FDSC30210 PWE SCAU

Academic Year 2023/2024

Students will complete a minimum of a 16-week placement in the UCD Food Science Research Laboratories following the Seven Week Spring term and associated examinations. It is intended that on completion of their Professional Work Experience (PWE) placements students will have a greater understanding of the role of the food science professional and a greater appreciation of the relevance of technical information presented to them in their degree course. Students will see the practical application of many subjects, analyses and principles and will also have opportunities to improve their written, oral and communication skills and to practice appropriate professional conduct in the workplace. A weekly meeting session is required on the timetable throughout trimester one and two to prepare and assist students in the organisation of their placement. A period of Professional Work Experience is mandatory and must be undertaken in Stage 3. Successful completion of this module is mandatory for graduating on completion of Stage 4. Students must familiarise themselves with and abide by the regulations for PWE as set out by the Agricultural Sciences Programme Board. For each placement, a host contract must be completed, signed by the host and received by UCD, before the placement will be deemed to have commenced by UCD. Furthermore, placements (and parts thereof) which have been completed in the absence of an appropriately completed host contract will not be accepted. Only in the most exceptional circumstances will any deviation from this requirement be permitted and this must have the agreement, in writing, of the PWE co-ordinator.
This module will contribute to the development of the following COMPETENCIES that are CORE to your development as a professional in Food Science
• Food processing and engineering (Principles of food processing techniques)
• Applied food science (with particular reference to Integration and application of food science principles (food chemistry, microbiology, engineering/processing, etc.), Computer skills, Quality assurance, Current issues in food)
• Success skills (with particular reference to Communication skills (i.e. oral and written communication, listening, interviewing etc.), Critical thinking/problem solving skills (i.e. creativity, common sense, resourcefulness, scientific reasoning, analytical thinking etc.), Professionalism skills (i.e. ethics, integrity, respect for diversity), life-long learning skills, Interaction skills (i.e. teamwork, mentoring, leadership, networking, interpersonal skills, etc.), Information skills (i.e. written and electronic searches, databases, internet etc.), Organisational skills (i.e. time management, project management etc.)