CHM2962 Food chemistry
Faculty of Science
CHM2962 Food chemistry is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2020 in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit, leading on to 2 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2020
- Semester 2
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 25%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2020 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before CHM2962
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After CHM2962
1 unit list CHM2962 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
A detailed account of the chemistry of food substances will be provided. The components present in larger amounts (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and water), and those occurring in smaller quantities (colours, flavours, vitamins, preservatives, trace metals, both natural and synthetic contaminants, and additives) will be discussed. Chemicals used in food production (fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides) and the chemistry of food processing and cooking are also discussed. Methods used for food analysis and their purpose are considered.
Offerings in 2020
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
| Second semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- On-line quizes25%
- Topic activites and assignment25%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)25%
- Laboratory-based assessmentThreshold hurdle25%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Explore the chemical structure and functionality for the macronutrient categories of carbohydrates, lipids, and protein in food.
- 2
Identify the important role of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and water activity in food.
- 3
Formulate the links between food types and dietary energy content.
- 4
Investigate the analytical techniques used for verifying food content and quality.
- 5
Inspect the chemical changes that occur during the processing, storage and cooking of food.
- 6
Design experiments through an inquiry-oriented, food chemistry focused laboratory program.
- 7
Communicate via written and visual presentations the findings from a multistage laboratory program.
- 8
Debate the benefits and potential drawbacks of genetic modification, organic agriculture, and the use herbicides and pesticides in global food production.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures12 hours
- Laboratories36 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Equivalent to two-hours supported independent study per week
- One one-hour lecture per week
- 36 hours of laboratory work and presentation time per semester
Active learning will occur in the lectures and lab sessions.
Problem-based learning will be explored in the laboratory exercises through theoretical concepts and will enable the development of relevant observation and descriptive skills, as well as communication skills.
Online learning will be used to illustrate and explain concepts and to highlight links between theory and laboratory work.
Learning resources
Required resources
Laboratory safety glasses
Lab coat
Closed toe footwear
Notebook for taking lab notes
Access to a kitchen that has a stove or microwave.
Recommended resources
Food: the chemistry of its components, 6th Edition, T. P. Coultate, RSC (2009).
Where it fits
CHM2962 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2020 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Alison Funston
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Louise Bennett
- Associate Professor Siow Lee Fong
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for CHM2962?
CHM2962 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after CHM2962?
CHM2962 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including FST3840. Those lead on to 2 units in all.
When is CHM2962 offered?
In 2020, CHM2962 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.
Does CHM2962 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 25% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include CHM2962?
CHM2962 is part of Chemistry.