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Food science is the multidisciplinary study of food ingredients and food products. Food scientists have a role in all aspects of the food chain from production at farm level to consumption. They use their scientific knowledge to ensure that the production, processing, preservation, evaluation, and distribution of food are efficient and safe.
This is a four year, full time honours degree which can be chosen within the WD002 - Bachelor of Science (Hons) Common Entry Route. The modules in this course bring together science, business, enterprise and the culinary arts responding to the needs of the food industry. The degree will train you in food manufacture, analysis and safety in addition to business, marketing and innovation, giving you key skills for your future career. The programme includes real industrial type tasks such as market research, business plan development, product innovation and manufacture, and show casing of new products.
At the outset there is a strong emphasis on the sciences such as biology, chemistry and physics to provide you with a good basis for the following years. In years 2, 3, 4 you will study specialist modules in food chemistry, processing, microbiology and quality management, business, marketing and innovation. In year 4 you will study cross-disciplinary modules bringing together science, business, innovation and culinary arts. Fourth year students will undertake a product innovation project to develop a food product idea from inception through its technical formulation, marketing and package development.
You will learn a lot of practical skills in WIT laboratories and in year 4 you will learn practical culinary skills in the WIT training kitchens. The multidisciplinary approach to the programme ensures you will gain the competencies for all aspects of the food industry. We have close links with industry and the Teagasc Food Research Centres, as well as a research active staff, which ensure you will be exposed to the innovative food research and technologies currently employed within the Irish food industry.
A twelve week industrial placement in the food industry occurs in the third year of the course. This is supported by our food industry partners and is seen as critical to the overall learning experience and development of the students. The industrial placement will be organised by WIT staff and monitored by both the employer and WIT staff, with the student keeping a reflective work log. Work placement can be organised for Ireland or abroad.
The Industrial Placement will allow learners to apply and develop their skills in the food industry. The placement is designed to meet the needs of industry whilst providing the student with a broader skills-base. It is envisaged that the practical element of employment will complement the course content and help develop skills that are essential in today’s work environment.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Introductory Biology | Cell Biology and Biochemistry |
| Introductory Chemistry | Physical and Organic Chemistry |
| Introductory Physics | Physics for Scientists |
| Introductory Mathematics | Mathematics for Scientists |
| Introduction to ICT for Scientists | Choose two of the following electives: |
| Good Lab Practice & Core Skills | *Introduction to Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Science |
| *Introduction to Food Science | |
| *Introduction to Modern Physics | |
| *Plant Biology | |
| *Science and Society |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Food Analysis | Food Microbiology |
| Microbiology 1 | Food Process Technology |
| Nutrition | Food Marketing & Regulation |
| Laboratory Data Analysis & Presentation | Environmental Monitoring |
| Accounting for Food Scientists | Bioanalytical Methods for the Food Industry |
| Statistics for Scientists | The Professional Individual |
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| Placement | Total Quality Management |
| Food Safety Management Systems | |
| Food Business | |
| Introduction to Research Methods | |
| Food Formulation | |
| Food-borne Pathogens |
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| Food Process Technology 2 | Food Shelf Life Control |
| Business Managements for Food Scientists | Advanced Quality Methodologies |
| Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship | Environment Energy Development |
| Food Traceability and Genomics | Food Product Development |
2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7
The entry route for this programme is from WD002 - Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Common Entry). Applicants who select degree option WD002 FOO (Food Science and Innovation) are guaranteed a place in that programme, subject to meeting the entry requirements and points. Applicants who are undecided about their degree option should choose WD002 GEN.
At the end of year 1, students must confirm their degree option and may change their selection up to that date.
There are many career opportunities, for instance you could become a
• Product innovation scientist
• Production manager
• Quality Assurance manager
• Food business entrepreneur
• Sales and marketing representative
After completion of the programme you will be eligible to apply for postgraduate programmes at both Masters and PhD level.
Main Campus Cork Road, Waterford City, 
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