FZMR12: UK Food Law - The Basics

Module code: FZMR12

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

Credits: 5

Level: Postgraduate Masters

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr David Jukes, email: d.j.jukes@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: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Delivered online only through distance learning using video lectures, interactive forum based seminars and self-directed study hosted on the University of Reading’s VLE, this module will develop the basic knowledge and understanding of matters relating to UK food law.

The module aims to provide an introduction to matters relating to UK food law such that the student will have developed an understanding of the area to be able to effectively identify and meet the requirements derived from UK food law and participate in and contribute to the future development of UK food law.

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Explain the origins and background to UK food legislation and describe its overall structure and key components
2. Access the legal requirements which are imposed on the food industry

The following transferable skills will be developed in this module:

1. Critical evaluation of data from a variety of sources
2. Effective communication of scientific information in oral and written format with scientific rigour
3. Debating skills

Module content

In providing the basic background information and knowledge to UK food law this module will cover the following topics 

• Historical development of UK food law 
• Current policies and procedures 
• Main elements of current UK food law 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will consist of five weeks of distance learning material, including video lectures, guided reading, interactive workbooks and online discussion boards delivered by experts in the area. Discussion and feedback will take place through the Virtual Learning Environment associated with the module and e-mail.  

The module consists entirely of internet-based course material (including audio/visual files, pdf documents and web links) with exercises provided for each element enabling students to assess their understanding and progress. Interaction with the course leader will be available using discussion fora. 

Study hours

At least 0 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