BSc in Food Science with Business - Waterford Institute of Technology

What is Food Science?

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.

What is the BSc in Food Science with Business?

This is a three year full time course is designed to train you in modern food processing methods, food safety management, analytical testing relevant to the food industry. The programme also incorporates a range of business skills to allow you have knowledge of the financial and management environment for the food industry.

What subjects will I study?

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 and 3 you will study specialist modules in food chemistry, processing, microbiology and quality management. You will also study modules in business, marketing and regulation giving you skills and knowledge to work in many sectors of the food industry.

What are the unique features of BSc in Food Science with Business?

You will learn key practical skills in WIT laboratories, which are highly valued by employers in the food industry. You will also learn quality management systems relevant to the food industry in addition to a range of business skills. Our close links with industry ensure that you will be trained in all the current technologies used in the Irish food industry. In year 3 students complete an industrial placement to allow learners to apply and develop their skills in the food industry.

BSc in Food Science with Business industrial placement

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.

Year 1
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	Introduction to Food Science
Good Lab Practice & Core Skills	Primary Food Production

Year 2
Semester 3	Semester 4
Food Analysis	Food Microbiology
Microbiology 1	Food Process Technology
Nutrition	Food Marketing and Regulation
Laboratory Data Analysis & Presentation	Environmental Monitoring
Accounting for Food Scientists	Bioanalytical Methods for the Food Industry
Statistics for Scientists	The Professional Individual

Year 3
Semester 5	Semester 6
Placement	Food Formulation
	Food Safety Management Systems
	Food Business
	Food-borne Pathogens
	Total Quality Management
	Introduction to Research Methods

Leaving Cert: Minimum entry requirements for BSc in Food Science with Business

5 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7

Advanced and Equivalent Entry for BSc in Food Science with Business:

Recommendations for applicants of the BSc in Food Science with Business

Applicants should note that a science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science) at Leaving Certificate is recommended for this programme.