Advanced Postharvest Technology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS3083 | Biosciences | 3 | 10 | Spring Malaysia |
- Code
- BIOS3083
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring Malaysia
Summary
This module will address the most exciting, novel and interdisciplinary fundamental concepts, applications, challenges and current issues in fresh produce. The course is designed to include interdisciplinary topic emphasizing food crops, nutrition, and engineering. The course will cover the advances in postharvest technologies such as:
• Best practices for preserving quality and consumer appeal of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Present strategies for reducing postharvest losses and food waste
• Comprehensive introduction to established and emerging postharvest technologies, this will include how to enhance the value of perishable products by mitigating the causes of deterioration and spoilage from farm to consumption.
• Functional foods, one of the most rapidly growing areas of horticultural research such as explore the role of fruits and vegetables in human health.
• Alternative management to control postharvest diseases (green technology)
Target Students
BSc (Hons) Biotechnology , BSc (Hons) Nutrition
Classes
- One 3-hour workshop
- One 3-hour practicum
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 8 weeks
- One 12-hour field studies
Activities may take place every teaching week of the semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a semester
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: Critical review and challenging mapping exercise 2500 words [100%]
Educational Aims
The aims of this module are:To introduce students about phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables to improve human health. To educate students on the importance of modern postharvest technologies for maintaining both quality and quantity of horticultural crops, and to provide the necessary skills for tackling the issues related to postharvest losses. To expose students to crucial issues in food security and how hunger and nutrition plays a role in human health. To prepare students to become outstanding leaders and team players in interdisciplinary application of their expertise to address local and global problems associated with agriculture.In addition, there is challenge-mapping exercise, which is ability to identify the problems and provide possible recommendations to solve the problems.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding – outcomes which describe broadly the subject matter of the programme/module
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Identify the causes and main effects of pre and post-harvest losses of
horticultural produce and to develop strategies to reduce these loses.
2. Apply and analyse suitable technology of alternative management of
postharvest diseases.
3. Explain the principles and practical applications of modern postharvest technologies
4. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate scientific publications in postharvest discipline.
Intellectual skills –This module will encourage the textual analysis of theoretical and literary texts; verbal group and individual written communication skills; critical awareness; and self-reflection. This module will also encourage students to analyse critically the consequences of food waste and food losses.
Professional/practical skills –This module addresses the development of novel techniques and approaches in the field of postharvest technology and preservation.
Transferable (key) skills – This module will enhance transferable skills such as communicating clearly in oral and written forms; working effectively in groups; giving oral presentations; and retrieving and presenting information.
Conveners
- Prof Asgar Ali