DISS09013 2022 Dissertation in Food Regulatory Affairs and Sustainable Food Systems

General Details

Full Title
Dissertation in Food Regulatory Affairs and Sustainable Food Systems
Transcript Title
Dissertation
Code
DISS09013
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
DISS - Dissertation
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
09 - NFQ Level 9
Credit
30 - 30 Credits
Duration
Stage
Fee
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Declan Feeney, Frances Lucy, Fiona Britton, Paul Sullivan, Maria Dermiki
Programme Membership
SG_SFOOF_M09 202200 Master of Science in Food Regulatory Affairs SG_SSUST_M09 202200 Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems
Description

This module requires the learner to pursue research on an appropriate topic in food regulatory affairs or sustainable food systems, develop a research question or test a hypothesis, apply the appropriate research methodology, integrate research findings and articulate the key considerations of the specific investigation. The learner will use knowledge skills and competencies acquired at earlier stages of the programme. The learner will be allocated a supervisor who will advise on the direction of the work through regular meetings. Moreover, the student will be given the opportunity to disseminate their findings in oral or written format to their peers. They will develop their project management skills and time management skills by managing their research project. At completion of the module the learners will present the findings of their research project by submitting a thesis and and by presenting it in a form of an oral presentation.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Critically evaluate academic literature and information from a variety of sources to compile a critical review in order to help them identify the gaps in the literature and form a research question or test a hypothesis 

2.

Develop a research methodology in order to answer a research question or test a hypothesis

3.

Manage an independent research project with support by an academic supervisor

4.

Develop professional skils such as research project management and time management

5.

Collect, collate and analyse relevant data using the appropriate data analysis methods 

6.

Evaluate and synthesise the main findings of the study and develop appropriate recommendations and conclusions to present these in Presentations, Draft Reports and finally in their Dissertation

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The dissertation is an independent research project involving self-directed learning. 

Some examples are planning, workshops, academic writing tutorial. The principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) will be applied at this module to address various student needs. 

In terms of UDL multiple means of engagement, multiple means of representation and action, and multiple means of expression will be employed.  Some examples of multiple means of engagement will be allowing students to choose their own idea to work on, or minimising threats and distractions when creating schedules and plans in order to keep students on track. Some examples of multiple means of representations will be providing students with a list of definitions for each section of the module, providing slides and recordings with captions. Some examples of multiple means of action and expression will be the facilitation of management of information and resources through the organisation of the Moodle according to themes. 

Moodle will be used to upload educational material (e.g. powerpoint presentations, recordings of online lectures and supplementary reading material) and as means of assessment (e.g.  uploading assignments and journals).

In cases where it is necessary to build previous knowledge students will be provided with slides, presentations or MOOC.

Module Assessment Strategies

Research project dissertation:

Production of a Research Project not exceeding 15,000 words (excluding bibliography). Work submitted will be assessed by two members of the lecturing team. Both will mark the work independently, once complete they will review each other's grading/assessment of the dissertation/research project. If marks are substantially different and/ or agreement on a grade cannot be reached, third party marking will occur (70%).

Oral Presentation and Viva Voce:

Students will prepare a power point presentation to present their work and partake in a viva voce and discuss and answer questions from a two-member panel (20%).

Continuous assessment 

Submission of project plan, draft literature review, draft report, record keeping during the meetings with the supervisor in order to receive feedback and help students feedforward to the higher stakes assessment which is the final dissertation (10%).

 

Repeat Assessments

In cases when students fail to submit the dissertation on time, they will have to do it in the next year. 

Indicative Syllabus

1. Critically evaluate academic literature and information from a variety of sources to compile a critical review in order to help them identify the gaps in the literature and form a research question or test a hypothesis. 

  • Review the scientific literature related to food regulation and sustainable food production
  • Manage information from a variety of sources such as scientific literature, legislation

2. Develop a research methodology in order to answer a research question or test a hypothesis

  • Appraise the different methodologies used in research 
  • Choose appropriate research methodology in order to answer a research question or test the hypothesis

3. Manage an independent research project with support by an academic supervisor

  • Develop collaboration skills
  • Develop self-directed learning skills
  • Develop negotiation skills

4. Develop professional skills such as research project management and time management

  • Development of project and time management skills to complete their project. 
  • Plan their work to achieve their learning objectives

5. Collect, collate and analyse relevant data using appropriate data analysis methods

  • Recognise appropriate data analysis methods depending on the type of data
  • Applying different data analysis methods, in order reach conclusions from collected data 

6. Evaluate and synthesise the main findings of the study and develop appropriate recommendations and conclusions to present these in presentation, draft reports and finally in their dissertation.

  • Compile information from the literature, with their main findings to be presented to different stakeholders
  • Presenting research findings using a variety of methods such as poster presentations, oral presentations

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Dissertation Coursework Assessment Project 70 % End of Year 1,2,3,4,5,6
2 Presentation Coursework Assessment Assignment 20 % Week 12 5,6
3 Project management Coursework Assessment Performance Evaluation 10 % OnGoing 3,4

Online Learning Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Directed Learning Not Specified Directed Learning 1 Weekly 1.00
Independent Learning Not Specified Independent Learning 10 Weekly 10.00
Total Online Learning Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 1.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2014-03-11 Doing a Successful Research Project Red Globe Press
ISBN 1137306424 ISBN-13 9781137306425

This straightforward, student-friendly guide contains all the practical advice for successfully undertaking a research project, leading students through all the stages of the research process. The second edition of this no-nonsense textbook supports students in conducting their own research projects, whatever discipline they are from. Describing processes, tools and strategies in a simple, succinct way, it supports the reader carefully through the planning and design stages, to implementation, analysis and completion. Doing a Successful Research Project is suitable for an interdisciplinary audience all over the world. It is aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking a research project or dissertation across the Social Sciences, Applied Social Sciences, Education, Health and Business Studies. It can also be used as essential or complimentary reading on modules on Qualitative and Quantitative Research and Research Design.

Required Reading
2015-03-30 Nutrition Research Methodologies John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 9781118554678 ISBN-13 1118554671

Nutrition Research Methodologies Edited by Julie A Lovegrove, Leanne Hodson, Sangita Sharma and Susan A Lanham-New A new book in the acclaimed Nutrition Society Textbook Series, "Nutrition Research Methodologies" addresses the rapidly advancing field of nutrition research. It covers the diverse methodologies required for robust nutritional research to ensure thorough understanding of key concepts, both for students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and for scientists working in nutrition research. Combining theory with practical application, "Nutrition Research Methodologies" addresses both traditional research methods and new technologies, and focuses on a range of complex topics, including energy compensation, nutrient-gene interactions and metabolic adaptation. It also considers statistical issues as well as application of data to policy development. Provides the reader with the required scientific basics of nutrition research in the context of a systems and health approach Written specifically to meet the needs of individuals involved in nutrition research Combines the viewpoints of world-leading nutrition experts from academia and research with practical applications Accompanied by a companion website with a range of self-assessment material About the Editors: Professor Julie A Lovegrove, Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition and Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, UK Associate Professor Leanne Hodson, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK Professor Sangita Sharma, Centennial Professor, Endowed Chair in Aboriginal Health, Professor of Aboriginal & Global Health Research, Aboriginal and Global Health Research Group, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Canada Professor Susan A Lanham-New, Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, UK With website: A supporting companion website featuring illustrations and self-assessment questions is available at www.wiley.com/go/lovegrove/nutritionresearch Other books in the Nutrition Society Textbook Series: "Clinical Nutrition, Second Edition" ISBN: 978-1-4051-6810-6 "Sport and Exercise Nutrition " ISBN: 978-1-4443-3468-5 "Nutrition and Metabolism, Second Edition " ISBN: 978-1-4051-6808-3 "Introduction to Human Nutrition, Second Edition " ISBN: 978-1-4051-6807-6 "Public Health Nutrition" ISBN: 978-0-632-05627-9 For further information, companion material for use with these textbooks, and full details of how to purchase them, visit: www.wiley.com/go/nutritionsociety

Required Reading
2017-12-22 Research Design
ISBN 1506386768 ISBN-13 9781506386768

This best-selling text pioneered the comparison of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research design. For all three approaches, John W. Creswell and new co-author J. David Creswell include a preliminary consideration of philosophical assumptions, key elements of the research process, a review of the literature, an assessment of the use of theory in research applications, and reflections about the importance of writing and ethics in scholarly inquiry. New to this Edition: Updated discussion on designing a proposal for a research project and on the steps in designing a research study Additional content on epistemological and ontological positioning in relation to the research question and chosen methodology and method Additional updates on the transformative worldview Expanded coverage on specific approaches such as case studies, participatory action research, and visual methods Additional information about qualitative and quantitative data analysis, social media, online qualitative methods, and mentoring and reflexivity in qualitative methods Incorporation of action research and program evaluation in mixed methods and coverage of the latest advances in the mixed methods field Additional information about causality and its relationship to statistics in quantitative methods Incorporation of writing discussion sections into each of the three methodologies An invaluable guide for students and researchers across the social and behavioural sciences.

Required Reading
2018-05 Research Methodology in Food Sciences Apple Academic Press
ISBN 1315114356 ISBN-13 9781315114354

Here is a rich resource on recent research innovations in the field of food processing and food engineering. Chapters are written by eminent researchers in the field of food science and provide in-depth knowledge on the application of engineering aspects in food processing, food packaging, food quality, and food safety. The book looks at the latest nanotechnology aspects for the detection of foodborne pathogens to ensure safety with respect to these pathogens. It provides detailed kinetics of quality and safety aspects of food and goes on to discuss the characteristics of edible films prepared from plasticized guar gum. Other topics include the production of novel biomolecules and their characterization, the microstructural properties of arabionoxylan aerogels, the antioxidant activity of oats harvested from draught areas, the effect of quercetin isolated from Enicostemma littorale against cancer targets, the latest trends in production of ethanol and fructo-oligosachharides, and much more.

Required Reading
2016-04-12 The Scientist's Guide to Writing Princeton University Press
ISBN 9780691170220 ISBN-13 0691170223

The ability to write clearly is critical to any scientific career. The Scientist's Guide to Writing provides practical advice to help scientists become more effective writers so that their ideas have the greatest possible impact. Drawing on his own experience as a scientist, graduate adviser, and editor, Stephen Heard emphasizes that the goal of all scientific writing should be absolute clarity; that good writing takes deliberate practice; and that what many scientists need are not long lists of prescriptive rules but rather direct engagement with their behaviors and attitudes when they write. He combines advice on such topics as how to generate and maintain writing momentum with practical tips on structuring a scientific paper, revising a first draft, handling citations, responding to peer reviews, managing coauthorships, and more. In an accessible, informal tone, The Scientist's Guide to Writing explains essential techniques that students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists need to write more clearly, efficiently, and easily. Emphasizes writing as a process, not just a product Encourages habits that improve motivation and productivity Explains the structure of the scientific paper and the function of each part Provides detailed guidance on submission, review, revision, and publication Addresses issues related to coauthorship, English as a second language, and more

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources

This is project dependant, students will be guided by their supervisor.

Updated Literary Resources
Journal Resources

This is project dependant, students will be guided by their supervisor.

URL Resources

This is project dependant, students will be guided by their supervisor.

Other Resources

Supervisors may advise students of additional readings appropriate to their project.

Students might need to use specific software depending on their project, for example statistical software, software for the development of surveys, for the analysis of qualitative data. 

Additional Information

Specialised training may be required dependant on the project, if so the supervisor and student will negotiate this requirement