Principles of Sensory Science

This micro-credential is relevant to professionals who are currently working in the food and beverage industry, start-ups and SME’s who would like to run in-house sensory evaluations, anyone involved with new product development or reformulation projects, technical and quality assurance staff, food technologists, those working in product development, researchers, sales and marketing staff, and health professionals seeking to understand the role of sensory science in consumer behaviour and food intervention strategies.

On successful completion of this micro-credential students will be able to:

• Describe the human sensory systems and understand how we perceive stimuli in our environment, and how this is related to our interaction with, and enjoyment of food.
• Know the ways in which we can measure individual differences in taste, smell and flavour.
• Understand the underlying theory of detection and recognition thresholds.
• Understand the difference between consumer (liking/ hedonic) and difference tests, and be able to choose the appropriate one for a given situation.
• Know some of the key methodologies in sensory science and when to use them.
• Know where to find information on standard sensory methodology (ISO standards).
• Apply your knowledge to answer key questions in sensory and consumer science.

Lectures will cover how we perceive taste, smell, touch, sound and sight, and the role these senses play in our food flavour perception and in our food choices. You will also learn about the underlying theory of how we measure these percepts and the many types of sensory tests used in consumer and sensory science.

Completing this micro-credential will give you the confidence to discuss the topic based on sound reliable information delivered by UCD experts and have access to the latest research in the field of sensory science and its critical role in food product development, consumer behaviour, consumer perceptions, and food choice.

You will gain practical skills in choosing methods and developing tests for a variety of situations and will be able to apply your knowledge to a range of different contexts. The continuous assessment strategy seeks to develop scientific writing and report writing and presentation skills in addition to discipline knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

This micro-credential is delivered through the UCD online learning platform (Brightspace). This is a self-directed, project-based micro-credential designed for you to work through the material at your own pace as much as possible. You will need to meet the key assessment dates, but you can read the material and engage with the lectures as and when fits your schedule. 

You will learn in a variety of ways, through a mixture of autonomous learning, tutorials, peer review and feedback, and project-based learning.  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.

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.

Assessments will be scheduled at times that vary over the trimester and will be submitted remotely through Brightspace. The assessment elements may include:

• Essay plan; peer review of the essay plan and the final version of the essay -50%
• Mind map; rationale/project proposal; detailed experimental design report - 50%

You will choose your own topics and you can also decide on which format you prefer to conduct your second assignment in (i.e. you may decide to submit a Word document or make a recorded PowerPoint presentation). The activities and tasks are designed to promote active learning as you navigate through this exciting new topic.

Feedback will be provided on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment and post-assessment guided by rubrics. You will also have opportunities to peer review a range of different works from fellow students from various backgrounds.

This micro-credential is also a module on the MSc in Food, Nutrition and Health. 

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.

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.