Course overview
Developed and delivered in conjunction with the Flavour Centre at the University of Reading, and providing a practical approach to understanding flavour science this course is designed to introduce participants to the role of ‘flavour’ (covering areas such as taste, aroma, and texture) in food products from their beginnings to consumption.
Participants will be introduced to the scientific basis for flavour, and the ways in which flavour can be affected by conditions at each stage of a food’s lifecycle. These include the influence of pre- and post-harvest conditions; the effects of processing, storage, and packaging; the use of flavouring ingredients; and the importance of flavour in consumer choice and perceptions of quality.
Participants will also explore the perspectives of individuals at each stage of a food product’s journey to the consumer. Of particular interest are the roles of flavourists (professionals exploring flavour creation, the components of complex flavours, and the impact of regulations) and flavour detectives (professionals handling flavour analysis, including methods for identifying taints and off-notes). Each topic introduced by the course will be presented in the context of a particular food product, which will build the participant’s knowledge of flavour in relation to a range of categories, such as beverages, snacks, meat, and vegetables.
The course consists of three components - Distance learning, Campus workshops and formative assessment. Upon completing the course, you will have an excellent understanding of flavour as it pertains to the agrifood sector, and its impact on consumer choice. They will appreciate both the science of flavour, and the practical applications to growers, processors, and retailers of a variety of products.
This course would be useful to food industry professionals, and will develop skills and knowledge with a wide range of applicability across the food supply chain.
This module is availabe for CPD (£1050) or for credit (£1300).. Modules taken as CPD can later be converted to credit for a fee of £250.
Contact Name for Enquiries: Cathy Crips and Craig Farrell
Email address: foodcentre@reading.ac.uk
Telephone Number: 0118 378 8722 or 0118 378 7746
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, learners should be able to discuss:
- The role of flavour in the consumer perception of quality
- The influence of pre- and post-harvest conditions in flavour generation
- The flavour formation pathways involved during food processing and storage
- The nature of flavouring ingredients, their preparation, and issues regarding compliance with EU regulations
- Analytical methods for flavour analysis
- Additional Course Information
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Areas covered will include:
- The importance of flavour and the factors that influence perception
- Effects of pre- and post-harvest conditions on plant-derived products
- Effects of breed and diet on the flavour qualities of meat
- Flavour generation during processing, including the Maillard reaction
- Flavour creation and the components of complex flavour systems
Key facts
Course Dates
TBC
Type/Duration
3 days of campus workshops preceded by online learning
Entry Requirements
Graduate level or relevant experience
Credits
10
Cost
£1050.00
Fee info
Discounts available for multiple bookings
CQFW Level
7
Course Provider
University Of Reading
Provider Reference Number
FZMR06
Course Arrangements
Full joining instructions will be confirmed by the course provider.
Course Location
University of Reading
Cohort
AFTP Cohort
Course Logistics
3 days of intensive campus workshops consisting of seminars, presentations, and practical sessions are preceded by a period of online study delivered through the University of Reading's Virtual Learning Environment. It is suggested that material is reviewed subsequentially, however, participants may vary their speed of learning to suit their own requirements.
The course is awarded 10 academic credits where participants successfully complete the formative assessment requirements of the course within four weeks of completing the campus workshops.
The course may also be taken as Continued Professional Development by completing the online learning and campus workshops or at a reduced fee, just the campus workshops.
Tutors
Dr Jane Parker
My AFTP training course has given me greater confidence day-to-day and more insight into the impact of new techniques and technologies.
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The University of Reading
PO Box 226, Whiteknights
Reading RG6 6AP
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