PROC 1005 Introduction to Food Science

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 301444

Coordinator Malik Hussain Opens in new window

Description Food provides sustenance to life, nutrition for good health, enjoyment and cultural identity. Students will study the history and cultural significance of food and its traditions in Australia and around the world. This unit introduces the basic principles for understanding the science behind food; its composition, chemical, physical and functional characteristics. Fruits and vegetables, cereal, meat and dairy products will be covered, how they are processed and impacts on food quality and nutrition. Current issues will be discussed, such as world food supply, food-borne disease, diet and health, and new trends in food.

School Science

Discipline Food Processing Technology

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Equivalent Subjects PROC 1001 - Food Science 1 LGYB 8736 - Food Science Technology Practicum 11 PROC 1002 - Food Science 1 PROC 1003 - Food Science 1 (WSTC)

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Explain the history and cultural significance of different foods around the world
  2. Discuss current food and nutrition issues including diet and health, new trends in foods, food quality, safe food handling and food borne disease
  3. Describe the characteristics of food commodities: fruits and vegetables, cereal, dairy and flesh foods, including nutritional value, chemical composition, and functional properties
  4. Describe basic food processing practices associated with fruit, cereal, dairy and flesh commodities
  5. Conduct basic food experiments in the food science laboratory and kitchen safely and competently
  6. Methodically and accurately record data when conducting experiments; and use this data to interpret findings
  7. Demonstrate communication skills, including report writing and oral presentations

Subject Content

1. Introduction to the study of food science and nutrition; review of current issues related to food including world food supply
2. History and cultural significance of food
- historical changes to The food Supply - from The Past to today
- food traditions in different cultures
3. Safe food handling and food borne disease; Food quality assessment
4. Composition of foods
5. Food Commodities
- Fruits and vegetables
- Cereal products
- Dairy products
- Flesh products
6. Diet and health
7. Meat, fruit, cereal and dairy processes

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Quiz 30 minutes each 40 N Individual
Practical Reports 2000 words 40 N Individual
Presentation 15 minutes 20 N Group

Prescribed Texts

  • Campbell-Platt, G. 2018, Food Science and Technology. 2nd edition. IUFoST, John Wiley & Sons, U.K. [e-book]

Teaching Periods

Spring

Hawkesbury

Day

Subject Contact Malik Hussain Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Structures that include subject