Introduces students to the multifaceted nature of Food Science and Nutrition with a focus on the interplay between food, nutrition and health. Introduce the chemical, biological, sensory, and processing aspects of foods. Societal, economic, legislative and regulatory aspects will also be introduced. Concepts will be illustrated using real food systems with a focus on lipids, water and vitamin C.
Introduces students to the multifaceted nature of food science and nutrition with a focus on the interplay between food, nutrition and health. Provides general insights relating food molecules to food function and health. Societal, economic, legislative and regulatory aspects will also be explored. No background in science is assumed.
Covers the composition and structure of food. The approach will extend the FOODSCI 100 content from lipids to proteins, carbohydrates and key minor food components. There will be a focus on the molecular structure of the major food components and how they relate to the physical, sensory and nutritional properties of foods.
Food is spoilt by microbiological, chemical, biochemical and physical processes. It is important to understand the mechanism of spoilage caused by each of these processes in order to prevent or minimise such degradation. This course includes fundamental principles covering the preservation and processing of different food products. The principles involved in the development of food safety and HACCP programmes, as well as New Zealand food laws are also covered.
Attributes that make food attractive, such as colour, flavour, and texture, and how they alter during processing are studied. Texture measurement and methods of studying food structure will be discussed. Lectures will be given on non-destructive testing of food.
Human perception and preference of food products. Design of experiments, statistical methodologies and applications in industry and research. Sampling of foods is undertaken in this course.
The fundamental principles of freezing and thawing, thermal processing and canning, fermentation and dehydration are studied. The fundamental areas of engineering relevant for food processing such as heat and mass transfer, are covered. Process impact on food safety, quality and preservation is also discussed.
Examines the science underpinning human sensory perception and food preferences and how this science interfaces with the design and development of food products as well as the fundamental aspects of food product development.
Food and Nutrition pathway students will work together in groups to identify and develop a new food product or food system that addresses or responds to a nutritional issue. Students will focus on the interplay between the nutritional aspects of the product or system and the sensory, stability, convenience, cost, regulatory and processing aspects of the product.
Preservation of food by standard methods including freezing, dehydration and thermal processing. New developments in food preservation. Unit operations, mass and energy balance, and heat transfer are covered. Chemical and physical changes food undergoes during processing.
An understanding of the changing regulations that apply to the New Zealand food industry is of paramount importance. Pathogen awareness and control from an industry perspective are examined. HACCP and risk management plans will be generated.
Chemical, biological and physical aspects of foods. The decomposition of food due to lipid oxidation. Integrated study of selected basic foods.
The functions and properties of food additives. Food attributes including colour, flavour and texture. Enzymic and non-enzymic browning. Emulsions and foams. Introduction to the Food Regulations. Interaction of macromolecules.
Modules will be organised by the staff and invited lecturers. Topics offered will usually be based on the specialist interests of the lecturers, although controversial issues may be included (for example, genetically modified food, irradiated food). Students may be required to participate actively by contributing seminars. Topics may vary from year to year.
The industrial internship is an opportunity for students to experience the food industry at first hand. While the placement would normally be in New Zealand, overseas internships are possible. The student will work in the food organisation on a defined project under the supervision of a suitably qualified person. A detailed written report on the assignment must be submitted.
An understanding of the epidemiology, management, regulation and classification of food allergens and intolerants in accordance with Food Standard 1.2.3 (Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code). This includes the study of foods or food groups with the major food allergens as identified in the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), and application to new product development and labeling.
Students are provided with an opportunity to experience a range of analytical techniques that are used in food industry laboratories and in food science research.
A modular course consisting of topics chosen from the diverse research interests of the Food Science staff and academic visitors which may vary from year to year.
A modular course consisting of topics chosen from the diverse research interests of the Food Science staff and academic visitors which may vary from year to year.
A review of the literature and research methods associated with a selected research topic assigned to an individual student. This will be at internationally recognised academic standards and demonstrate a capacity for independent thinking. It will include a consideration of the project from a Vision MΔtauranga perspective.
A research proposal will be prepared on the dissertation topic. Students will be required to present an overview of the proposal in a seminar. Students will participate in the critical analysis of scientific papers. The student will carry out an original piece of research. The results will be presented and discussed in a dissertation. A seminar on the research will be given.