NF7W22 - Food Science Industrial Placement (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Module title | Food Science Industrial Placement | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| School | School of Human Sciences | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 200 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module gives students the opportunity to undertake an assessed work placement in the food industry. The assessments are designed to encourage reflection of their experience and demonstrate learning at level 7.
Aims of the module
By completing this module you will develop:
• a deep understanding of operation of the particular business where the placement was undertaken
• an analysis of the placement organisational structure and its strengths and weaknesses
• the knowledge and experience of approaches to the management of the specific business
Syllabus
Students will spend a minimum of 30 days in an appropriate industry. The content of placements will vary considerably, reflecting both student aims and interests and the focus or specialism of the organisation.
The individual student is responsible for securing the placement for this module and the suitability of this should be agreed between the student and the supervisor.
In any placement, students should have a specific programme of work experience and will undertake a programme to learn about the structure and function of the organisation and its interactions with the particular industry in general. The details of this programme will be agreed in advance of the placement through negotiation between the student, the module team and a representative from the prospective placement organisation. It is essential that the student undertakes a programme at a level that reflects that of their course.
Therefore the following components will need to be agreed in a Learning Contract:
• the appropriateness of the chosen organisation in relation to the course of study being undertaken;
• definition and agreement concerning the specific project to be undertaken;
• opportunities to observe and participate in relevant policy development and strategic planning meetings;
• exposure to the different elements and working groups within the organisation;
• development and acquisition of an agreed range of relevant high-level professional skills and competencies identified through personal profiling.
During the placement, students will be required to maintain a continuous and reflective record of their work and the experiences gained. This will enable them to consider the ways in which the activities and initiatives of the organisation are evaluated in terms of outcomes and success; and to monitor and reflect upon their placement experience and its implications for professional practice. It is important that this record contains a critical analysis both of the placement experience and of the student's own progress. It is expected that either the academic supervisor or the industrial supervisor or both will assist the student in keeping this record up to date and comprehensive.
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Students will undertake a programme of supervised work experience in industry appropriate to their degree course within a framework of agreed placement contract. They will carry out self-profiling of their skills/competencies, have regular meetings with external supervisor and contact with the placement tutor. The module provides extensive opprotunities for professional development and students are required to report on these in their coursework.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate their depth of knowledge and understanding of operation of the particular business where the placement was undertaken including an analysis of the organisational structure and its strengths and weaknesses; they should be able to demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of the structure, operations and management of the placement provider.
2. Critically evaluate the issues involved in the decision-making processes, risk evaluation and control processes within the organisation; it is recognised that the size of the organisations will affect the nature and structure of the decision-making process and therefore the student experience;
3. Critically evaluate approaches to the management of the particular business, including internal communication and delegation, and relate this to the application of good practice and management of an industry operation in general;
4. Demonstrate the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility, decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; and the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.