Course objectives
The Second-cycle Degree Course is structured in such a way as to represent the natural continuation of studies for graduates in Food Science and Technology, but may also be of interest to graduates in Gastronomic Science and other scientific disciplines in the fields of chemistry, biology, veterinary science and engineering with an appropriate curriculum.
The training of the Second-cycle Degree in Food Science and Technology is such that, at the end of the course of study, he/she will acquire the following knowledge and skills:
a sound basic knowledge in the fields of chemistry, biology, microbiology and human nutrition oriented to the applicative aspects of the food sector; a sound knowledge of the scientific method apt to finalise the basic and operative knowledge to the solution of the multiple technical and organisational problems of the food sector; the ability to optimise production, preservation and distribution processes and to manage research and industrial development projects; the ability to manage and promote food quality and safety in compliance with the regulations on operator safety and environmental protection the ability to adequately perform complex activities of co-ordination and direction relating to the agri-food sector; a high level of technical competence for the control and verification of the organoleptic, hygienic and nutritional quality of foodstuffs, also with the use of innovative methodologies an adequate competence in the management and organisation of companies, of agri-food chains and of related consultancy and service companies; the ability to communicate, to work in multidisciplinary teams and the ability to make judgements both on the technical-economic and on the ethical level; For the purposes indicated, the curriculum of the Second-cycle Degree Course in Food Science and Technology provides for the acquisition of in-depth knowledge on the specific technological aspects of the food sector and related sectors both of a general and specialised nature; provides for activities and practical exercises dedicated to the knowledge of experimental and control methods and data processing; provides for activities aimed at deepening knowledge on traditional and innovative technologies; provides, in relation to specific objectives, for external activities such as internships at companies, public administration structures and laboratories, as well as facilitating study stays at other Italian and European universities, also within the framework of international agreements.
In the first year, the teaching programme includes disciplines hinged on TAF B belonging to the following SSDs: CHIM/01; CHIM/02; CHIM/06 and CHIM/10 for the chemical field; BIO/10 for the biochemical field; AGR/16 for the microbiological field; AGR/15 for the technological field; AGR/01 for the economic field. These are complemented by related training activities embedded in the following SSDs: MED/49 for the field of nutrition and ING-IND/10 for the field of technology. The first-year training path is completed by the teaching of the English language at level B2 hinged in TAF F. With reference to the second year, the training path includes disciplines hinged in TAF B aimed at applicative aspects in the industrial field and pertaining to the following SSDs: AGR/16 for the microbiology field; AGR/15 for the technology field. The second-year course is completed by the student's choice of subjects hinged on TAF D. The second year of the course also includes the thesis activity, which is divided into three alternative types of internship (internship at an external structure, at a University structure or in international mobility) during which the student acquires further operational skills by developing original research but also the ability to organise the results obtained in a written report (Second-cycle degree thesis) and to critically discuss them during the final examination.
The content of the practical training activity is defined within the training project drawn up ad hoc for each individual student on the basis of the type of thesis activity chosen and in compliance with the educational objectives of the course of study in question