Program Overview

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MSc in the Field of Food Safety and Toxicology

Overview

The MSc in the field of Food Safety and Toxicology programme aims to provide a comprehensive training on a multi-disciplinary field involving general toxicology, food toxicology, regulatory toxicology, and food safety management. The distinctive feature of this toxicology programme is its focus on food safety perspectives.

Target Students

Students are expected to have basic knowledge in physiology, biochemistry, chemistry, or molecular biology for understanding the topics covered in the programme. The programme is intended for those with relevant experience in the food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and public health sectors, including but not limited to:

• Supervisory positions in the above industries or consultancy
• Environmental, food, and health officers, technical officers in local
  ational regulatory authorities
• Officers in diagnostic or analytical laboratories
• Graduates who completed relevant undergraduate degrees, looking for career opportunities in the above industries/government agencies

Application

To be eligible for admission to the programme, you should have a Bachelor's degree in science. Preference will be given to those who possess a Bachelor’s degree in physiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, food science, chemistry, biological sciences, clinical laboratory science, environmental sciences, pharmacology, or other related disciplines.

Fees

The composition fee for the programme for the intake is HK$200,000*. Payment can be paid in two instalments. In addition, students are required to pay Caution Money (HK$350, refundable on graduation subject to no claims being made) and Graduation Fee (HK$350).

Programme Structure

The programme structure consists of the following courses:

• FSTX7001: Principles of toxicology I (9 credits)
• FSTX7002: Principles of toxicology II (9 credits)
• FSTX7003: Toxicity tests and hazards evaluation methods (9 credits)
• FSTX7004: Regulatory toxicology: risk assessment, risk management, and communication (12 credits)
• FSTX8005: Chemical and microbial hazards in food (9 credits)
• FSTX8006: Food safety management (9 credits)
• FSTX8007: Project (12 credits)

Course Contents

FSTX7001: Principles of toxicology I (9 credits)

This module introduces students to the general principles and practice of toxicology. The major focus of the course is on basic principles, mechanisms, and common methods underpinning the science of toxicology.

FSTX7002: Principles of toxicology II (9 credits)

This module continues to introduce students to the general principles and practice of toxicology. The course continues to focus on basic principles, mechanisms, and common methods underpinning the science of toxicology.

FSTX7003: Toxicity tests and hazards evaluation methods (9 credits)

This module will provide students with the current state-of-the-art methodology employed to investigate the effect of chemical and microbial toxins and environmental pollutants on living systems.

FSTX7004: Regulatory toxicology: risk assessment, risk management, and communication (12 credits)

In order to fully appreciate risks that arise from human exposure to chemicals in our living environment, it is essential to quantify levels of chemical contamination in environmental media and foods, and estimate total chemical exposure from dietary and non-dietary sources.

FSTX8005: Chemical and microbial hazards in food (9 credits)

This module will introduce students to the chemical and microbial hazards in food and their effects on human health.

FSTX8006: Food safety management (9 credits)

Good manufacturing practice has a significant impact on the daily operation of a food processing facility. Quality products and a safe work place are important components of a good company.

FSTX8007: Project (12 credits)

All students are required to undertake training (up to a maximum of 6 months) in one of the following areas:

• Academic institutions, to carry out basic research projects using the most advanced techniques in molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and biomedical sciences.
• Food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, to overlook industry procedures on ensuring that the emerging
  ewly developed food and chemical products meet regulatory standards and requirements and are safe for consumers.
• Government agencies, to gain knowledge on the procedures implemented by the local
  ational authorities in formulating science-based policies, laws, and regulations to ensure the safe production and use of food and chemicals.

Staff

Programme Director

Professor Hani S El-Nezami Principal Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences BSc (Alexandria University, Egypt), MAppSc, PhD (RMIT-University, Australia)

Graduate/Student Sharing

• Jennifer Sok Han Kuan, Class of 2025
• Jackie Jiabin WANG, Class of 2022
• Sijue WANG, Class of 2022

Assessment

Written work forms an important part of the programme. All written and verbal communication is in English. Most courses in the programme are assessed by examination and by coursework. The project report will be assessed by examiners, and participation in the seminars at which students present their work is one of the requirements for the completion of this component of the degree curriculum. All courses in this programme are compulsory. A candidate shall be examined shortly after the completion of each course.