Food: from farm to fork (An overview of food production)
On this page
|
|
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
Summary
This course gives a general introduction to food systems and production, safety issues (hazards), and the supply chain known as ‘farm to fork’. It covers key features and stakeholders of the food chain; interpreting food labelling to identify principal components of familiar foods, their origins and roles; and how to identify potential sources of contamination throughout the food production and supply chain in order to select appropriate methods for reducing risks. You’ll also be introduced to principles of processing, preservation and packaging; and implications for product integrity, safety and waste management. The course will benefit new or progressing staff in the food industry.
Course content
This course is the first in a programme of four produced in collaboration with the Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Association (CCFRA). The course resources comprise a learning guide, incorporating interactive exercises, video and web-based resources and assessment, together with two booklets from CCFRA. These are ‘Food manufacturing: an overview’ (Key Topics in Food Science & Technology No. 3) and ‘Agriculture in the food supply chain: an overview’ (Key Topics in Food Science & Technology No. 5).
You will learn
- How to apply your knowledge to food management problems;
- How to interpret the findings from a professional technical report in a manner appropriate for the various stakeholders and
- How to use scientific evidence-based methods in the solution of technical problems.
The strong link between course learning and your work practice creates relevant, enduring and transferable outcomes. The course will take 50 hours to study and includes web text, video material, self assessment questions and activities. The course contains a series of bite-size chunks each devoted to both technical and managerial topics. Register online today and start tomorrow – no need to wait!
The course features the distinctive strengths of The Open University from its years of expertise in work-based learning:
- The convenience of accessing clearly-presented and sequenced materials, activities and support whenever it suits you and wherever you have access to a computer – the mix of web-based and text based materials enables you to work on or offline, whichever is most convenient to you.
- The support of an expert learning adviser who can clarify course materials, answer questions and help you relate the course to your specific needs.
- A work-based activity helping you to connect the course to your individual and organisational context and needs. At the end of the course you send this to the learning adviser, who provides personal feedback.
- Certification of completion from the OU for those who complete the course. You can use this to demonstrate your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity to your employer and/or professional body. (N.B. The course does not carry academic credit points.)
Entry
Although there are no formal academic requirements to study any of our CPD courses, you are expected to have some experience in the field and the course assumes a familiarity with the subject.
For each course you can register and begin at any time during the life of the course. You can study at your own pace and submit your work-based activity at any date before the final submission date for the course. Information about the final submission date is available when you register for the course.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
The course is delivered via printed text and computer resources. Learners who use screen readers or who cannot use a mouse will not be able to access some course material or some course activities without assistance. Electronic versions of the CCFRA booklets will be available for students who use screen readers. Written transcripts of the video materials are available on the website. If you are a new learner with the OU, make sure that you have our booklet Meeting your needs. You can obtain a copy by contacting our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Course materials
What's included
You will receive a DVD, two course books and access to online containing all learning materials, exercises, study support and work-based activity.
Computing requirements
This course has online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Learner support
Expert, confidential learner support is available when you need it from a learning adviser, who will respond to you directly within 24 hours. Other support is available via the course forum, library, StudentHome website and computing helpdesk.
Work-based activity
The work-based activity for this course is a written report that you submit at the end of your study. It will allow you to reflect on your learning and how to use it in your professional work.
Professional recognition
Successful completion of the course enables us to recognise your achievement of the course learning by issuing an OU certificate which you can use to document your commitment to continuing professional development in your personal portfolio, or to provide evidence to employers or professional body.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
About this page
An undergraduate course.
Study explained
- Special fee arrangements
- - the OU has relationships with many professional bodies, and as part of those relationships members may be entitled to special fee arrangements.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
Browse the prospectus
Request a print prospectus
Share
This PageThe University wishes to emphasise that, while every effort is made to regularly update this site, the material on it is subject to alteration or amendment in the light of changes in regulations or in policy or of financial or other necessity.