208-343 Food Science Project

Completion of 1st and 2nd year of degree, or equivalent

This subject involves the definition and development of a laboratory-based or industry-related project which will develop skills in project planning and management, problem solving and report preparation. Students will undertake an investigation that may involve one of three types of studies centred around contemporary food industry issues or a particular food sector or company:

• A laboratory-based experimental investigation undertaken individually or in small groups, performed under academic supervision sometimes in conjunction with an industry-based supervisor. Six-hours per week laboratory access will be made available within the timetable for experimentation.

• A theoretical investigation not involving experimentation but including desk-top analysis of existing data or information available from the literature, undertaken either individually or in a group.

• An investigation of the operations of a particular company through an industry placement, supervised by an industry-based supervisor under guidance from an academic supervisor.

Students work interactively with the subject coordinator, academic or industry supervisor, and the class to define their topics and mode of project operations. Every student will prepare a project proposal that includes aims, methodologies and approaches, and covers the relevant chosen option. Individual students will submit a final report that includes a literature review and deliver an oral presentation at completion. Projects undertaken in groups will be evaluated through peer-review processes in addition to evaluation by supervisors.

Students will meet regularly as a group or electronically for guided, interactive discussion on their projects. Students are required to attend a series of seminars delivered on project design, management and communication strategies, including case studies.

Oral presentation and peer evaluation (20%), final written report 5000 words (70%), supervisor report on student performance (10%).