Dip (PD) Global Food Security (DL)
Academic Year 2017/18
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance and Enhancement processes as set out in the DASA Policies and Procedures Manual.
Programme Title |
Dip (PD) Global Food Security (DL) |
Final Award |
Postgraduate Diploma |
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Programme Code |
BIO-PD-FS |
UCAS Code |
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JACS Code |
D600 (DESCR) 100 |
Criteria for Admissions Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above in a relevant area of science or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, based on the University's RPL policy. |
ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
Health Check Required |
No |
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Portfolio Required |
Interview Required |
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Mode of Study |
Full Time |
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Type of Programme |
Postgraduate |
Length of Programme |
1 Academic Year(s) |
Total Credits for Programme |
180 |
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Exit Awards available |
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INSTITUTE INFORMATION
Awarding Institution/Body |
Queen's University Belfast |
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Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
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School/Department |
Biological Sciences |
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Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level |
Level 7 |
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QAA Benchmark Group |
Agriculture, horticulture, forestry, food and consumer sciences (2009) |
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Accreditations (PSRB) |
REGULATION INFORMATION
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations n/a |
Programme Specific Regulations Awards, Credits & Progression of Learning Outcomes |
Students with protected characteristics The programme does not contain barriers to access or progression among protected groups |
Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF PROGRAMME
On completion of the programme the student will be able to:
• Critically apply their knowledge and skills to evaluate current and emerging risks to food safety and relate these to potential threats to human / animal health and global food security
• Identify and critically evaluate the range of risks that may be introduced during food production and manufacture systems and determine their potential impact on food safety and consumer health
• Critically assess the appropriateness and usefulness of the analytical methods currently available to monitor for and detect risks to animal feed and food safety, and their effectiveness in food safety control
• Critically evaluate the principles behind advanced modern analytical methods and assess those techniques most feasible to be adopted for risk management procedure control under different situations and scenarios
• Apply knowledge of current and emerging international food standard and legislative instruments to aspects of food safety control and critically evaluate and assess the impacts of this on international trade and regulatory systems
• Apply an in-depth understanding of the range and types of food fraud affecting food safety, traceability and authenticity, and an awareness of the regulatory requirements to challenges in the maintenance of food quality/safety
• Position themselves to pursue a career in research, industry or other areas of professional scientific employment related to aspects of food safety and food security
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Apply new knowledge to critically assess and reflect on specific food-related issues and select appropriate strategies to address these issues |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students will develop the cognitive skills of critical analysis and evaluation through teaching on a number of key modules. Methods of Assessment Cognitive skills are assessed throughout programme modules based on completion of continuous assessment assignments and the dissertation. |
Analyse and critically evaluate data obtained from analytical and experimental investigations |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students will develop appropriate skills through practical demonstrations within the modules and research project. Skills in judgement of evidence and synthesis are practised and demonstrated through learning activities and problem-based exercises. Methods of Assessment Evaluation and analysis skills are emphasized in the problem based and case study coursework and are specifically mentioned in the marking criteria for the dissertation. |
Make sound scientific judgments and assessments in the absence of complete data |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The dissertation module requires students to work independently, guided by a supervisor or tutor. Students practise bibliographic search skills through a comparison of different online databases. Methods of Assessment Completion of case studies and Dissertation |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate and critically apply subject specific knowledge surrounding current issues relating to food safety and traceability, it’s monitoring and enforcement |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Subject-specific knowledge is principally obtained through taught specialist modules. In-depth knowledge of a specific area is developed through the supervised dissertation. Methods of Assessment Assessed via continuous assessment including MCQ’s, and dissertation. |
Identify a range of current and emerging methodologies used in modern food safety analysis and critically research and communicate the principles behind the use of these methods |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies On-line lectures, videos, seminars, supported by directed reading of textbooks and journal articles. Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment, practical method reports. |
Critically assess analytical techniques used for food safety analysis in terms of their practical application, strengths, weaknesses and appropriateness for use in different situations |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies On-line lectures, videos, seminars, supported by directed reading of textbooks and journal articles. Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment, including case studies. |
Evaluate the potential risks (safety and economic) related to incidents of compromised food integrity and authenticity and identify best practice to avoid such events |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies On-line lectures, videos, seminars, supported by directed reading of textbooks and journal articles. Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment, including case studies. |
Apply new knowledge on international food standards and food trade to identity trends and changes in global food safety legislation setting |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies On-line lectures, videos, seminars, supported by directed reading of textbooks and journal articles. Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment, including case studies. |
Critically apply knowledge and understanding gained to design and synthesise a body of work related to a food safety topic, and carry out, collate and critically evaluate and interpret qualitative and/or quantitative data and information |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Directed and self-directed reading, on-line learning resources, on-line reflective practice, academic/tutor feedback/supervision. Methods of Assessment Interim progress reports, presentation, interview, dissertation. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Make sound scientific judgements based on proper analysis of available data and information |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Through demonstration, students will obtain working knowledge of a range of analytical techniques and technologies which can be applied to the monitoring of food safety and integrity. Case studies will enable students to learn discrimination techniques. Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment and dissertation. |
Communicate observations and conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Continuous assessment tasks based on self-directed learning, dissertation Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment and dissertation. |
Demonstrate personal initiative, independence and use team-oriented skills to tackle and solve problems |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Continuous assessment tasks based on self-directed learning, dissertation. Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment and dissertation. |
Demonstrate the ability for independent learning required for continuing professional development |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Continuous assessment tasks based on self-directed learning, dissertation. Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment and dissertation. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Develop their transferable skills to a NQF M-level standard. These skills can be subdivided as: |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students develop numerical skills through discussions of the evidence underlying different pieces of scientific research (in written coursework and on line fora) and through applied practice through completion of a dissertation. Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment and dissertation. |
Develop their transferable skills to a NQF M-level standard. These skills can be subdivided as: |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students practise and develop communication skills throughout the course. Skills development is facilitated through feedback. Students prepare work for different audiences. Communication skills include the preparation of slides and video presentations. Methods of Assessment Feedback and assessment on performance in continuous assessment tasks. Skype feedback sessions. |
Develop their transferable skills to a NQF M-level standard. These skills can be subdivided as: |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Learning is generally supported through IT-based resources. Students therefore develop skills in internet searching for literature and other web-based material. Email is used to communicate with the students and use of this resource is covered (along with online databases and use of library catalogues) in the course introduction. Students produce coursework assessments using different packages (word-processing, graphics). Methods of Assessment Assessment is carried out in formative and summative contexts. |
Develop their transferable skills to a NQF M-level standard. These skills can be subdivided as: |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning through online testing [MCQ’s] feedback given formally and informally. Dissertations are chosen following discussion and reflection on personal goals and motivation for different types of research. Students are expected to assess their own performance using evidence from course work and interactions with peers and teaching staff. Methods of Assessment Continuous assessment and dissertation. Skype feedback sessions. |
Develop their transferable skills to a NQF M-level standard. These skills can be subdivided as: |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Problem solving is practised in course work assignments and in the Dissertation. Intellectual and practical flexibility, along with creativity, are necessary for much scientific research. Addressing food safety issues within the Advanced Analytical tools module will involve a problem-based approach (e.g. how can useful data be collected, how can resource use issues be reconciled, what analytical methods should be utilised in various situations?). Students are directed to generic sources of assistance and guidance within the University. Methods of Assessment Assessments in subject specific modules including case studies, elements of problem solving and report writing. |
Develop their transferable skills to a NQF M-level standard. These skills can be subdivided as: |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies On line forums discussion with peers, tutors and academic staff. Peer review of assignments. Methods of Assessment Feedback from peers, tutors and academic staff. |
MODULE INFORMATION
Programme Requirements
Module Title |
Module Code |
Level/ stage |
Credits |
Availability |
Duration |
Pre-requisite |
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Assessment |
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S1 |
S2 |
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Core |
Option |
Coursework % |
Practical % |
Examination % |
Food Safety and Health |
BIO8101 |
7 |
30 |
YES |
20 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
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Advanced Analytical Tools for Food Security |
BIO8201 |
7 |
30 |
YES |
20 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
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Food Integrity, Fraud and Traceability |
BIO8202 |
7 |
30 |
YES |
20 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
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Global Food Standards and Legislation |
BIO8102 |
7 |
30 |
YES |
20 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
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Notes
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