Applied Food Science
UndergraduateLTU-DTN3052027
Previously LTU-DTN402
Course information for 2027 intake View information for 2026 course intake
Dig into a satisfying food career where you control the quality, nutritional value, labelling and safety of food. Food scientists research, develop and analyse ways to prepare, process and preserve raw ingredients from paddock to plate.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 21 Feb 2027
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Price from
- $1,235
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Applied Food Science
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Integrate food science, nutrition, food safety, regulatory and sustainability principles to evaluate and justify food product development decisions.
- Design, develop and evaluate an innovative food product that meets consumer needs, regulatory requirements and industry expectations.
- Communicate and justify product development decisions using scientific evidence and professional communication appropriate for industry audiences.
- Critically reflect on professional practice, teamwork and project decision-making to inform future professional development.
- Food Preservation, History, Techniques
- Cereals, Grains and Baked Products, Sweeteners
- Biotechnologies in Food
- Fruits and Vegetables, Legumes and Nuts
- Meat and Meat Products, Eggs
- Seafood, Dairy and Dairy Product
- Chocolate and Confectionery
- Beverages
- Nutritional Analysis of Recipes
- Understanding Food Labelling
- Marketing Food Products
This capstone subject challenges students to integrate nutrition and food science knowledge in the development of a commercial food product. Through a series of activities, students will critically examine the processes involved in producing foods for human consumption with a focus on food safety, sustainability, and various changes (biological, chemical, physical, and/or nutritional) that occur at key points of the food supply chain. Students will work in groups to design or reformulate a food product that meets consumer needs and industry trends, incorporates sustainable practices, and complies with the Food Standards Code. To demonstrate professional readiness, students will justify their decisions using scientific evidence and critically reflect on their teamwork. This subject includes professional learning, practical experiences or portfolio activities which contribute to the completion of the Career Ready AdvantageTM award.
- Kitchen/Lab Portfolio (1050 words equivalent) (25%)
- Product Final Report (1600 words equivalent) (40%)
- One 5 minute group presentation (15%)
- 6 minutes supervised oral defence (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- LAT-HUN-DEG-2027 - Bachelor of Food and Nutrition
Prior study
You must either have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject, or currently be enrolled in the following subject(s) in a prior study period; or enrol in the following subject(s) to study prior to this subject:
one of
LTU-DTN102 (Not currently available)
LTU-CHM102 (Not currently available)
- LTU-DTN1CFC-Chemistry of Food and Cooking
Please note that your enrolment in this subject is conditional on successful completion of these prerequisite subject(s). If you study the prerequisite subject(s) in the study period immediately prior to studying this subject, your result for the prerequisite subject(s) will not be finalised prior to the close of enrolment. In this situation, should you not complete your prerequisite subject(s) successfully you should not continue with your enrolment in this subject. If you are currently enrolled in the prerequisite subject(s) and believe you may not complete these all successfully, it is your responsibility to reschedule your study of this subject to give you time to re-attempt the prerequisite subject(s).
Others
Prerequisites: Students must be admitted in the following course: HBFN
Past La Trobe University students who have previously completed DTN3FSF (Food Science and Food Skills) are ineligible to enrol in this subject.
Additional requirements
- Software requirements - Students are required to use the FoodWorks online for this subject.
- Other requirements - In this subject you will be required to complete cooking and food science practicals/ assessment tasks in your own kitchen or one you arrange to access. You will need to purchase ingredients and have access to standard kitchen equipment. Cooking or handling foods from across all food groups (including red meat, eggs and milk) is part of the required coursework. Sensory analysis requiring the tasting of food, is at your discretion to accommodate special dietary requirements. Students should direct any questions to the Course Coordinators prior to enrolment.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Student feedback
9 student respondents between 2 June - 15 Dec 2025.
55%of students felt the study load was manageable
77%of students felt this subject helped them gain relevant skills
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Food and Nutrition
UndergraduateLAT-HUN-DEG