BAKERY AND PATISSERIE TECHNOLOGY

The contemporary bread production module allows students to both produce the products, and study the technical aspects of typical bread and morning goods found on UK retailers' shelves. Where possible, automated food manufacture process is replicated by the students in the UCB bakery suite.

Key functional bakery and patisserie ingredients are investigated by producing samples and using analytical science to understand and justify their role in baked goods. You will gain an understanding of the relationship between bakery ingredient functionality and finished product quality.

The increased media coverage on veganism, dietary requirements and allergens awareness has impacted the bakery and confectionery industry, resulting in changes. The concepts and styles of afternoon tea are evolving and this module has been designed to broaden the knowledge, skills and professional techniques and methods used to produce confectionery and chocolate patisseries. Students will be expected to develop and produce a range of afternoon tea products for the luxury market to align both practical and academic attributes to enhance employability.

Food technologists and product developers need to understand the ingredients that can be incorporated into food products and how they relate to the formulation of new and innovative developments as well as improving existing products. This module has a strong industry focus and you will be able to participate in a real life development opportunity. You will also study the theories of product development strategies for new products and product improvement and considerations around scale-up. This will include market trends and analysis, competitor reviews and benchmarking exercise.

This module will provide students with an introduction to quality assurance in relation to food manufacturing and industry techniques used to ensure quality and compliance with legislation. There will be a series of practical sessions designed to demonstrate the implementation of key quality systems. The assessment uses case study scenarios in a food manufacturing context to develop students' insight in relation to hazard controls, traceability and specification design. Quality Assurance in food manufacturing offers sought-after, wide and varied careers.

Food is a basic necessity, but the delivery of food products that meet customers' expectations is the lifeblood of any food and beverage producer and retailer. Human senses are critical in our appreciation of food and drink. The evaluation of consumer preferences and the overall quality of food underpins all food development work and the ability to analyse food effectively and within established standards is paramount. This module allows you to explore how our senses work, applying them to scientific testing and consumer acceptance of food products and ensuring their quality and shelf life. You will learn about the physiology and psychology of food evaluation, the methods employed by sensory scientists to determine acceptance and food quality, while understanding the importance of effective methodology, standardisation and the application of basic statistical methods for data analysis and interpretation.

You will study current issues and trends in Bakery and Patisserie Technology by reading press articles and scientific reports, paying particular attention to the development of products in line with these trends. The focus will be on sourcing alternative ingredients and amending processes and procedures so that products can be successfully delivered in line with these trends without compromising food safety or product quality.

You will study current issues and trends in food and nutrition by reading press articles and scientific reports, paying particular attention to the science of weight loss. In addition you will study buyer behaviour to see if it affects the popularity of certain market products.

You will study the principles, control and optimisation of processing systems, food handling, hygiene, refrigeration, mixing and blending. You will also investigate scientific principles and food preservation methods including heat treatments, chilling, drying, fermentation and chemical preservatives.

You will learn more about the various functions and job roles in different sectors of the agri-food supply chain including agriculture, manufacture, distribution, food services and retail. This will broaden your knowledge of the food industry and enable you to investigate food resources, climate and seasonal effects, food waste and environmental control.

You will have the opportunity to engage in an independent research project of your choice. You will have support with preparing your proposal and understanding the competent characteristics of good research. An appointed tutor will help guide you through this important and rewarding process.

You will be required develop a new product with a 6,000-word article supported by a poster presentation. You will be supported throughout this project with regards to key research by an appointed tutor.