Food Science Program

The BSc in Food Science is a four-year program designed to provide students with a unique blend of scientific and technical skills to develop an exciting and rewarding career in food in a variety of areas, ranging from research and development to food processing and production.

Course Outline

The program covers a diverse scope of subjects, including the structure, behavior, and interactions of key food components, alongside the microbiology and processing of food. Students will learn about the science of food, considering how to develop new, innovative food products to meet the complex demands of the modern consumer.

Year 1 Modules

• BC1001 Introduction to Biochemistry and the Biological Basis of Disease (5 credits)
• BL1004 Physiology and Structure of Plants and Animals (5 credits)
• CM1005 Introductory Chemistry for Food and Nutritional Sciences (15 credits)
• FS1005 Food Technology, Culture, and Ethics (5 credits)
• FS1006 Success Skills for Food Scientists (5 credits)
• MA1001 Calculus for Science Part 1 (5 credits)
• MA1002 Calculus for Science Part 2 (5 credits)
• MB1003 Microbiology in Society (5 credits)
• PY1008 Physics for Biomedical, Environmental, Food & Nutritional Sciences (10 credits)

Course Practicalities

• Year 1: approximately 300 hours of lectures, 100 hours of practicals, and 58 hours of tutorials.
• Year 2: approximately 264 hours of lectures, 138 hours of practicals, and 16 hours of tutorials.
• Year 3: approximately 234 hours of lectures, 126 hours of practicals and factory visits, plus a 24-week work placement.
• Year 4: approximately 240 hours of lectures, 60 hours of practicals and a team project over Semesters 1 and 2.

Why Choose This Course

The practical nature of the course and its applicability to many areas ensure that students do not limit their career prospects. The program is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), providing students with a unique blend of scientific and technical skills designed to meet the needs of careers in the food industry.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

A six-month work placement in the third year allows students to make a significant contribution to a relevant project under the supervision of mentors from UCC and a food-related industry. This experience is a key part of the course and gives students the opportunity to gain industry experience and acquire key transferable skills.

Skills and Careers Information

Graduates from this course have excellent employment prospects and are highly sought after by national and international food companies. The program places strong emphasis on employability, and many companies that host students as part of the work placement program recruit those students when they graduate.

Graduate Study Options

Many options are available for further study in food science, including:

• MSc Food Microbiology
• MSc Food Science
• MSc Food Business & Innovation
• MSc Management & Marketing
• PhD in Food Science and Technology, or related subjects.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are equipped to work in a wide range of positions, such as food production and management, quality assurance, food research, and food product and process innovation and development. Job titles of recent graduates include customer service technologist, product development scientist, product innovation manager, quality control analyst, quality manager, regulatory technologist, research manager, stability and validation analyst, technical analyst, and technical and development scientist.

Requirements

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements

At least six subjects must be presented, with minimum grades of H4 in one subject, H5 in one subject, and O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programs unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.

EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications

EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.

Mature Students

To compete through the mature entry route, applicants must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the application year and apply online via the CAO by 1 February.

QQI FET Entry

Applicants who meet the required level of distinctions in required subjects can apply for entry to this course using specific QQI FET qualifications.

Non-EU Applicants

Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language, they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

Fees and Costs

Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.

How To Apply

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) applicants apply via the CAO. Mature applicants apply via the CAO by 1 February. QQI/FET applicants apply via the CAO. Non-EU applicants apply online via the UCC Apply portal.

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Degree Overview:

The BSc in Food Science is a four-year, full-time program designed for students interested in developing innovative food products to meet the demands of modern consumers. The program focuses on healthy eating, athletic performance, and disease prevention. It provides a unique blend of scientific and technical skills, preparing students for careers in the food industry, including research and development, food processing, and production. The program emphasizes the importance of food science in the global economy, highlighting the role of food scientists in ensuring the quality, safety, and nutritional value of food. It explores the dynamic world of science, technology, and food, focusing on the structure, behavior, and interactions of key food components, alongside microbiology and food processing. The program addresses emerging challenges in food science, including:

• The nutritional needs and food preferences of health-conscious consumers, elite athletes, and aging populations.
• The sustainability and environmental impact of food production.
• The development of innovative technologies with potential applications in foods.
• CM1005 Introductory Chemistry for Food and Nutritional Sciences (15 credits): This module covers the basic principles of chemistry, focusing on their application to food science and nutrition.
• FS1005 Food Technology, Culture, and Ethics (5 credits): This module examines the historical, cultural, and ethical aspects of food production and consumption.
• FS1006 Success Skills for Food Scientists (5 credits): This module equips students with essential skills for success in the food industry, including communication, teamwork, and time management.
• MA1002 Calculus for Science Part 2 (5 credits): This module builds upon the concepts introduced in MA1001, providing a deeper understanding of calculus and its applications in science.
• MB1003 Microbiology in Society (5 credits): This module explores the role of microorganisms in various aspects of society, including food production, health, and the environment.
• PY1008 Physics for Biomedical, Environmental, Food & Nutritional Sciences (10 credits): This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of physics and their application to biomedical, environmental, food, and nutritional sciences.

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Year 2:

• Focus on applying biological and chemical sciences to foods in areas such as food analysis, food chemistry, food quality and legislation, and food microbiology.

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Year 3:

• Focus on the components, properties, and nutritional aspects of food systems.

• Coverage of modern processing technologies and strategies used to produce high-quality foods, including sensory science, food safety, and food packaging.

• Six-month work placement in the food industry.

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Year 4:

• Project work involving teamwork to develop innovative food products.

• Development of skills in critical thinking and independent research.

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Teaching:

• Blend of practical and lecture-based learning.

• Instruction by internationally-recognized academic staff.

• Guest speakers from industry.

• State-of-the-art food processing facilities, including pilot-scale brewing, dairy processing and manufacturing, meat processing, bakery technology, and packaging equipment.

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Careers:

• Excellent employment prospects.

• Highly sought after by national and international food companies.

• Graduates work in a wide range of positions, including food production and management, quality assurance, food research, and food product and process innovation and development.

• Job titles of recent graduates include customer service technologist, product development scientist, product innovation manager, quality control analyst, quality manager, regulatory technologist, research manager, stability and validation analyst, technical analyst, and technical and development scientist.

• Graduates have a strong track record of acquiring senior positions in national and international food companies.

• 70% of Food Science graduates went straight to employment (2020 study by UCC Career Services).

• Recent employers include Abbott Ireland, Kerry Group, Glanbia, Dairygold, Irish Distillers, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Carbery Group, Danone, Diageo Baileys, and O’Brien Fine Foods.

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Other:

• The course is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST).

• The program places a strong emphasis on enhancing employability.

• The work placement module is highly regarded and provides students with valuable industry experience.

• The program offers opportunities for graduate study in food science, including MSc Food Microbiology, MSc Food Science, MSc Food Business & Innovation, MSc Management & Marketing, and PhD in Food Science and Technology.

University College Cork

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Overview:

University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

Student Support:

UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.

Library:

The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

Campus Life:

UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.

Accommodation:

UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.

International Office:

The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.

Adult Continuing Education:

UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.

Continuing Professional Development:

UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.

Micro-credentials:

UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.

Scholarships and Prizes:

UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.

Transition-In Programme:

UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.

Graduate Attributes:

UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Education:

UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.

Strong Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

Beautiful Location:

UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

International Reputation:

UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.

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Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Business and Law
• Engineering and Science
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Education
• Music

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Other:

• UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
• UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
• UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
• UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.