Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science

The Master of Food Science has been developed for graduates holding a science or engineering degree seeking specialist training for a career in the food manufacturing industry. Each student completes a tailored program of coursework subjects incorporating core study areas and electives in addition to a research project in an approved area of food science.

As a graduate you will be well prepared to play a key role in research divisions within food companies and associated organisations, as well as in managing food production across the entire food supply chain.

• Enable you to explore the inter-disciplinary nature of agriculture, food production and food science at an advanced level.
• Provide you with a sound foundation in food chemistry, microbiology, quality and processing.
• Introduce you to advanced research topics and the practical application of these topics within food science.
• Develop competence in the design, conduct and analysis of experimental work.
• Develop research skills in an aspect of food science and related technologies.
• Introduce industrial applications of food science and technology and the commercial outcomes.
• Increase the understanding of the specialised disciplines of food science, emerging technologies and the relevance of this to the future food industry.
• Develop a critical understanding of the economic, social and ethical factors related to food production in Australia and globally.

A diverse range of elective subjects is offered enabling students to develop sufficenient familiarity with knowledge areas relevant to their research thesis, supplementing existing academic qualifications and industrial experience.

Students are expected to take their elective subject in the second semester of term.

Exit with Postgraduate Diploma of Food Science is possible on the completion of the first year of the Masters.

Students should note that they may substitute any of the elective subjects with any 12.5 credit point subject from other relevant courses offered by the University of Melbourne pending approval by the course coordinator and the teaching subject coordinator.

Eligibility

The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to pursue successfully the course, using the following criteria -

• A three-year undergraduate degree in a cognate* discipline with a weighted average of at least 65%, or equivalent, or
• an Honours degree in a cognate discipline or equivalent
• Satisfying the University's English language requirements.

*a "cognate" discipline means food science, biochemistry, microbiology, biotechnology/bioengineering and related disciplines.

Selection

The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and call for referees reports and employer references.

The Melbourne Experience enables our Graduates to become:

Academically excellent
Our Graduates will be expected to:

• have strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship
• have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)
• reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
• be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self directed learning
• be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies

Knowledgeable across disciplines

Our graduates will be expected to:

• examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
• expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experinces in diverse subjects
• have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems
• have a a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment.

Leaders in communities

Our graduates will be expected to:

• initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces
• have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations
• mentor future generations of learners
• engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs

Attuned to cultural diversity
Our graduates will be expected to :

• Value different cultures
• be well-informed citizens able to contibute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work
• have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community
• respect Indigenous knowledge, cultures and values

Active global citizens
Our graduates will be expected to:

• accept social and civic responsiblities
• be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
• have a broard global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equality and ethics.

• A profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity, and the
  ethics of scholarship
• Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed
  learning and research
• An ability to derive, interpret and analyse social, technical or economic
  information from primary and other sources
• Awareness of and ability to utilise appropriate communication technology and methods
  for the storage, management and analysis of data
• Capacity for creativity and innovation, through the application of skills and knowledge
• Ability to integrate information across a relevant discipline to solve problems in
  applied situations
• Highly developed computer - based skills to allow for effective on-line learning and
  communication.
• 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.
• Appreciation of social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context
• Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects
  

Persons who have completed the coursework but not graduated with the Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science will be granted 100 credit points towards the Master of Food Science. Those who have graduated with the Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science will subsequently be granted 50 credit points towards the Master of Food Science.

Students who have enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Food Science and have completed three core and one elective subject will be eligible to exit their course and graduate with the Postgraduate Certificate in Food Science.