Plant Foods

The course is designed for students with a background in biological sciences, agriculture, nutrition, or a related field, who are keen on broadening their knowledge of plant foods, their biological and economic aspects, and their significance in the context of global food production and sustainable development.  It will particularly benefit those aspiring to careers in food technology, food manufacturing industries, research and development, and sustainability-focused roles.

On completion of this micro-credential, you will:

• You would have a broad knowledge of major plant product groups along with the basic biology, chemistry, economics and current trends as well as future challenge.
• A major outcome would be the ability to analyse information pertaining to these topics and communicating their ideas and conclusions effectively using widely accepted terminology.

The module will cover topics under the following 4 phase:

Phase 1: Fundamental Plant Food groups - Cereals and Pseudocereals

Phase 2: Post Harvest Processing- Storage techniques, Milling, Flour making

Phase 3: Specialised Food Products: Breakfast Cereals, Pasta (and extrusion), Malting/Brewing, Vegetables and Fruits, Coffee and Chocolate

Phase 4: Sustainability and Future trends.

You will acquire a deep understanding of plant foods, enhancing your technical knowledge and practical skills in food science and technology. It will provide the knowledge necessary to build sector specific critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This approach will prepare you for diverse careers in food production, research, and management and empower professionals in the food industry to navigate challenges, capitalise on opportunities, and contribute to the development of sustainable and innovative plant-based food products in line with evolving consumer preferences.

This micro-credential is delivered through the UCD online learning platform (Brightspace).

This is a self-directed module designed for you to engage with the lectures and learning materials at your own pace as much as possible once you meet the key assessment dates.

You will learn in a variety of ways, through a mixture of autonomous learning, tutorials and a discussion forum will enable peer-to-peer interactions and discussions.

A repository of resources will be available to support your 

learning, and as a UCD student, you will have full access to the library.

This is a 5 ECTS micro-credential and involves approximately 100 hours of learner effort.

Applicants are required to hold an NFQ level 8 Honours degree (minimum 2nd Class Honours Lower) or equivalent in a related science discipline.

Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be admitted on the basis of considerable relevant experience.

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proof of English proficiency as per UCD's minimum English language requirements.

All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

2 Multiple Choice Questionnaires  (covering lectures 1 to 5 and 6 to 10) and a written exam towards the end of the trimester

Written feedback will be provided for the written report.. Feedback on MCQs will be given automatically on their completion.

This is also a module on the MSc Food Human Nutrition and MSc Sustainable Food Processing programmes

Please note: Learners can avail of only one form of funding per application. 

Micro-Credentials Learner Fee Subsidy-Human Capital Initiative Pillar 3

The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy has been introduced to enable more learners to address critical skills gaps and engage with lifelong learning through micro-credentials. The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy is funded by Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. 

HCI Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidies are available on identified micro-credentials only from March 2024 until October 2025. Funded places are limited and course providers will administer the subsidy on a first come first serve basis.

Please see Eligibility Criteria for further information.    

If you have any questions about this micro-credential, or would like to speak to a UCD staff member, please contact (opens in a new window)microcredentials@ucd.ie.