2026/27 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

FOOD3012 Computational Modelling of Food Processing

10 Credits Class Size: 50

Module manager: Aleks Ponjavic
Email: A.Ponjavic@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

Pre-requisite qualifications

Completion of year 2 of a BSc programme

Mutually Exclusive

FOOD5001M Digital Tools for Food Solutions

Module replaces

FOOD3011

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module introduces a modelling tool used to simulate and simulate and analyse food processing techniques. You will learn how to use software like Comsol Multiphysics and Computer Aided Design to explore how heat and fluids move through food. These skills are valuable for designing safer, more efficient food products and processes

Objectives

You will learn how digital simulations can help solve real-world food production challenges. Through hands-on lab sessions, you will explore how to use Comsol Multiphysics to design and test food processing systems.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module you will:
SSLO1: Research and specify a problem in physical heat transfer that can be solved using COMSOL. Plan and present how this will be implemented in practice, while answering questions related to the proposed solution.
SSLO2: Demonstrate awareness of how mathematical and computational models are used to address real problems in food processing.
SSLO3: Describe a physical heat transfer problem in food production, sharing the associated mathematical model you used and presenting your results.

Skills outcomes

On successful completion of the module you will:
SKLO1: Apply enhanced numeracy and mathematical modelling skills and become familiar with advanced modelling software Comsol Multiphysics including computer aided design elements.
SKLO2: Organisation and Communication skills

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 10 1 10
Practical 11 2 22
Private study hours 68
Total Contact hours 32
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 100

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Computer sessions give weekly formative feedback in class relating to student project and model. Each student will receive one-to-one discussion of their project idea and modelling approach. Assessment of the oral presentation of the Technical Outline will provide direct feedback on student progress.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Coursework 20
Coursework Coursework 80
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2026

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team