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FDSC30020

Academic Year 2025/2026

Food investigation (FDSC30020)

Subject:
Food Science
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Agriculture & Food Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Saskia van Ruth
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will cover the theoretical background and the applications of food investigation techniques including intelligence analysis methods, root cause analysis methodologies and food product analysis techniques.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

After successful completion of this course, students are expected to be able to:
1. Explain the basic principles underlying the investigation of different classes of non-accidental food issues when using specific intelligence analysis, root cause analysis, and product analysis methodologies.
2. Interpret selected data which demonstrate important aspects of qualitative and quantitative analysis.
3. Develop food investigation strategies which require a diversity of modern methodologies and which must be often used in combination to achieve the desired result in practical use.

Indicative Module Content:

The module focuses on the identification and comprehension of food issues using a wide variety of methodologies. The type of methodologies applied can be divided into three key course elements: (A): Intelligence analysis, (B) Root cause analysis and (C) Product analysis.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Tutorial

24

Autonomous Student Learning

72

Total

120


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Activities involve lectures and group/individual assignments.

Key theoretical lectures are delivered as a mix of on campus and online lectures. Lecture slides will be made available for all lectures for self-study. Relevant scientific papers will be available through Brightspace for the students to familiarise themselves with key concepts ahead of lectures.

Group assignments on (A) Intelligence analysis, (B) Root cause analysis, and (C) Product analysis will be held weekly to reinforce learning and to apply the theoretical concepts delivered in the lectures. Each group will produce a factsheet (Assignment A: Intelligence analysis), a videoreport (Assignment B: Root cause analysis), and a poster with infographic (Assignment C: Product analysis). Finally, in week 12, students will individually conduct a class test on Intelligence analysis, Root cause analysis, and Product analysis.

Attending group assignments and the final class test is mandatory.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
FDSC20010 - Food Macronutrients, FDSC20020 - Nutritional Energy Metabolism, FDSC20090 - Food Macronutrients


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): In-class test, individual test on the applied food investigation technologies in week 12 Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
50
No
Group Work Assignment: Assignment Intelligence analysis: Factsheet Week 4 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
10
No
Group Work Assignment: Assignment Root cause analysis: Video report Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
No
Group Work Assignment: Assignment Product analysis: Poster with infographic Week 11 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Mr Joris Boom Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Aleksandra Konic Ristic Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Matta Asaad Mesak Ebaid Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Fri 09:00 - 10:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 1, 2, 11 Wed 11:00 - 12:50
Autumn External & School Exams Offering 2 Week(s) - 12 Wed 11:00 - 12:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Wed 11:00 - 12:50