Food Science focuses on the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of food along the production chain from farm to plate. If you choose to specialise in Food Science, you will develop your scientific knowledge of how to produce high-quality, safe and nutritious foods for the global market.
As a food scientist you will have a role to play in all aspects of the food chain, from production to processing, storage and marketing. This unique degree ensures you have a broad knowledge of food production and processing, thus gaining the scope and opportunity to develop different types of food products.
The Food Science programme at UCD is accredited by the Institute of Food Technologists.
What will I study?
First Year
Focuses on the core sciences of biology and chemistry. There is also an Introduction to Food, Diet & Health module to give a ?avour of later stages of your degree.
Second, Third & Fourth Year
You cover the applied sciences, including:
Food Physics
Food Analysis
Microbiology
Sensory Science
You’re introduced to Human Nutrition before progressing to the major food science modules, which include:
New Product Development
Food Chemistry
Food Processing
The final year focuses on the technology and chemistry of meat, dairy and fermented foods. Food safety and marketing are important aspects of the course. You will also have an opportunity to undertake a research project.
The course involves attending lectures and completing laboratory practicals and sessions to give first-hand experience of operating food processing equipment. There are also many opportunities to work on team-based assignments.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunity
Graduates have excellent employment prospects with national and international companies in:
Production management
- Nutrition
- Food quality and safety
- Sales and marketing
- New product development and research
There are also excellent graduate study opportunities available.
International Study Opportunities
A five-month period of structured PWE takes place in third year. You can also elect to study abroad for one semester, at universities including:
- Cornell University, USA
- University of California, USA
- University of Queensland, Australia
- Michigan State University, USA
- Purdue University, USA.