FBMFOR: Foodomics and Risk Analysis

Module code: FBMFOR

Module provider: Food and Nutritional Sciences; School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy

Credits: 20

Level: Postgraduate Masters

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Mrs Justine Norris, email: j.f.norris@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Nikos Mavroudis, email: n.mavroudis@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

You will develop an understanding of how high-throughput technologies (“omics”) such as e.g. mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, as well as computer tools to handle and interpret data can help you to detect and identify food hazards and food fraud. You will also develop an understanding of the components of risk analysis and an ability to use these components in the management and maintenance of the food chain to ensure the provision of safe food to consumers.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Review and evaluate food hazards (aflatoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, etc.)
2. Identify appropriate analytical methodologies (e.g., GC-MS, NMR, UPLC-MS) for surveillance testing (or Certificate Assurance) for incoming materials in the supply chain 
3. Describe the key elements of risk analysis and explain the reasons for their application to the control of food safety hazards
4. Undertake risk assessment activities
5. Recommend appropriate risk management options and suitable risk communication strategies

Module content

The following will be covered in lectures, practical classes and group work:

• Origin and types of hazards in foods
• Analytical techniques for testing food fraud
• Key elements of risk analysis as applied to the food chain
• Development of risk analysis over the years (past and current issues in the food chain, e.g. BSE/CJD and GM food)
• Discuss the risk assessment, risk management and risk communication issues for a current problem in the food chain

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Students will master their knowledge in analytical techniques used in testing for food fraud by attending live lectures and practical classes. Independent learning skills and lateral thinking will be developed through wider independent reading including published research from TALIS reading list, Web of Science, textbooks, etc. Through practical classes they will develop hands-on experience in analytical methods. Writing skills will be developed through the production of a report for a food fraud case study. By working as a group they will undertake a problem-based learning exercise where risk assessment, risk management and risk communication issues will be applied to a current problem in the food chain. Through collaboration and discussion they will deepen their understanding by engaging in dialogue with their peers. By preparing and presenting their risk analysis problem, they will consolidate and articulate their understanding of the components of risk analysis and how these are important for the food chain to ensure the provision of safe food to consumers. 

Study hours

At least 44 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 50% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Reassessment

Additional costs