Bachelor of Applied Science Honours in Food Science
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Life Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Overview
Purpose: The qualification focuses on developing qualifying learners with a strong level of conceptual knowledge, practical skills, attitudes, and values necessary for the scientific application of food and water contamination, food safety, quality control issues, and product development. It is also designed for learners interested in research-intensive study in food science with the aim of pursuing industrial or academic careers.
Rationale: Food Science (FS) is a multidisciplinary field that plays a crucial role in the food sector of South Africa and globally. Food Scientists are equipped to address issues related to food and water contamination, food safety, quality control, and product development, impacting society, the economy, and various industries such as food and beverage, agriculture, and water. Given the current concerns about food supply sustainability and raw material wastage, this qualification aims to enhance learners' foundational knowledge to meet the evolving needs of Food Science.
Career Opportunities: Upon completion of the qualification, learners can pursue research and development careers in institutions like the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Agricultural Research Council (ARC), and Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). Food Science has been identified as a scarce skill due to its potential contributions, leading to research funding opportunities from organizations like the National Research Foundation (NRF), South African Association of Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST), ARC, TIA, and Department of Science and Technology (DST) for undergraduate and postgraduate learners in the field of Food Science.
Outcomes
- Evaluate theory, concepts and methodologies associated with interrelated scientific and technological processes and their contribution to food product development.
- Display an overall understanding of food quality and safety by demonstrating an awareness of good manufacturing practices through the application of quality management systems within the confines of South African and international food legislation.
- Perform laboratory procedures relevant to food processing, food analysis, food product development, food quality and food safety### and be able to evaluate/interpret data and communicate findings scientifically.
- Demonstrate written and oral skills with the ability to summarise, evaluate, synthesise, and appropriately communicate scientific concepts to a variety of audiences.
- Critically analyse prevailing issues in the food sector while having the ability to evaluate scientific and technological problems and propose solutions.
- Maintain a code of conduct, work ethic and uphold confidential company intellectual property.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Interpret technical material and related principles to the development of a process or product
- Evaluate theory, concepts, and methodologies associated with scientific and technological processes in food product development
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- State the underlying principles of GMP and Quality and their significance in the industry
- Develop practical strategies to apply GMP and Quality principles in the workplace
- Integrate GMP and ISO 9000 elements into a Quality System
- Identify areas of GMP non-compliance and propose corrective actions
- Define current trends in International and National GMP compliance
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Recognize potential errors in protocol and address them with colleagues and supervisors
- Carry out defined responsibilities within a team effectively
- Perform procedures in food science laboratories
- Use appropriate scientific terminology and abbreviations
- Interpret technical material and prepare a journal article related to product development
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
- Demonstrate good listening, writing, and verbal communication skills
- Interpret technical material and prepare a journal article related to product development
- Develop observational skills and related documentation strategies
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5
- Demonstrate technical and manipulative skills in using laboratory equipment, tools, materials, and computer software
- Analyze laboratory procedures, health and safety, and scientific methods critically
- Apply scientific enquiry and problem-solving skills in Food Science and Technology contexts
- Develop collaborative learning and teamwork skills in laboratory settings
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6
- Apply knowledge, skills, and ethics relevant to industry standards and codes of ethics and practice
- Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to conflict, culture, and context in work
- Reflect on and develop personal capability to meet industry standards
- Actively seek industry development opportunities and reflect upon feedback
Integrated Assessment
- Combine different elements to demonstrate applied competence
- Emphasize integrated assessment in the Honours Degree
- Assess multiple Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria together
- Use various assessment methods and instruments
- Ensure fair, valid, and reliable assessment practices
- Confirm validity of assessments through specific strategies
Formative and Summative Assessments
- Use formative assessments to support learner development and provide feedback
- Use summative assessments to make judgements about achievement
- Generate data for formative purposes systematically through assessment
- Review content taught regularly for relevance to industry requirements
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.