Bachelor of Food Science (Honours)

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.

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 Melbourne School of Land and Environment 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.

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.

Students who have completed this course should have acquired:

• a detailed knowledge of scientific principles underpinning the conversion of raw agricultural products into safe, nutritious and interesting food;

• an ability to understand the context of food production from different perspectives, including: the regulatory environment governing the supply of safe and high quality food; international trade; agricultural production and supply chain management; biotechnological innovation and food production;

• skills to understand and analyse major emerging issues facing food production and the trends in processing science and technology being developed to solve emerging problems;

• an understanding of the structure and organisation of the food processing industry and where this abuts agricultural production;

• technical and leadership skills in the development of new processes and products;

• skills to exchange, acquire and disseminate scientific information for the benefit of the food industry;

• understanding of environmental issues relevant to food production and the technology needed to address these issues across the production chain;

• a capacity and motivation for continuing independent learning; and

• understanding of the rights, privileges and responsibilities conferred with the degree and memberships of professional associations.

Bachelor of Food Science (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).

Fourth Year (Honours)

Semester 1

208-411 Research Philosophies and Statistics or 207-414 Social Research Methods or 220-404 Methods for Forest and Ecosystem Research.

Semester 1 or 2

Two electives chosen from 300/400 level subjects across LFR.

Year-long subjects

202-401 Honours Research Project (62.5 points, year-long) may be replaced by 202-402 Honours Research Project (62.5 points Semester 1 or Semester 2) or 202-403 Honours Research Project (62.5 points, mid-year entry).

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.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they must actively and safely contribute to field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison Unit (8344 7068 or DLU-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au).

• have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship
• have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)
• examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
• have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems
• be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment

• an awareness of, and ability to utilize appropriate communication technology and methods for the storage, management and analysis of data
• a capacity for creativity and innovation, through the application of skills and knowledge
• highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
• highly developed oral communication skills to allow informed dialogue and liaison with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
• an ability to participate effectively as part of a team
• an ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects