Food Safety & Biotechnology - Research

Overview

Research Strategies

This programme focuses on applied aspects of advanced and emerging analytical technologies to address current issues in food safety, nutrition and food supply. It covers the entire food chain from farm to fork and places a strong emphasis on the link between improved food safety and nutrition and improved public health.



Research Strengths

• Advanced and emerging technological and analytical platforms (biosensors, isotopic and omics)

• Animal food and feed safety

• Animal health and disease diagnostics

• Antimicrobial resistance in the food chain

• Global food security

• Food and nutrition metabolomics

• Food and nutrition quality measurements

• Food chemistry

• Food safety detection methodology

• Food traceability and authenticity

• Immunodiagnostics for food contaminant and toxin detection

• Natural compounds and their health applications

• Novel and functional foods

• Therapeutic biomolecules



Course structure

Research degrees vary in length and follow an annual cycle of progress with formal panel-based appraisals of the progress, the outcome of which is typically practical and academic advice about how to overcome problems encountered and how to move to the next stage. During each year, students are expected to supplement their studies with some tailored courses, ranging from highly specific (e.g. learning to use a piece of apparatus or technique) to generic (e.g. developing oral presentation or leadership skills). Every stage is supported by the supervisory team, augmented by an independent panel of progress monitors as well as the full support of the Graduate School.

Graduate

The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually.


This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year.


The final assessment of the research degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.


Feedback

Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree

Entry Year: 2024/25

Career Prospects

Introduction

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Research Strengths

Advanced and emerging technological and analytical platforms (biosensors, isotopic and omics)

Animal food and feed safety

Animal health and disease diagnostics

Global food security

Food and nutrition metabolomics

Food and nutrition quality measurements

Food chemistry

Food safety detection methodology

Food traceability and authenticity

Immunodiagnostics for food contaminant and toxin detection

Natural compounds and their health applications

Novel and functional foods

Therapeutic biomolecules