Print Syllabus

Syllabus

LV0123 Food waste - current situation and future opportunities, 7.5 Credits

Matsvinn - dagens problem och framtidens möjligheter

Subjects

Environmental Science Food Science Food science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

A1N

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

- Knowledge equivalent to 180 credits on basic level, including at least

- 15 credits in agricultural science, animal science, biology, environmental science, food science, food studies, horticultural science, nutrition or technology



- Knowledge equivalent to English 6 from Swedish upper secondary school

Objectives

The main objective of the course is to give the students general knowledge about food waste in different stages of the food chain; how and why it occurs, the consequences it leads to, measures that can be taken to reduce it and how it can be utilisated in by-products and nutrient recycling. The course also intends to develop the students’ ability to apply scientific methods related to food waste.

After completed course, the student should be able to

• Explain how and why food waste occurs in different parts of the food supply chain.

• Describe current aspects and consequences of the food waste problem

• Apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods for analyzing food waste.

• Identify problems with regards to food waste and discuss strategies for reduced food loss and waste

• Propose and briefly assess solutions for reduction, reuse or recycling of food loss and waste.

Content

The course covers how food waste occurs and how it is managed throughout the food supply chain; from primary production, processing, manufacturing and distribution, to retail, restaurants, food services and households. Food waste issues are studied from different actors’ perspectives and ethical, social, economic and environmental aspects are taken into account, locally as well as globally.

The following issues are covered:

• The food waste hierarchy and management options for reduction, reuse and recycling in the different stages of the food supply chain.

• Current regulations and policies in national, as well as, international contexts, particularly focusing on sustainable development goals

• Current practices in food waste quantification, food waste impact assessments and techniques for valorization of waste.

• Design of qualitative and quantitative studies for assessment of opportunities for reduction, reuse and recycling of food waste in different stages of the food supply chain.

These issues are treated in lectures, seminars and study visits (where participation can be compulsory), project assignments and written examination.

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

• Approved written and oral presentation of individual and group assignments

• Approved participation in compulsory parts of the course

• 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 assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

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 Energy and Technology