MSc Food Science

Year 1

(Award available for year: Master of Science)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the programme students should have shown evidence of being able:

- to demonstrate an understanding of concepts, information and techniques in the field of food science as informed by research/scholarship in the discipline, including knowledge of:
> the techniques and role of food preservation and processing operations;
> the biochemical and chemical atributes and reactions of the major food components;
the role of food colloids in dairy science;
the roles of quality assurance and management;
how food legislation is implemented.
> the factors impacting on food safety;
> the effect of food processing on nutritional quality and understanding of the role of processed foods in the diet;
> physical chemical aspects of foods and the food matrix. The chemisty of food flavours and colourings;

- to exhibit competence in the exercise of generic and subject-specific intellectual abilities, including the ability to:
> critically evaluate current research, research and advanced scholarship relevant to food science using concepts from scholarly reviews and primary sources of information;
> demonstrate an understanding of the provisional nature of information and allow for competing and alternative explanations;
> demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method of enquiry and understand the principles of hypothesis-lead research;
> apply this understanding to the planning and implementation of an individual research project in a relevant research area;
> apply their knowledge and understanding to solving complex problems by collecting and evaluating appropriate information, and use it creatively to suggest innovations or make decisions;

- to demonstrate ability in the use and evaluation of research methods and techniques standard to the food science discipline, including a theoretical and practical understanding of:
> laboratory methods used in understanding nutrient content of foods, and the effect of processing on nutrient content;
> laboratory methods used in understanding the composition of foods;
> Health and Safety practices, including risk assessment in laboratory settings;
> to apply research skills to generate complex primary data as part of an individual research project;

- to take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and to develop professional relationships with others, including:
> self-evaluation of skills and competences leading to a personal development plan in terms of Generic graduate skills;

Transferable (key) skills

Masters (Taught), Postgraduate Diploma & Postgraduate Certificate students will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities as defined in the modules specified for the programme:

- the skills necessary to undertake a higher research degree in aspects of Food Science or relevant disclipline and/or for employment in a higher capacity in the food industr, including demonstration of:
> autonomy, self direction, initiative and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations;
> effective self-planning in order to prioritise and manage time and resources effectively;
> effective team work and leadership where applicable;
> effective communication with individuals or groups using a range of methods and media;
> effective use of ICT methods for gathering, evaluating, analysing and presenting information and data;
> effective dissemination of research findings though an individual dissertation thesis, an oral presentation and an oral examination;
- evaluating their own achievement using reflective practice;
- independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development;
- critical engagement in the development of professional/disciplinary boundaries and norms.

Assessment

Achievement for the degree of Master (taught programme) will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will involve the achievement of the students in evidencing an ability to conduct independent in-depth enquiry within the discipline.

This will be evidenced through:
- the undertaking of an independent research project;
- demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to a complex specialist area;
- drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study;
- evaluating and criticising received opinion;
- making reasoned judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data;
- generation, analysis and evaluation of complex research primary data, assessed though the writing of an individual research thesis, an oral presentation and an oral examination.

Learning context

For Masters (Taught), Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate students the learning context will include the analysis of, and decision making in, complex and unpredictable situations. The structure of the programme will provide breadth and/or depth of study and opportunities for drawing upon appropriate resources and techniques.

Opportunities will be provided for students to develop:
- interests and informed opinions
- their involvement in the design and management of their learning activities
- their communication of their conclusions.

Students will be expected to progress to fully autonomous study and work.