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Federation University launches Sustainable Food Systems course

At a recent ‘Breakfast with Fed’ event in which the topic for discussion was ‘Food Sustainability for the Future’, Gippsland, Victoria-based Federation University launched its new three-year Bachelor of Sustainable Food Systems course.

The three-year degree course gives participants the practical and theoretical skills they’ll need to deliver safe, nutritious and sustainable food into local and global markets. Students will attain a broad and thorough understanding of food sustainability – defined by Federation University as ‘the study of food security, health, safety, quality and affordability, influenced by climate change and the environment’.

The course introduction part of the breakfast was followed by an enlightening discussion on the future of Australia’s food and beverage sector, in Australia and beyond.

Speakers and panellists included a number of Federation Uni academics and industry guests from Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL), Regional Development Victoria and Food & Fibre Gippsland.

Food & Fibre Gippsland CEO Nicola Pero and Graduate Project Officer for F&FG’s Smart Specialisation Program Elena Nauta shared insights into the Gippsland agrifood cluster’s collaborations with industry, community, government and research entities across the region and beyond.

If you missed the announcement, a recording of the session can be accessed on FedFlix via this link.

The course, unpacked

The first half of the degree course embeds a Diploma of Food Science and Technology (FBP50118), the aim of which is to increase students’ knowledge and core practical skills across food testing, quality and sustainability.

The course’s second half allows students to pursue a specific area of interest, choosing a topic within either Food Processing or Sustainable Food Production. Students will also undertake an industry placement, providing valuable and relevant workplace experience.

Students will examine key aspects of sustainable food systems from various viewpoints: scientific, economic, environmental and ethical. It will encourage a ‘worldly perspective’ through broad-ranging subject matter, encompassing everything from biology to product and process design.

The unique degree course was developed in collaboration with food industry partners. Its aim is to fulfill the need for food specialists across Australia, including:

  • food policy officers;
  • food sustainability officers;
  • food microbiologists;
  • sensory scientists;
  • food quality assurance officers;
  • food production development officers; and
  • quality control technologists.

Work-integrated learning

Students enrolled in the course have numerous opportunities to develop employment-related generic skills. Practicals, research projects, internships and industry placement programs aligned with career opportunities in related industries will provide students ample opportunity to further develop and apply these skills, Academic staff work with industry members to facilitate mutually beneficial opportunities, learn about industry expectations and requirements, and identify trends, ensuring the program remains relevant.

During the final year of study, the program includes a 30-point course: SCFSS3000 Food Industry Internship, developed to provide experiential learning relevant to the food industry.

The practicum within the courses aim to give students experience using the Australian Standard methods, and methods commonly used by industry for food analysis (chemical/ microbiological), processing, and product and process development.

Course coordinators are Dr David Bean, Senior Lecturer, Microbiology and Fermentation Technology; and Associate Professor Andrew Greenhill, Microbiology and Fermentation Technology. The course sits within the university’s Department of Science, Psychology and Sport.

Entry requirements

For information on course entry requirements, click here.

Fees

For information on course fees, click here.

Recognition of prior learning

For information on having prior studies recognised, click here.

Pathways/alternate entry

For information on pathways to alternate entry, click here.

Additional information

For more information about Fed Uni’s Bachelor of Sustainable Food Systems course, contact Federation University or visit the relevant web page.

How to apply

For course application guidelines, click here.

Sources

Breakfast with Fed I Food & Fibre Gippsland eNews, 5 Oct 2021

Bachelor of Bachelor of Sustainable Food Systems I Federation University