REGU09028 2022 Professional Development in Sustainable Food Systems

General Details

Full Title
Professional Development in Sustainable Food Systems
Transcript Title
Professional Development
Code
REGU09028
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
REGU - Regulatory Affairs
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
09 - NFQ Level 9
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Declan Feeney, Frances Lucy, Maria Dermiki, Fiona Britton, Paul Sullivan
Programme Membership
SG_SSUST_M09 202200 Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems SG_SSUST_O09 202200 Post Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Food Systems
Description

The aim of this module is to help the students critically evaluate the relevant Food Sustainability Systems processes and using the best evidence based practices develop the methodology to significantly improve the implementation of Sustainable Food Systems. 

Learning Outcomes

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

1.

Reflect on and identify his/her own learning, identify information gaps and propose a continuing professional development plan

2.

Critically review a selection of published scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, and compare and contrast with a range of guidelines on publishing scientific papers

3.

Devise an appropriate methodology to carry out an industry based Sustainable Food Systems Review and select appropriate Objectives and Targets

4.

Devise an appropriate strategy to establish, document, implement, maintain and continually improve on Sustainable Food Systems suitable for a range of different organisations

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The students will be exposed to a blend of learning activities e.g. online lectures (via adobe connect, Microsoft Teams or similar), guest lectures, case studies, independent learning and directed learning. This approach in combination with the principles of UDL is expected to address various student learning 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 case study to work on, or fostering collaboration and community when students are working in teams 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). The online delivery may be blended with workshops to bring the learners together to facilitate group and peer learning.

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

Module Assessment Strategies

The module will be assessed on the basis of 100% continuous assessment. The learners will present and submit an individual portfolio of learning. This will be in format of a (1) Presentation; (2) Poster or e -presentation (e.g. blog) and (3) written portfolio. As a way of providing multiple means of engagement, they will be provided with choices of assessment where applicable, ensuring the learning outcomes are achieved

 

Repeat Assessments

Learners will repeat the portfolio assignment with assignment guidelines provided

Indicative Syllabus

1. Reflect on and identify his/her own learning, identify information gaps and propose a continuing professional development plan

  • Reflect on learning objectives
  • Planning a learning portfolio
    • Evidence, collaboration and reflection

2. Critically review a selection of published scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals

  • Comparing/contrast various guidelines to published scientific papers
    • Food Based Dietary Guidelines
    • Carbon footprint
    • Water footprint
    • Life Cycle Assessment

3. Devise an appropriate methodology to carry out an industry based Sustainable Food Systems Review and select appropriate Objectives and Targets

  • Research methods for learning portfolios
  • Reflect on current practices in relation to sustainable food systems
  • Recognise gaps in current practices in relation to sustainability

4. Devise an appropriate strategy to establish, document, implement, maintain and continually improve on Sustainable Food Systems suitable for a range of different organisations

  • Establish a system to continuously reflect on current practices
  • Employ a variety of ways to reflect on current practices, for example using the Gibb’s reflective cycle

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Individual portfolio of learning Coursework Assessment Assessment 60 % Week 12 1,2,3,4
2 Presentation Coursework Assessment Assignment 30 % Week 6 2,3
3 Poster/or E-presentation Coursework Assessment Assignment 10 % Week 4 1

Online Learning Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Online Lectures 1 Weekly 1.00
Independent Learning Online Independent Learning 5 Weekly 5.00
Total Online Learning Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 1.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Recommended Reading
2019-10-10 Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Through Sustainable Food Systems Springer Nature
ISBN 9783030239695 ISBN-13 3030239691

This publication offers a systemic analysis of sustainability in the food system, taking as its framework the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations. Targeted chapters from experts in the field cover main challenges in the food system and propose methods for achieving long term sustainability. Authors focus on how sustainability can be achieved along the whole food chain and in different contexts. Timely issues such as food security, climate change and migration and sustainable agriculture are discussed in depth. The volume is unique in its multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder approach. Chapter authors come from a variety of backgrounds, and authors include academic professors, members of CSO and other international organizations, and policy makers. This plurality allows for a nuanced analysis of sustainability goals and practices from a variety of perspectives, making the book useful to a wide range of readers working in different areas related to sustainability and food production. The book is targeted towards the academic community and practitioners in the policy, international cooperation, nutrition, geography, and social sciences fields. Professors teaching in nutrition, food technology, food sociology, geography, global economics, food systems, agriculture and agronomy, and political science and international cooperation may find this to be a useful supplemental text in their courses.

Recommended Reading
2018-01-17 Sustainable Food Systems from Agriculture to Industry Academic Press
ISBN 0128119357 ISBN-13 9780128119358

Sustainable Food Systems from Agriculture to Industry: Improving Production and Processing addresses the principle that food supply needs of the present must be met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Responding to sustainability goals requires maximum utilization of all raw materials produced and integration of activities throughout all production-to-consumption stages. This book covers production stage activities to reduce postharvest losses and increase use of by-products streams (waste), food manufacturing and beyond, presenting insights to ensure energy, water and other resources are used efficiently and environmental impacts are minimized. The book presents the latest research and advancements in efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly food production and ways they can be implemented within the food industry. Filling the knowledge gap between understanding and applying these advancements, this team of expert authors from around the globe offer both academic and industry perspectives and a real-world view of the challenges and potential solutions that exist for feeding the world in the future. The book will guide industry professionals and researchers in ways to improve the efficiency and sustainability of food systems. Addresses why food waste recovery improves sustainability of food systems, how these issues can be adapted by the food industry, and the role of policy making in ensuring sustainable food production Describes in detail the latest understanding of food processing, food production and waste reduction issues Includes emerging topics, such as sustainable organic food production and computer aided process engineering Analyzes the potential and sustainability of already commercialized processes and products

Recommended Reading
2020 Routledge Handbook of Sustainable and Regenerative Food Systems Routledge
ISBN 1138608041 ISBN-13 9781138608047

This Handbook includes contributions from established and emerging scholars from around the world and draws on multiple approaches and subjects to explore the socio-economic, cultural, ecological, institutional, legal and policy aspects of regenerative food practices. The future of food is uncertain. We are facing an overwhelming number of interconnected and complex challenges related to the ways we grow, distribute, access, eat, and dispose of food. Yet, there are stories of hope and opportunities for radical transition towards food systems that enhance the ability of living things to co-evolve. Given this, activities and imaginaries looking to improve, rather than just sustain, communities and ecosystems are needed, as are fresh perspectives and new terminology. The Routledge Handbook of Sustainable and Regenerative Food Systems addresses this need. The chapters cover diverse practices, geographies, scales and entry-points. They focus not only on the core requirements to deliver sustainable agriculture and food supply, but go beyond this to think about how these can also actively participate with social-ecological systems. The book is presented in an accessible way, with reflection questions meant to spark discussion and debate on how to transition to safe, just and healthy food systems. Taken together, the chapters in this Handbook highlight the consequences of current food practices and showcase the multiple ways that people are doing food differently. The Routledge Handbook of Sustainable and Regenerative Food Systems is essential reading for students and scholars interested in food systems, governance and practices, agroecology, rural sociology and socio-environmental studies.

Recommended Reading
2013-10-14 Sustainable Food Processing John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 9781118634370 ISBN-13 1118634373

With global inequalities becoming more pronounced, ingredient costs climbing, and global warming a major political issue, food producers must now address environmental concerns, social responsibility and economic viability when designing their food processing techniques for the future. Sustainable food processing is all about finding new ways of meeting present needs without comprising future viability, given constantly changing economic and environmental conditions. This is not just a corporate social responsibility issue, but relates directly to efficiency, cost-saving and profitability, and so the food industry must increasingly embrace sustainable food processing in order to succeed. This book provides a comprehensive overview on both economic sustainability and environmental concerns relating to food processing. It promotes ways of increasing sustainability in all the major sectors of the food industry, and will establish itself as a standard reference book on sustainable food processing. It will be of great interest to academic and industrial professionals. Opening chapters cover the concept and principles of sustainable food processing, with reference to various food processing sectors (dairy, meat, seafood, grain, fruit and vegetables). Further chapters on brewing, cold chain, consumption and packaging provide a comprehensive guide to making these key processes more sustainable. Issues such as cleaning, sanitation, and carbon footprint are discussed, before dedicated chapters covering energy and water consumption in the food industry address economic sustainability. Environmental impact assessment and food processing, waste utilization, risk assessment, and regulatory and legislative issues are also addressed. Contributors include a combination of leading academic and industrial experts, to provide informed and industrially relevant perspectives on these topics.

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources

 

Journal Resources

Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems

URL Resources

Food Vision 2030. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c73a3-food-vision-2030-a-world-leader-in-sustainable-food-systems/

Towards a Sustainable Food System https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-law-and-publications/publication-detail/-/publication/ca8ffeda-99bb-11ea-aac4-01aa75ed71a1

Other Resources
Additional Information