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FDSC41090

Academic Year 2025/2026

Food Chemistry for MSc (FDSC41090)

Subject:
Food Science
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Agriculture & Food Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Niamh Harbourne
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is for students doing the MSc in Food Science and Nutrition. It focuses on food proteins, carbohydrates and lipids with emphasis on relationships between their structure and functional properties. The module emphasises how food processing operations and storage alter the functionality of these food components. The role of water in foods and its influence on food stability is also examined.
Throughout this module students will explore the role of food chemistry in addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
• Explain the state of water in foods and examine its influence on food stability.
• Differentiate lipids on the basis of their fatty acid profile and discuss their physical properties and chemical deterioration.
• Describe the functions and properties of food proteins and explain the factors influencing the functions of these proteins.
• Describe the functions and properties of selected monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides.
• Identify opportunities where food chemistry principles can be used to address the Sustainable Development Goals.

Indicative Module Content:

Water & water activity
Food Proteins
Food Lipids
Food Carbohydrates

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36
Specified Learning Activities

15
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Total

121

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The key learning approaches used in this module are:
• Lectures
• Peer and group work
• Class discussions

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): End of term exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No
60
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Contributions to in-class/online discussions. Active participation in individual and group work. Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Graded No
10
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: MCQ exams Week 4, Week 8, Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Name Role
Marcella Chalella Mazzocato Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Exam Offering 1 Week(s) - 12 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Exam Offering 1 Week(s) - 4 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Exam Offering 1 Week(s) - 8 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 11:00 - 12:50
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