Yes, fatty acid oxidation and beta oxidation refer to the same metabolic process in which long-chain fatty acids are broken down into smaller units called acetyl-CoA, which can then be used for energy production in cells. 

Fatty acid oxidation is the general process of breaking down fatty acids. It involves a series of chemical reactions that convert fatty acids into energy. There are two types of fatty acid oxidation – alpha oxidation and beta oxidation. Beta oxidation refers to the specific, most crucial phase of fatty acid oxidation, during which the fatty acid molecule is cleaved, producing acetyl-CoA, which is used to produce energy for the cells.