WSC401 Wine Science (8)

This subject provides an introduction to the principal chemical analyses that influence wine production, including interactions with microbiology, and the effects of these processes on wine production. Emphasis is also given to safety and competency in wine chemical analysis and calculations required in wine quality control.
Distance Education students are required to attend a compulsory residential school as a requirement for this subject.

Subject Outlines
Current CSU students can view Subject Outlines for recent sessions. Please note that Subject Outlines and assessment tasks are updated each session.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 2 (60)
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: WSC401. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

Chemistry knowledge equivalent to CHM108 Chemical Fundamentals.

Incompatible Subjects

WSC101

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to accurately explain the scientific principles involved with winemaking
  • be able to analyse winemaking problems and identify actions that will improve them
  • be able to safely perform and report on quality control analysis procedures and apply the results
  • be able to understand the fundamentals of wine microbiology and winery sanitation

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • The science of winemaking;
  • Fermentation and microorganisms;
  • Control of microorganisms in winemaking;
  • Chemistry in winemaking;
  • Winemaking control aspects;
  • Units of measurement, winemaking calculations and significant figures;
  • Wine acids and acidity;
  • Sulfur dioxide;
  • Substances that complement the activity if sulfur dioxide;
  • Phenolic compounds;
  • Oxidation;
  • Cork and cork taint.

Residential School

This subject contains a 4 day Compulsory Residential School.

There is a 4 day residential school that will cover the practical components of the subject.

The residential school involves:

Skill Development - Develops the students' skills in specific wine analysis procedures, as well as reinforcing the theory behind the analyses. Students identify these skills to be of high value due to its direct relevance to wine production and/or assessment of grape quality.

Safety - Training in safety requirements for each analysis procedure whilst under supervision. These skills are required for other wine science subjects (i.e. Wine Production 1, Wine Production 2).

Assessment - Completion of the laboratory workbook (10% of total marks) and laboratory test (35% of total marks) assesses their practical knowledge of the analyses, the underlying theory, and the calculations associated with the analyses.

Special Resources

Students are required to attend the compulsory residential school which will involve travel expenses and a time commitment. 
Students will also be required to purchase a lab coat and safety goggles which are compulsory for lab based practicals.

Contact

Current Students

For any enquiries about subject selection or course structure please contact Student Central or ask@csu.edu.au or phone on 1800 275 278.

Prospective Students

For further information about Charles Sturt University, or this course offering, please contact info.csu on 1800 275 278 (free call within Australia) or enquire online.

The information contained in the 2018 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: August 2018. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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