Project Community Catering
A visit to the cafeteria is an essential part of student life. It serves not only as a place to eat, but also as a meeting place and a welcome break from the stress of university life. As part of the project seminar, students carry out their own research project on communal catering. The seminar is aimed at Masters students in Nutritional Sciences as well as students studying to become teachers in vocational colleges. Together they will discuss issues related to sustainable catering in such institutions, the challenges of optimal menu planning and the nutritional needs of specific population groups. The seminar will be led by Prof Dr Alexandra Brutzer and Prof Dr Sarah Eger.
Registration and time table
Date: 17th of April to 17th of July 2025
Enrolment takes place during the relevant enrolment period via BASIS.
Schedule/Program
Kick-off event, introduction to communal catering.
Excursion 1: Mensa CAMPO
DGE presentation on community catering & quality assurance (DGE - Prof. Dr Margit Bölts), project management & work sequence for the study projects - Part 1
Excursion 2: Diätküche UKB
Nutritional physiology input
Work sequence for the individual study projects - Part 2
Work sequence for the individual study projects - Part 3
Sustainable catering (Consumer advice centre NRW)
Closing event, presentation of the results of the study projects
Outlook & conclusion
Frequently asked questions:
In small groups (from 3 to 5 students), independent projects are carried out on topics related to institutional catering. Sustainability in institutional catering, certification and standards, and catering concepts can be analysed and discussed. Two field trips to institutional catering facilities provide an exclusive insight into the processes and organisational structures. Within the framework of the research projects, students should also critically discuss and reflect on the main topics with their cooperation partners.
The planning and implementation of their own research projects includes the development of a specific research question, the selection of an appropriate conceptual framework and research design, as well as the subsequent steps of data collection, analysis and project presentation.
