: Family Resource Management Practicum
Credits: 3
A residential course during the final year when students move from their usual residences on or off campus to live in groups at the Family Resource Management Center "FIDUA" at the University of Ghana, Legon, for a specific period to stimulate living. Students put into practice all theories learnt in previous Family and Consumer Science courses. The course works towards skills development and enhancement. This practicum is also meant to prepare students for the roles, responsibilities, and relationships essential to functional families and to understand human relationships' nature, function, and significance within the individual/family units.
FCOS 407: Management of Household Tools & Appliances
Credits: 3
Principles and factors that influence the selection of equipment and tools for the home and the dynamism of technology in the home. Practical exposure to different types of equipment, tools and appliances used in the home, emphasizing those likely to be found in urban and rural Ghanaian homes; consumer concerns relating to household equipment; classification of household equipment; Selection, use and care of equipment in the Home relating to source of energy available.
FCOS 405: Extension Theory
Credits: 3
Principles of learning and teaching, setting objectives and working with adults. Programme planning and development based on identified needs at the home or family level. Communication techniques, motivation and use of demonstrations, group dynamics, mass media and simple audiovisual. Selection and use of local leaders and use of methods of programme evaluation.
FCOS 403: Apparel Design and Production
Credits: 3
The course focuses on concepts and practices for producing clothing items: design analysis, dart manipulation and adaptation, development of basic blocks, flat pattern making, sizing and grading patterns, and application of garment construction process to produce a garment for personal or family use. An intensive study of flat pattern making and free-hand cutting principles and processes. Development of basic blocks, pattern alterations, design analysis, dart manipulations, adaptation, grading and sizing to make patterns for Children, Teenagers, Women, Men and physically challenged clothing.
FCOS 401: Life Cycle Nutrition and Meal Management
Credits: 3
Nutritional requirements and food needs of individuals at varying physiological stages in the life cycle (infancy throughout the ageing years): Meal management goals and techniques of planning balanced diets to meet different individuals' food and nutritional needs are taught. The student can put theory into practice in the diet laboratory by applying meal management principles to plan and serve appetizing, sufficient and affordable meals for all family members using local food items. The use of underutilized, nutrient-dense local foods is emphasized. The student is taught how to analyze the nutritional compositions of meals and how to evaluate the nutritional adequacy of diets and the organoleptic qualities of meals.
FCOS 406: Extension Practical
Credits: 3
This practical course involves a field trip. Students apply the principles and techniques studied in FCOS 405. The selected community members are introduced to Child Nutrition Education, Family Planning, Parenting Education, Sex Education and Teenage Pregnancy, Sanitation Improvement, Money Management, Pastry Making, Tie/Dye/ Batik Making, Clothing Care and Maintenance, and Consumer Education.
FCOS 404: Current Issues in Foods and Nutrition
Credits: 3
Food and nutritional problems in Ghana; nutrition education as a major solution to nutritional problems (emphasis on principles of nutrition education); and government and non-governmental programmes to solve these problems. The student can select one or two organizations and study them in detail regarding their aims, specific objectives and target groups, programme activities, expected outcomes, and future plans. Food legislation and Consumer protection in Ghana are also covered.
FCOS 402: Textiles & Apparel Policies
Credits: 3
The course will cover policies related to the production, local and international fibre, fabric and apparel standards, exports and import of textiles fibres, fabrics, garments and related articles. The topics will include policies on ethics of labour and production, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), global sourcing, environmental laws and regulations, the competitive advantage of nations and social responsibilities expected of textiles and apparel firms.
FCOS 400: Research Project
Credits: 3
A creative review of literature and investigation on a special problem in any of the fields of Consumer Sciences, condition of an oral examination on the problem studied during scheduled seminar periods and the submission of a typed written report a week before the second-semester examinations begin.
LEVEL 300
The evolution of the furniture industry, from its conception to the present, includes the selection, use, and maintenance of materials for furniture, floor, ceiling, window, table, and bed coverings, floral arrangement, functions of items used for home furnishings, etc
Foundations of human food habits or dietary patterns; the influences of the various factors on food choices and eating patterns; and reasons underlying food likes and dislikes; Cross-cultural meal patterns and the influence of food habits on nutritional...
FCOS 322: Family Food Security
Overview of the world and national food situations; Various definitions of food security; The components of food security at national and household levels; Institutional, economic, social, infrastructural and environmental constraints to achieving family or...
FCOS 319: Meal Service and Table Etiquette
Knowledge and practice of meal service at both family and institutional levels; Formal and informal meal service, table setting and table arrangement, the proper use of cutlery and glassware, and waiting on the table; Table etiquette or rules of table courtesy...
FCOS 318: Sensory Evaluation of Food Products
Physiological bases of sensory evaluation - olfactory receptors, taste receptors, visual, etc; Sensory characteristics of food - appearance, aroma, flavour, texture, etc; Sensory Panels, Recruitment, Orientation, Screening, Training, Monitoring, Motivation;...
FCOS 317: Evolution of Fashion
Historical developments of costume and accessories of past periods; historical dress forms of the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans; evolution of various garment forms from the fifteenth to the 21st century. The course will also draw parallels and diverse details...
FCOS 316: Curriculum Planning for the Young Child
In-depth knowledge of Early Childhood Education Curriculum; Factors that contribute to effective learning with reference to young children; Organization of curriculum including but not limited to units on science, mathematics, art literature and...
FCOS 315: Textiles and Apparel Product Development
Study of knitting machines, looms, and their accessories for textiles and apparel production: Emphasis will be placed on locally produced looms; history of the production of strip-woven textiles in West Africa with special reference to those locally produced; The...
FCOS 314: Personal and Family Finance
Understanding the strategic role of money in the daily financial decisions of individuals and families. Relationship of: Attitudes about money to economic success; economic conditions to income and its use; life stage to earning potential; plan of action...
FCOS 312: Nutritional Assessment Methods
Nutritional assessment systems; anthropometric assessment such as measurement of body size, growth indices, body mass in children, adolescents and adults, measurement of body composition, interpretation and evaluation of anthropometric data, measurement...
Exploring the concepts of parenting and the skills needed for effective parental role; essential policy and professional issues in culturally divergent family settings; parenting children with special needs in physical, mental, social and educational areas...
FCOS 309: Dynamics of Family Relations
Introduction to the Family as a social institution. The relationship between family members, outsiders and the community will be emphasized. Diversity of Family Relations and how these affect the individual. Understanding what the family is, its impact,...
Housing in relation to settlements and the housing units as a basis to understanding the settlement; Technical skills in assessing architectural drawings; design considerations for the climatic zones of Ghana; Essential parts of a building; human issues and...
Nutrients, their food sources, digestion, absorption, utilization, storage and functions in the body; Nutritional deficiency disorders; Classification and chemical composition of carbohydrates; Digestion, absorption, utilization and storage; Functions in the...
Basic principles of research in studying the family, the home environment, and the utilization of resources; Problem identification, data gathering techniques including the use of questionnaire, interviews, and observation; Statistical analysis and...
Dyes and pigments, with emphasis on vat and direct dyes; application of the elements and principles of design to textile design; basic principles of dyeing and printing techniques; factors affecting the application of dyes and pigments to fabrics; fabric...
FCOS 304:Family Resource Management
Overview of Family Resource Management, Components; the family system; the family in Ghana; the family as an ecosystem; the purpose of Family Resource Management; Acquisition of managerial skills; The management of some specific resources such as time, energy,...
FCOS 303:Principles of Housing
The right to housing for all; Concepts of the family and housing, the household and human need in relation to shelter; Issues related to housing, socio-cultural and environmental; The housing quality, needs and provision; the provision of utilities and...
FCOS 302:Food Hygiene and Safety
Introduction of food hygiene, food spoilage and problems of food poisoning; and the basic principles of food preservation; Physical and chemical processes that control changes in foods during ageing; the role of microorganisms in food spoilage; and the...
FCOS 301: Consumer Behaviour & Education
Examination of the marketplace arrangements, consumer choices, consumer protection and action groups, problems of consumer products and services in Ghana, levels of consumer behaviour, understanding of the consumer, consumer rights and responsibilities, Role of...
FCOS 300:Family & Consumer Sciences Internship
A six to eight-week intensive practical training in a related field of Family & Consumer Sciences: This takes place at the end of the second semester of level 200.
LEVEL 200
FCOS 214: Foundations of Early Childhood Education
Historical and philosophical foundations of Early Childhood Education; Major contributions of renowned theorists and theories to the development of early childhood education; Relevance of early education to the growth of the individual; History of early...
FCOS 212: Concepts of Family Resource Management
Family Resource Management unlocks the complexity of family decision-making; the concepts and the underlying explanations of family behaviours: Understanding of the major management principles and frameworks emphasising the managerial processes: decision...
Composition of blood: Anaemia; blood groups; homeostasis and blood coagulation; conditions that cause excessive bleeding; functions of blood; heart structure. Cardiac cycle; Circulatory systems; factors that affect heart rate. Structural organization...
Basic composition of foods, their physical and chemical properties and their relationship to food preparation; Fruits and Vegetables, Carbohydrate structural constituents, Pigments, Flavours, Changes during cookery; Milk and Milk Products, Components,...
Fundamental concepts and empirical research on the development and changes in perception, cognition, emotion, and social functioning over the adult lifespan; Analysis of change from early adulthood through death in the areas of social, cognitive, and physical...
FCOS 203: Task Performance Management
The purpose of simplifying home-related work. Application of principles of body mechanics relating to the workplace, work methods, time and motion. Disabilities and home-related work life; Housing and Maslow’s notion of human needs.
FCOS 202: Introduction to Fashion Design
Concepts and practices for garment production: selection, use, care, and storage of tools and equipment used in apparel production; body measurements/ reference points with their names and symbols; figure types; basic stitches, methods of obtaining patterns, etc.
FCOS 201: Child & Adolescent Development
Physical, intellectual and socio-emotional development of children; progression of pregnancy and prenatal development, birth and the newborn, types of growth and development, stages of growth and development, needs of children and adolescents, factors...
LEVEL 100
FCOS 104: Introduction to Family Resource Management
Fundamental knowledge in Family Resource Management and overview of the family, its types, stages of the family life cycle and managerial functions of families; Meaning, scope and significance of management and its application in the home; Analogies between...
FCOS 103: Introduction to Textile Fibres & Fabrics
Production, classification, physical and chemical properties of fibres; subjective and objective methods of fibre identification; fibre morphology and its effect on fibre properties; yarn type and structure; methods of fabric construction; fabric type/names,...
FCOS 102: Scope & Philosophy of Family & Consumer Sciences
Philosophy, scope and historical developments of Home Science (Now Family and Consumer Sciences); examination of basic human needs; the impact of local and global issues on the needs; overview of programme approaches in Family and Consumer Sciences which help...
FCOS 101: Introduction to Foods and Nutrition
Fundamental knowledge of food preparation methods, cookery terms and basic measuring techniques; Introduction to kitchen and laboratory appliances and their uses. Safety measures in the laboratory and kitchen; basic cooking methods, modes of heat transfer,...