Overview

NFQ Level 9, Major Award

The MSc (Food Microbiology) is a full-time programme running for 12 months from the date of first registration for the programme.

Modules will be chosen with the approval of the Programme Board depending on student's background.

Postgraduate Certificate in Food Microbiology

Students who attain a pass (40%) in each of the taught modules, but do not reach the 50% threshold across 6 of the 7 taught modules: MB4110, MB4111, MB4113, MB6114, MB6027, MB6003 and MB6010 required to progress to the research dissertation will be conferred with a Postgraduate Certificate in Food Microbiology.

Similarly, students who pass the taught modules and do not wish to complete the research dissertation may opt to be conferred with a Postgraduate Certificate in Food Microbiology.

Programme Requirements

For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements. 

Programme Requirements

Module List

Code	Title	Credits
Students take 90 credits as follows:
Part I
Students take 55 credits as follow - all listed core modules (30 credits) and 25 credits of elective modules:
Core Modules
MB6006	Library Project in Food Microbiology	5
MB6027	Research Frontiers in Food Microbiology	5
ML6005	Molecular Techniques in the Life Sciences	5
PG6001	STEPS - Scientific Training for Enhanced Postgraduate Studies	5
MB6010	Analytical Food Microbiology	10
Elective Modules
Students take modules to the value of 25 credits from the following:		25
FE6110	Food Markets and Policy (5)
MB4110	Food Fermentation and Mycology (5)
MB4111	Microbial Food Safety (5)
MB4113	Food Biotechnology (5)
MB6114	Hygienic Production of Food (5)
MB6003	Functional Foods for Health (5)
Part II
Dissertation
Students take 35 credits as follows:
Core Modules
MB6011	Dissertation in Food Microbiology	35
Total Credits		90

Examinations

Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for MSc (Food Microbiology) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Present as a dissertation original research in food microbiology and an evaluation of the associated scientific literature;
  
• Explain the principles of, and apply in practice, techniques used in food microbiology research;
  
• Gain an understanding of the practical value of food microbiology in ensuring food quality and food safety;
  
• Recognise the importance of food microbiology in developing new, innovative and healthy foods;
  
• Apply critical thinking skills to solving problems in food microbiology;
  
• Communicate effectively on food microbiology-related issues to different stakeholders;
  
• Develop the capacity to undertake lifelong learning.