Food Science
BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllFood Science develops your scientific knowledge of how to produce high-quality, safe and nutritious foods for the global market. As a food scientist, you’ll have a role to play in all aspects of the food chain, from production at farm level to the retailer and to the consumer.
First Year
Focuses on the core sciences of biology, chemistry and mathematics. There is also an Introduction to Food, Diet & Health module to give a flavour 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 subjects including the technology and chemistry of meat, dairy, fermented foods, food ingredients and food safety. 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.
The UCD Food Science Programme is internationally accredited by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). This award is granted to educational institutions that have food science programmes which offer curricula and options that the IFT Higher Education Review Board has determined meet the IFT Undergraduate Education Standards for Degrees in Food Science.
Assessment involves end-of-term written exams and a variety of continuous assessments designed to develop skills for success, including report writing, oral, poster and video presentations, and food formulation exercises.
For detailed information on subject content click here.
You may be interested in the following Blog posts: Why I chose to study Food Science in UCD, So what exactly is Food Science?
Five months PWE in the food industry in third year is an integral part of the degree. Students are also encouraged to take a trimester abroad and participate on the Agriculture Study Abroad Programme.
Possibilities include:
- Michigan State University, USA
- Purdue University, USA
- Kansas State University, USA
- University of California, Davis, USA
- University of Queensland, Australia
- Cornell University, USA
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.
“Deciding to study Food Science at UCD was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I transferred into this course from another university after realising I wanted to pursue a career in the Irish food industry. The Food Science course in UCD teaches you to look at food from a range of different scientific perspectives, with modules covering chemistry, physics, microbiology and nutrition. You will also gain a more practical insight into the food industry with modules such as Food Processing Technology and Product Development. I would encourage anyone with a keen interest in where their food comes from, what it’s made of and how it ends up on their plate to consider this course.”
Anna Kerr, Student
Dr Niamh Harbourne
e. niamh.harbourne@ucd.ie
UCD Agriculture & Food Science Programme Office
Agriculture & Food Science Centre
Belfield, Dublin 4
