Food Science & Technology

Food scientists and technologists ensure that the food we eat is as nutritious, convenient, safe and delicious as possible. It’s these guys who make sure your breakfast cereal is fortified with the right amounts of vitamins, minerals and iron.

Food processing and manufacturing are currently big business areas in Ireland as our agricultural sector continues to develop, so there are plenty of opportunities for graduates in food science and technology.

Food science or technology courses combine theoretical science subjects with practical work experience, and are well worth considering for school leavers whose interest in food goes further than just wondering what is for dinner.

Education
There are a number of CAO options to choose from in these areas, including honours degrees, ordinary degrees and higher certificate courses, with titles such as Food Science, Food Science & Health, Food Technology, Nutritional Sciences and Food Processing. The required CAO points can range from 150 up to over 400.

Food Science students gain a good grounding in general science subjects including Chemistry, Biochemistry and Microbiology, as well as specialist food science topics such as Food Chemistry, Food Processing, Food Quality and Safety, Food Biotechnology and Food Microbiology.

A food technology course will have similar general science classes, as well as subjects such as Nutrition, Food Engineering and Food Production. A food technology course will give you definitive training in food manufacture and development – how to convert raw produce into a high quality product.

Students also gain a great deal of practical experience during their courses, spending many hours in the laboratory. A work placement in local industry is usually undertaken. Some courses also include business subjects on the curriculum, such as Accountancy and Marketing.

Other similar courses to consider include Agricultural Science, Food Business, International Development & Food Policy, Dietetics and Nutrition.

Options After Qualification
There are many career options for food science and technology graduates, particularly in the agriculture industry. Many graduates are employed in dairy and meat factories, while others work with the Department of Agriculture as produce inspectors, or as researchers with Teagasc. Other possibilities include the industries concerned with brewing, cereals, fruit and vegetables, confectionery and soft drinks, as well as jobs in food marketing and retail.

The appliance of science to food production is a particularly strong area for postgraduate study and research in Ireland, and there are many opportunities in the biotechnology, food science and agricultural science areas.

The Work
Food scientists study the physical, microbiological and chemical makeup of all types of food. They use their knowledge to develop more efficient ways of food harvesting, processing, preserving, packaging and storing.

Food scientists usually specialise in a particular area as their career progresses. Some may concentrate on basic research, while others may work in areas such as production management, food quality, safety and law, new product development, nutrition, marketing, research and processing technology.

Food technology careers have a more practical and applied focus. For example, you could find working yourself on a factory floor, assuring the day-to-day safety of the food produced. Other jobs that food technologists choose include product development and management; this could mean developing a recipe for mass-production as a microwave dinner.

Technical sales are another option – this involves liasing with clients, selling them your particular ingredient or product and explaining ‘the science bit’.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment
To succeed in food science or technology careers, you need a certain amount of science and mathematics ability, along with an interest in food. Sharp attention to detail, good teamwork and communication skills are also important.

Food scientists and technologists usually work in a laboratory or factory setting. There can also be travel involved, visiting farms, retail outlets and monitoring production in processing plants. Working hours are generally nine to five, although some shift work can be involved.

The Money
Graduate entrants into food science or technology areas start on around €25,000 a year, which rises to approximately €35,000 with a few years of experience. Higher earners in the profession can make €50,000 or more a year.

The Jargon
Food Engineering: A wide field that can include the design of processing machinery, as well as biotechnological processes and quality control in food production
Quality Assurance: Ensuring that the food produced meets all the required health, safety, hygiene and taste standards
Pasteurisation: The process of heating food to kill harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, moulds and yeasts

Job Titles
Food Scientist
Food Technician
Food Processing Technician
Quality Control/Assurance Technician
Food Technologist

Further Resources
Bord Bia
Clanwilliam Court
Lower Mount Street
Dublin 2
Phone: 01 668 5155
Web: www.bordbia.ie
Email: info@bordbia.ie

Food Safety Authority of Ireland
Abbey Court
Lower Abbey Street
Dublin 1
Phone: 01 817 1300
Web: www.fsai.ie
Email: info@fsai.ie

Teagasc
Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority
Oak Park
Carlow
Phone: 059 917 0200
Web: www.teagasc.ie

Safefood
7 Eastgate Avenue
Eastgate
Little Island
Co. Cork
Phone: 021 230 4100
Web: www.safefoodonline.com