Postgraduate Diploma in Food Technology

Purpose

The qualification is multi- and interdisciplinary in nature and serves to strengthen and deepen the food technologist knowledge and skills. The scope of knowledge within this programme includes (but not limited to) research methodology, biometrics, food analysis and applied food technologies, research ethics as well as a research/product development project, to enable the technologist to undertake advanced reflection and critical thinking by applying and practicing research methods relevant to this field of study. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical and practical engagement, and the development of intellectual independence under supervision. The technologist will demonstrate the ability to relate the knowledge and research skills acquired to address current and future problems related to food safety and security, nutritional quality, the development of new food products using current and emerging technologies, as well as regulatory and legislative issues. The qualification articulates vertical with Master of Applied Science or Master of Agriculture, depending on the envisaged main field of study, as well as other relevant master degrees in the cognate fields of study.

Rationale

Nationally, the food industry is in need of high qualified and well trained Food Technologists, to ensure the development and production of safe, nutritious and affordable foods. The South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST), (an organisation for food scientists and technologists in South Africa) states that the South African food industry is one of the biggest industries in South Africa. The food industry is a major employer of South Africans and provider of many business opportunities. The food industry requires qualified food technologists (and scientists) having unique scientific knowledge and understanding of the complex components and properties of foods. In addition, deeper knowledge of how foods should be developed and processed into nutritious, safe and affordable foods is vital. Furthermore, detailed knowledge and understanding in food safety assurance, international and national regulatory requirements as well as food security is becoming ever more important to ensure the development and production of nutritious, safe and high quality foods.

This qualification will serve to strengthen and deepen the knowledge of qualified food technologists in this discipline or profession.

This qualification fits with the general ethos of the institution which is currently delivering a qualification that enables food technologists to continue with specialised development in the field of Food Technology. The qualifying learners will be able to articulate to other relevant qualification nationally or internationally such as Master Degree in the relevant field of study.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Institution gives Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as stipulated in the RPL policy, in order to prevent the repetition of offerings already obtained which correspond with the current offering being pursued at institution. Prior-learning and or experience relevant to the field of Food Technology will be evaluated and considered for access to the qualification.

Learners may apply at the Office of the Registrar for RPL or for admission via the Senate's discretionary route. The specific relevant documentation will be requested from these learners and these cases will be handled on an individual basis.

Access to this qualification may be possible through the recognition of relevant prior learning and through prior experience as a practitioner in the field of Food Technology. A structured means for the assessment of individual learners will be developed against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis. The necessary evidence as required by the Exit Level Outcomes and presented by the learner, will meet the following principles: currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence. RPL must be in accordance with the policies and procedures of the individual providers and in agreement with procedures of the relevant Education Training Quality Assurer (ETQA).

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Diploma/Diploma in Food Technology, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6, 360 Credits.

Or

• A Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, NQF Level 7, 360 Credits.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits

• Research Methodology and Ethics, 12 Credits.
• Food Analyses, 36 Credits.
• Biometrics, 12 Credits.
• Applied Food Technologies, 36 Credits.
• Research/Product Development Project, 24 Credits.

1. Demonstrate and evaluate knowledge and engage in the central areas of Food Technology as well as knowledge in research methodology, biometrics, food analysis and applied food technologies, research ethics as well as a research/product development.
2. Investigate and critically reflect on a range of specialised skills and methods of enquiry to identify, analyse and address complex/abstract problems identified in the field of Food Technology ethically and professionally.
3. Critically reflect, facilitate and manage activities within a specific context, taking decisions and acting ethically, morally and professionally in the field of food technology.
4. Produce and communicate their ideas and results using appropriate academic and occupational discourse by using a variety of technologies and methodologies relevant to the field of research within the field of Food Technology.
5. Identify, evaluate and address his or her learning needs in a self-critical manner, and to facilitate collaborative learning processes of peers within an appropriate research environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Integrated and detailed knowledge and knowledge literacy of food technological concepts, principles and rules are recognised, researched, evaluated, processed and applied to relevant examples in the food industry.
• Demonstrate applied knowledge, techniques and skills typically required from a food technologist within the food industry.
• Food analyses and applied food technologies concepts, theories and strategies in the specialised field of applied food technology as well as food product development are identified, analysed, and resolved using applicable examples, typically found in the food industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Utilise methods of enquiry to investigate complex problems for new food product development and/or current research topics.
• Critically evaluate and apply evidence-based solutions to case studies relevant to the fields above.
• Advanced Food Technologies, methods for food analyses and the development of affordable and nutritious food products or food safety related research problems can be distinguished and contrasted, and resolved using research and theory-driven arguments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Activities, decisions and actions regarding research methodology and research practice within an appropriate research environment will be identified, formulated and executed by critically reflecting, facilitating and managing the research process in an ethical, moral and professional manner.
• Ethical values and approaches to research-management principles and research practice, with regards to decisions and actions decided on, based on research results, can be defended, appraised and judged to assess the validity and appropriateness of the research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Appropriate academic and occupational discourse can be justified and adhered to using an assortment of technologies and methodologies relevant to research in the field of Food Technology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Continuous development of learning needs will be identified, tailored, evaluated and addressed in a self-critical manner in order to facilitate collaborative Learning processes of both the technologist and his/her peers within an appropriate research environment.

In this qualification, integrated assessment is ensured by incorporating both formative and summative assessment strategies into the learning programme. Assessment strategies are underpinned by the Exit Level Outcomes and assessment criteria, which are designed in articulation with the level descriptors and the scope of practice.

Formative Assessment

Formative Assessment will thus mainly involve integrated types of assessment, used to inform students about their progress on a continuous basis throughout the semester. Self and peer assessment (with the aid of relevant analytical assessment tools) will contribute to formative assessment. Throughout the qualification, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that Exit Level Outcomes are achieved, which include (but not limited to):

• Assignments; Demonstrations; and Presentations.
• And/or any other applicable methods required within a specific teaching and learning experience.

Summative Assessment

Summative Assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Information will be gathered about a student's level of competence upon completion of a unit, module or qualification. This type of assessment is used for promotional purposes and does take the form of (including, but not limited to):

• Examinations (Theoretical).
• Portfolios.
• Presentations.
• Tests.
• Research Report/Portfolio.