FB1AG2-Farm to Fork

Module Provider: Food and Nutritional Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: This module is only available to Food and Nutritional Sciences students
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: FB1FD1 Food Challenges for the Future: Production, Security and Health
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Emma Bennett
Email: e.j.bennett@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module examines the factors affecting food quality from farm to fork and explores this along with other issues such as sustainability within the wider context of global food security. The module covers production methods for animals and plants, interactions with the environment, land use, sustainable food production and postharvest biology. 

Aims:

To provide the student with a basic understanding of the food chain and the principles of food production covering plant and animal derived foods. The student will be provided with an understanding of how issues such as food security, sustainable crop production, food miles and different food production methods can affect the quality of food produced and availability to the consumer.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module the student should be able to:

1. Outline the generic principles of the food chain


2. Critically evaluate different factors that affect sustainability and productivity in food production.


3. Analyse the factors that can impact upon global food security


4. Assess the impact of pre and post-harvest factors on food quality


5. Discuss the global food challenges of the future and potential solutions to these issues.
   
   

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

This module provides a broad overview of the different elements involved in getting food from farm to fork. It will cover topics related to global food challenges, plant and animal production, plus consumer and food supply chain challenges.

Global context:

Food security is of global importance and the challenge of feeding a projected 9 billion people in 2050 is immense, particularly in the face of climate change and competition for land use. This module discusses the key issues and possible solutions, providing students with the basis to make an informed opinion on how food should be sourced and supplied in the future.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be primarily taught as (interactive) lectures. Flip lecturing will be used alongside podcasts and papers to give students time to assimilate knowledge.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	12	4
Seminars	7	4
Tutorials	2
Practicals classes and workshops	1	7	3
Guided independent study:	78	82
Total hours by term	100	97	3
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	40
Oral assessment and presentation	30
Class test administered by School	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Essay Title (10%)


2. Essay assignment (30%)


3. In-class tests (2 tests - 15% each)


4. Presentation (30%)

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Overall mark of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment arrangements are in accordance with University policy. Reassessment of the written examination is held during the University administered re-examination period in August. Failed coursework may be re-assessed by an alternative assignment before or during the August re-examination period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022