Faculty of Land and Food Resources : Guide to courses
21. Bachelor of Food Science (Honours)

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21. Bachelor of Food Science (Honours)
    21.1. Course overview
    21.2. Admission requirements
    21.3. Duration and commencement
    21.4. Course structure
    21.5. Honours research project
    21.6. Assessment

21. Bachelor of Food Science (Honours)

21.1. Course overview

The honours year in food science is a very valuable year of study. It comprises advanced coursework and an individual research project designed to extend students' knowledge and skills in solving food industry research problems. After successfully completing the program, students will be prepared to either enter the workforce pursuing a career with food and dairy companies, or enrol for further research study through applying for a masters or doctor of philosophy degree.

21.2. Admission requirements

All applicants must satisfy the following two requirements.

Applicants must hold a bachelors level degree in any of the following areas: agricultural science, biological science (preferred majors in biochemistry or microbiology), chemistry, engineering or food science.
The minimum entry requirement is an average mark of at least 65 in the third year (300-level) subjects of the degree.

21.3. Duration and commencement

This honours program can only be undertaken on a full-time basis. The program commences in February and concludes in November.

21.4. Course structure

The honours course is comprised of coursework (three subjects, 37.5%) and a research project (62.5%). The three coursework subjects will be selected from those offered at graduate certificate, graduate diploma and advanced undergraduate levels, by the Faculty of Land and Food Resources and other faculties of the University. They will enable students to gain sufficient familiarity with the fields relevant to their research project. Applicants to the program will need to demonstrate the completion of appropriate prerequisite subjects in their undergraduate courses when selecting coursework subjects. Final subject choice will be approved by the research project supervisor. Students will also be expected to participate in research discussion groups or 'journal clubs' and attend the department's research seminar series.

21.5. Honours research project

Students will select a project from a list formulated by supervisors. Some of these projects may be offered in collaboration with food or agricultural companies, and collaborating institutions such as Food Science Australia. Project proposals detailing the experimental plan and a literature review will be presented before the departmental Honours Panel for discussion and approval prior to commencing experimental work. Students will be required to present seminars on both their project proposal and the outcomes of their research. The expected volume of the thesis (including references) will normally be limited to 20 000 words (approximately 50 A4 pages).

21.6. Assessment

Assessment of subjects constituting the coursework component of the program will be conducted as stipulated in the subject outlines published in the University Handbook. The overall grade for the honours year will be a weighted average of results achieved in the subjects making up the coursework and the mark obtained for the research thesis. In order to be awarded the honours qualification, students must achieve an overall weighted average of at least 65 per cent for their honours studies.