Course Title: Food Toxicology, Allergens and Health

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Food Toxicology, Allergens and Health

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Dr Jessica Danaher

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 6117

Course Coordinator Email: jessica.danaher@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Bundoora Campus, Building 201, Level 6, Room 12

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

Consumers are increasingly focused on the production and processing of the food that they eat. This course will provide an overview of health issues related to food production, including:

  • Allergens and intolerances, including the physical processes responsible for food intolerances and allergic reactions
  • Toxins naturally present in food and those produced during processing and storage, and their effect on consumer health
  • Different food production systems, such as organic, conventional or genetically modified production systems
  • Laws and regulations governing food allergens and toxicants, and the roles of different government agencies in protecting the community from exposure to toxic substances


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

On completion of this course, you should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the current and emerging issues related to food allergies and intolerances, toxicology and consumer health.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of toxicology, and the broad range of food toxicants and allergens found in the Australian food chain, including food additives, pesticides, antibiotic residues, mycotoxins and environmental contaminants and their adverse effects on consumer health.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of different food production systems such as organic, conventional or genetically modified production systems.
  4. Gather and critically evaluate information from a range of reliable sources and undertake risk and safety assessment for food toxicants and allergens.
  5. Understand the laws and regulations and the roles of the federal government bodies in protecting the community from exposure to toxic substances.
  6. Demonstrate skills in the oral, written and graphic communication of information related to the allergens and toxicants.


N/A


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities included in this course are:

  • Lectures where syllabus material will be presented and explained;
  • In class activities and online multiple choice tests providing opportunities for feedback on student progress and understanding;
  • Student presentations about food toxicants and allergens to peers;
  • Written assignments requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter;
  • Private study, working through the course as presented in class and through learning materials;
  • Accessing, evaluating and using information about consumer chemicals and their regulation that is available through a range of authoritative web sites.

Total Study Hours

The following is a guide to the time required to complete this course.

Lecturer, tutor or demonstrator guided learning activities (face-to-face) (approximately 40 hours in total):

  • Lectures and tutorials

Independent study activities (approximately 80 hours in total):

  • Working through on-line learning materials
  • Preparation of  case studies, reports and presentations
  • Course content review
  • Test and examination preparation

 


Overview of Learning Resources

You will be provided with details about relevant resources, including freely accessible authoritative internet sites.

There is no recommended text for this course.


Overview of Assessment

This course has no hurdle requirements.

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Online multiple choice tests
You will complete Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) associated with each module. Details of the number and timing of tests will be presented in class.
The first MCQ question set is the early assessment task for Food Toxicology, Allergens and Health.
Weighting 20%This assessment supports CLOs: 1, 2, 3 and 5

Assessment Task 2: Consumer Education Resource and Presentation
Student resource, report, presentation and peer evaluation of research explaining toxicological and/or allergenic risks in a consumer context.
Weighting 20%
This assessment supports CLOs: 1, 2, 3 and 6

Assessment Task 3: Assignment
Assignment covering key concepts and regulation in the field of allergenicity and toxicology management.
Weighting 20%
This assessment supports CLOs: 4, 5 and 6

Assessment Task 4: Final Examination
A two hour closed book final examination.
Weighting: 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5