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Syllabus

BI1235 Postharvest - Biology and Technology, 15.0 Credits

Postharvest - biologi och teknologi efter skörd

Subjects

Horticultural Science Biology Biology Horticultural science

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0201

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G2F)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Courses corresponding to 60 credits in biology or horticultural science.

Objectives

The course will provide knowledge on factors influencing the postharvest quality of horticultural products, as well as the ability to evaluate how to maintain the postharvest quality and reduce losses along the chain. The course will give a deeper understanding of the physiology, handling and technology for horticultural products in the postharvest period, from harvest to consumption. On completion of the course, students will: 


• show detailed knowledge of the biochemistry, physiology and structures in horticultural products that are important in postharvest handling and storage 


• be able to describe different techniques used in conjunction with distribution and storage, such as quality evaluation, as well as discuss practice used for certain horticultural products

• be able to evaluate how genetic material, environmental pre- and postharvest factors, packaging technology as well as handling during distribution and storage affect the quality and shelf-life of horticultural products 


• display advanced knowledge of the importance of horticultural products for human nutrition and food safety 


• be able to discuss various quality criteria for horticultural products and the regulation of these 


• be able to describe regulatory controls such as legislation and voluntary certification relating to food safety, traceability and production systems, and discuss the meaning of different certifications

• have knowledge about product development and innovation process for new products.

Content

Content 
The course encompasses both edible horticultural products, such as fruit, berries and vegetables as well as horticultural products for other purposes, such as pot plants, cut flowers and outdoor plants. The course deals with the following subjects: 


• Maintenance of postharvest quality and reduction of losses including cold chain, package material, modified and controlled atmospheres, and storage techniques.

• Techniques for determination and analysis of the quality for raw materials and processed products as well as ripeness determination.

• Physiological and plant pathological factors, and other environmental and genetic factors affecting quality and shelf-life.

• Content in fruit, berries and vegetables which influences human health, and methods to optimize the content.


• Food safety concerning horticultural products, and the regulation in the EU and outside EU.

• Foodwaste: how to reduce waste along the value chain, and alternative uses for by-products.

• Overview of product development and innovation process.

Scheduled guest lectures, seminars, supervision, presentations and excursions are mandatory.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

The examination consists of a written exam, seminars and case studies, and written and oral presentations. To pass the course, a pass grade in the written exam of the theory section, approved participation in compulsory components and approved reporting of project work is required.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Transitional provisions

• Exams: At least three retake sessions (renewed exams) will be offered within two years of the decision to discontinue the course. • Compulsory components: At least one opportunity for a retake session will be offered within two years of the decision to discontinue the course.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Plant Breeding