FOOD SC 3510WT - Food Science Industry Placement III

Waite Campus - Semester 1 - 2022

This course provides students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of Food and Nutrition Science in an industry setting. Students gain practical experience of the industry, its management systems and structures providing them with a firsthand introduction to a food or nutrition business. A working understanding of several areas will need to be demonstrated. Hands-on experience of the integration of different aspects of the overall business (e.g. nutritional composition, HACCP plans, production, marketing, and distribution of product/resources, teamwork, evaluation processes) and an awareness of occupational health and safety procedures will be gained adding to the understanding of course material studied at levels 1 and 2.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code FOOD SC 3510WT
    Course Food Science Industry Placement III
    Coordinating Unit School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s Waite Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 12 hours per week, if the placement is undertaken as per the timetable. However, variations as to how and when the 120 hours of work experience can be negotiated with the course coordinator
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites FOOD SC 1000RG or FOOD SC 1002RG, FOOD SC 2502RG or FOOD SC 2502WT, FOOD SC 2505RG or FOOD SC 2505WT
    Incompatible FOOD SC 3520WT and FOOD SC 3510RG
    Assumed Knowledge FOOD SC 2510WT
    Restrictions Available only to Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science students
    Course Description This course provides students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of Food and Nutrition Science in an industry setting. Students gain practical experience of the industry, its management systems and structures providing them with a firsthand introduction to a food or nutrition business.

    A working understanding of several areas will need to be demonstrated. Hands-on experience of the integration of different aspects of the overall business (e.g. nutritional composition, HACCP plans, production, marketing, and distribution of product/resources, teamwork, evaluation processes) and an awareness of occupational health and safety procedures will be gained adding to the understanding of course material studied at levels 1 and 2.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: James Ralph

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Apply their knowledge and understanding of the links between food science, healthy eating and dietary guidelines, and human health in a public health/community organisation or food industry setting.
    2 Evaluate and synthesise information to develop solutions relevant to the workplace setting.
    3 Apply their knowledge and skills to design appropriate resource materials and/or procedures/processes relevant to the placement industry.
    4 Use effective oral and written communication skills in the areas of food science, human nutrition and health promotion.
    5 Work independently and professionally and as part of a team in a workplace environment.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1-5

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1-5

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    2-5

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1-5

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1-5

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1-5
  • Learning Resources
    Recommended Resources
    Recommended Resources:

    Course Text:

    Understanding Nutrition
    E Whitney, SR Rolfes, Crowe T, Cameron-Smith D, Walsh A
    Australian and New Zealand Edition, 3rd ed.: Australia: Cengage Learning Australia, 2017 

    Copies of this text book can be found in both the Barr Smith and Waite Libraries


  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Meeting to organise student placements

    Students will be invited to a meeting during semester 2 of the year prior to their placement year. During this meeting the course coordinator will discuss placement options and preferences with students. Students “apply” for their 1st and 2nd preference which ensures a good match between the student and host organisation. The course coordinator is responsible for arranging the placement on behalf of the students, aiming to finalise arrangements with the host organisation before the end of semester 2 of the year prior to the placement year (or prior to the course commencing). All final program/timetable must be approved by the course coordinator prior to starting the placement.

    Tutorials

    Orientation-to-workplace tutorial (2 hours)
    Prior to commencing their placement, students will attend an orientation-to-workplace tutorial. This provides an opportunity to discuss course assessment tasks and project work; communication and behavioural expectations of both the workplace and university while on placement; appropriate dress-code or any specific dress requirements; occupational, health and safety issues, including the necessary insurance requirements. When visiting organisations and industries in this subject, you will be doing so as a representative of Adelaide University and Regency TAFE. You should regard each industry site visit as a step towards potential employment.


    Ad-hoc tutorials and meetings
    Regular liaison between the student, course coordinator and host organisation is expected over the duration of the placement. This communication may be via the My Uni course site, student email, on-site visits by the coordinator or through face-to-face meetings and tutorials, arranged as required.


    Final tutorial
    A final tutorial at the completion of the placement allows students to demonstrate their experiences and achievements during their placement, via an oral presentation.


    Career Readiness Workshops

    These workshops will be presented by University of Adelaide Career Services staff and provide students with additional skills and knowledge aimed at assisting with gaining employment after graduating, includes content on the following areas:
    o Maximising employability and job searching
    o Designing and setting-up a professional LinkedIn Profile
    o Preparing resumes and cover letters
    o Interview skills – articulating your worth

    The workshop contact hours (6) can be counted towards the required 120 hours of work placement and will occur during semester on the official timetabled weekday for placement (Thursday of Week 3 and 5).

    Work experience

    Students are required to satisfactorily complete a minimum of 120 hours work experience at an approved food/public health nutrition/research industry and attend the two timetabled career readiness workshops.

    The preferred format is to place students in pairs, unless otherwise negotiated with the course coordinator and host organisation.
    Students have the opportunity to apply and demonstrate their understanding, knowledge and skills gained at Level 1 and 2 across the areas of food science, nutrition and health in a chosen industry/organisation. Throughout their placement they gain practical experience and insight into the different processes involved in building and sustaining a nutritious, healthy food supply for society.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12- 15 hours per week  (2 days) on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to do the course (eg tutorials, career readiness workshops and workplace experience), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading, revision, work on assessment tasks).

    Students will need to successfully:

    - complete a total of 120 hours of work experience, as approved and negotiated with the course coordinator
    - submit each assessment task
    - attend the timetabled career readiness workshops (x2)

    The preferred placement format is for students to work in pairs, unless otherwise negotiated with the course coordinator and host organisation.


    Learning Activities Summary

    The course content will include the following:

    Prior to the placement year:

    • An initial planning meeting, usually in semester 2 of the year prior to the placement year
    During the placement year:

    • An orientation-to-workplace tutorial (2 hours)
    • Two career readiness workshops (2 x 3 hours), as per timetable
    • A minimum of 120 hours work experience at an approved public health nutrition/research organisation, or an approved food industry. 
    • Ad hoc meetings/tutorials with the course coordinator, as required
    • A final tutorial for the oral presentation assessment (1 hour)
    Specific Course Requirements

    To successfully complete the course, students are required to:

    • satisfactorily complete a minimum of 120 hours work experience at an approved public health nutrition/community or research organisation, or an approved food industry
    • submit each assessment task.
    • attend the two career readiness workshops, as timetabled (2 x 3 hours)

    Minimum requirements for passing the Nutrition Industry Placement lll:

    To pass, students must gain an overall mark of at least 50% for the course.

    Failure to meet the above minimum requirements for the course will result in a student failing the course or being offered a supplementary assessment task(s).
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Type of assessment Percentage of total assessment for grading purposes Hurdle (Yes/No) Learning Outcome Approximate timing of assessment
    Project Proposal  Formative and Summative

    20%

    No 1-5 To be negotiated, depending on the time frame and dates of the placement
    Daily Diary  Summative 15% No 1-5 As above
    Oral Presentation – joint presentation with placement partner Summative 25% No 1-5 As above
    Final Written Project Report Summative 30% No 1-5 As above
    Career Readiness Workshop Task
    Part A (LinkedIn Profile)
    Part B (Resume & cover letter)
    Formative and Summative 10%
    (5% each)
    No 3,5 As above
    Assessment Detail

    Project Proposal (20%)

    While on placement, students undertake a project with their placement partner (s). In the first instance, students are required to design and plan their project, presenting this plan in the form of an individual 1000 word project proposal. This proposal must demonstrate the student’s ability to locate, gather and critically synthesise relevant information to assist in developing a solution to a specific task/problem. The project design should include an introduction to the topic area, a rationale for doing the project and clearly define the objective/targets for the project. Students should also describe the processes or steps required to achieve these objectives/targets, explain how the outcomes will be measured and include an evaluation phase. The project proposal must be submitted in electronic form by the specified date. Students receive feedback on their proposal within a week of submission. The project proposal is to be incorporated into the final written project report.

    Daily Diary (15%)

     While on placement, the students are to keep a daily diary. This diary is to be divided into four structured subsections.  In the first two sections, students are required to source information about their host organisation and provide an in-depth analysis of the organisation’s philosophy, stakeholders, structures and management systems, as well as the type of product(s) and or services of product(s) produced, the target audience and strategies used to promote the organisation and its product(s). The third section is a progress record of the various stages of their project, including any modifications to the project design , outcomes and achievements, as these occur. The fourth and final section of the diary is to be a daily record of all non-project activities, personal experiences, reflections and conclusions made throughout  the placement.  The diary record will give students the opportunity to further develop their skills in accurate record keeping and data collection as well as effective written communication across the areas of food and nutrition science. The diary is to be sighted and signed weekly by the student’s supervisor at the host organisation and again, at the conclusion of the placement.

     Oral Presentation (25%)

    At the completion of the project and placement, students are required to prepare and deliver an oral presentation, together with their placement partner (s). This oral presentation must be a summary of the Industry Placement covering both non-project and project activities. Students will be asked to describe their host organisation; reflect on their experiences; give a summary of the main non-project tasks and activities undertaken whilst on placement; as well as provide a concise summary of their project, including the objective, processes and procedures involved, outcomes and any conclusions and recommendations made. The presentation should be approximately 20 minutes in length, including time for questions from the audience.   This presentation will allow students to demonstrate how they have applied their knowledge and skills in the areas of food and nutrition science to solving a specific task(s) or problem(s) relevant to their chosen industry. Students should aim to demonstrate their ability to find creative and innovative solutions to the defined tasks/problems. The presentation will also provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in the context of food and nutrition science and how they have worked both independently, and as part of a team, in a workplace setting.

     Final Written Project Report (30%)

    The final written project report will be a formal amalgamation of the project proposal and the project progress record, (a section contained within the diary), as well as contain any additional material relevant to the project. The report must also explain the outcomes and achievements of the project and conclude on the project’s objective(s)/targets, as first detailed in the project proposal. This report should also summarise the contribution that the student placement has made to the host organisation and where appropriate make recommendations for further work.  The length of the final report is 2000 words and it is to be submitted by the specified due date (after completion of the placement). Students ability to critically evaluate and synthesise information, follow through with a project plan, apply appropriate problem solving skills, critically evaluate results and communicate in the context of food and nutrition science will all be assessed in the report.


    Career Readiness Workshop Tasks (10%)

    Part A (LinkedIn Profile, 5%)
    Students will design and create their own professional LinkedIn Profile, as per the task guidelines. 

    Part B (Resume & Cover Letter, 5%)
    Students will prepare their own resume and cover letter as per the task guidelines.

    Submission

    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply.  A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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