This short course will provide an understanding of how quality (e.g. colour, shape, aroma, taste, texture, nutrition) and value are evaluated in foods and beverages, and how this is influenced by genetic, environmental and management factors.

At a glance

  • DurationFive days
  • LocationCranfield campus
  • Cost

    £1,400

What you will learn

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Explain primary and secondary metabolism and comment on its importance in relation to food production,
  • Relate biochemical properties of primary food sources to key attributes that are responsible for food quality and value, including environment, management and genetics,
  • Evaluate how the processes of breeding and selection can lead to improved quality,
  • Develop advanced research skills in literature survey, critical appraisal and oral presentation.

Core content

  • Composition of products used in the food and drink industry,
  • Primary metabolites in relation to food quality and diet: oils, carbohydrates and proteins,
  • Secondary metabolites and bioactives in plant-based products: their importance in quality, value and human health,
  • Mineral content of food: toxicity and human nutrition,
  • The role of environment, and crop and soil management, on the quality of plant-based products,
  • The role of breeding and cultivar selection in improving quality traits,
  • Survey and critical appraisal of relevant literature,
  • Oral presentation practice.

Accommodation options and prices

This is a non-residential course. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information regarding our accommodation on campus can be found here.

Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and travel

Cranfield University is situated in Bedfordshire close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The University is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1.

London Luton, Stansted and Heathrow airports are 30, 90 and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world. 

For further location and travel details

Location address

Cranfield University
College Road
Cranfield
Bedford
MK43 0AL

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.