Charles Sturt University (CSU) is a dynamic and
progressive University whose innovative approach to education has
earned it an international reputation for excellence. By working
together as education partners with industry, CSU offers students the
best advantage: a great start to their career. The knowledge and
industry experience students gain at CSU are keenly sought by
employers – a fact reflected in our high graduate employment rate. A
recent survey found 87% of CSU graduates were in full-time employment
at the end of their studies.
FOOD SCIENCE COURSES
At CSU, we have three undergraduate courses:
Bachelor of Applied Science (Food
Science)/Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition).
4 years, Internal only
Bachelor of Applied Science (Food Science).
Distance Education and Internal
Associate Degree in Applied Science (Food Processing). Distance
education only.
These
courses are based on interdisciplinary programs, which provide
students with integrated knowledge and skills to work in food
manufacturing organisations, government food administration bodies and
food research laboratories. Our programs are also supported by an
on-site commercial
Cheese Factory and modern food pilot plant
for hands-on practical instructions on unit operations, food hygiene
and sanitation, food control and legislation, as well as food quality
assessment, marketing and distribution.
The Bachelor of Applied Science (Food Science) degree is a
three-year (full time) program available through both internal and
Distance Education mode (six years, part time) while the Associate
Degree in Applied Science is only available by Distance Education
mode (four years).
The double degree Bachelor of Applied Science (Food
Science)/Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition) is currently only
available by internal (full time) mode and can be completed in 4
years. The double degree improves job opportunities for graduates in the rapidly changing world of
food processing in which health and nutrition issues are becoming
increasingly dominant. All programs are also supported by a modern sensory evaluation unit complete with panel training and
food preparation facilities.
Training for overseas students
A significant number of overseas students, especially from South East
Asia, are also currently enrolled in our degree programs. We have
several articulation agreements and twinning packages with Colleges
and University-Colleges whereby students start their studies in their
home countries and finish their Bachelors degree at the Wagga Wagga
campus as students of CSU. The food science program at CSU has also
provided research and industry training to students from overseas
institutions including those from France, Switzerland, Germany and the
USA. Other Training Programs
A new Graduate Certificate program commenced in 2004 to cater for
non-food science graduates working or intending to work in the food
industry. Students take a total of four subjects (within a year), two
of which would be prerequisites to the other two. This program is
offered by the distance education mode.
WINE SCIENCE & VITICULTURE COURSES
A growing industry
CSU has contributed to the wine industry since 1975 by developing
courses which offer a unique blend of science and practical training.
With access to a
Commercial Winery and vineyard on
campus, and teaching staff who are experienced professionals in the
field, our students graduate with the knowledge and hands-on
experience that gives them the edge in the wine industry.
CSU’s presence in the wine industry is significant, with over 900
graduates now occupying positions in the Australian and international
wine industry. Graduates find employment as winemakers in corporate
businesses while others operate highly successful small to medium
businesses – a diversity of opportunity that reflects the
comprehensive foundation of knowledge and skills provided at CSU.
Courses available at CSU
The School of Wine and Food Sciences at Charles Sturt
University offers the following undergraduate and postgraduate
programs in wine science and viticulture on a full-time and Distance
Education basis, allowing students to choose the study mode to suit
their situation:
The Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine Science)
course develops knowledge and skills in winemaking by identifying
its underlying science base. Students also engage in studies which
may lead to employment worldwide as winemakers in the fields of
applied wine sciences, wine appraisal and viticulture, quality
control; and in research and development in the wine, brewing and
food processing industries.
The Bachelor of Applied Science (Viticulture)
degree explores both the theory and practice of all aspects of
viticulture, including vine physiology, plant protection and soil
and water management. Flexibility is built into the course, with
students able to pursue individual interests through the choice of
electives such as marketing, management communication, wine
production and evaluation.
The Bachelor or Applied Science (Wine
Science)/Bachelor of Applied Science (Viticulture) double degree
has been developed in response to the wine industry’s rapid
expansion worldwide. The program combines subjects from the wine
science degree and the viticulture degree over four years of
full-time study.
The Bachelor of Wine Business
degree has been developed to prepare graduates for the rapidly
expanding wine industry. The course includes components from
viticulture, wine science and a variety of business components
including accounting, management and marketing.
The Associate Degree in Applied Science
(Winegrowing) program provides a general introduction to the
viticulture and wine industries. The course is designed to educate
vineyard managers and those establishing small vineyards and
wineries. Offered only by Distance Education, this course allows
students to gain professional training whilst maintaining employment
in the industry.
Resources
To ensure students graduate with experience using equipment and
techniques found in commercial Australian wineries, facilities in the
School of Wine and Food Sciences include modern laboratories with
state-of-the-art equipment, an experimental winery and a
teaching vineyard. The University also has 12 hectares of
vineyard and an award winning, fully operational modern Commercial
Winery which processes about 300 tonnes of fruit per annum.
STUDYING BY DISTANCE EDUCATION
At CSU we recognise the importance of flexibility with workplace
study. Distance Education (DE) allows students who are partially
qualified or working in isolated environments, to complete the course
from their home or workplace with the requirement to attend compulsory
Residential Schools in each subject. These Residential Schools take
place on campus at various times throughout the calendar year.
DE students in the Wine Science and Viticulture courses must have
access to a fully developed vineyard and winery in order to complete
the practical requirements of the course, and are also required to
attend Residential Schools at the University that provide intensive
teaching on the practical aspects of the course.
Further study in Food Science, Wine Science and Viticulture
An Honours year is available after the successful completion of
the Bachelor degree. The course allows the development of an advanced
level of knowledge in the area of specialisation. It also develops
verbal and written skills relevant to research and further studies.
Students who wish to pursue a research career can undertake
postgraduate studies by enrolling in a Doctor of Philosophy
degree.
