Dept Food Science & Health Brochure

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Department of

Life Sciences

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LM068 B.Sc. Food Science and Health Introduction

Careeer opportunities for Graduates

A Degree in Food Science and Health from the University of Limerick will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a challenging and rewarding career within the Irish and International food and allied health industries. The degree focuses on the growing consumer awareness of the link between diet, human health and disease prevention. This unique course provides the detailed scientific knowledge and practical experience that is required to underpin the food and health industries. Studying at the University of Limerick provides students with a broad based educational experience and develops a range of life skills required in the modern world.

Why should I choose a degree in Food Science and Health?

If you enjoy science and are interested in applying it to everyday life, then Food Science and Health could be the ideal course for you! This Degree will prepare you for a career in one of Ireland’s largest industries. Over forty five thousand people are employed in the Irish food industry which generates an annual gross output in the region of €15.5 billion. The food industry is constantly evolving to meet consumer needs and market trends. This sector has been identified by Government as having the potential for further growth and development.

The growing awareness of the link between diet and health has increased the requirement for highly qualified scientists who understand and can subsequently exploit this opportunity for the benefit of the consumer. By carefully choosing the foods that we consume, we can significantly improve our general health and well-being.

We know, for instance, that there are strong associations between the development of disease states such high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, etc., and the type of foods we consume. You will therefore find the study of Food Science and Health extremely practical, rewarding and challenging.

You will study the role of science and technology in the production of foods that meet international standards in relation to quality, safety and health properties.

What makes the Food Science and Health Degree Unique?

Probably the blending of “traditional” core food science modules such as food microbiology, food chemistry and food processing with health and lifestyle-oriented modules such as human nutrition, human physiology, exercise and health.

The importance of Biotechnology and the emerging trends and technologies in Food and Health are also recognised by provision in the final year of the course of specialist modules in Food Biotechnology and in Research Trends in Food and Health.

The global food sector has a need for graduates with a broad-based food science degree together with a unique understanding of the scientific principles linking food with general health and disease prevention.

Graduates of the course find employment in the food and allied health industries, research organisations, government agencies and consumer bodies, all of whom are increasingly aware of the link between food and health.

Specific career opportunities include: technical management, product and process development, quality control and assurance, ingredient specialist developing novel nutritious foods and food biotechnologist.

Furthermore, graduates can enter specialised post-graduate programmes in a range of food and health related disciplines.

Can I get involved in Research during the Course?

Yes, the University of Limerick has a strong ongoing Food and Health research programme funded by both national and international agencies. Consequently, fourth year students get the opportunity to carry out “Final Year Projects” in current food and health related research topics. The final year project allows students to learn specialist techniques and requires students to prepare a scientific report on their chosen research theme. The Final Year Project can have a major impact on your future career. For some it has sparked an interest in postgraduate research; for others it has provided valuable expertise for subsequent employment in industry.

Course Contacts: Name: Prof David O’Beirne Tel: +353 (0)61 202845 Email: david.obeirne@ul.ie Name: Prof Dick FitzGerald Tel: +353 (0)61 202598 Email: dick.fitzgerald@ul.ie

LM068 B.Sc. Food Science and Health Will I have the opportunity to gain Work Experience in the Food Industry?

Yes, in third year, all students spend an eight month period of “Cooperative Education� where they gain practical work experience in the food industry.

Most placements are with leading companies and research institutes including Dairygold, Kerry Ingredients, Glanbia, Tipperary Co-Op, Nenagh Co-Op, Teagasc, Green Isle Foods, Irish Dairy Board, Pepsi Cola, Food Safety Authority of Ireland, as well as with companies overseas.

Employers have been impressed with the quality of UL students and subsequently hired many of them after graduation. In other cases, the experience and confidence obtained has been a key factor in subsequently competing for employment.

Programme Outline Year 1 Semester 1

Semester 2

BY4002 CH4012 CH4102 BY4214 PH4022

BY4001 CH4701 MA4601 CS4001 FT4421

Biology 1 General Chemistry 1 Science Maths 1 Computer App for Scientists 1 Intro to Food Science and Health

Biology 2 General Chemistry 2 Organic Chemistry 1 Principles of Human Nutrition Introductory Physics

Year 2 Semester 3

Semester 4

BC4903 BC4803 CH4103 CH4303 BY4204

FT4204 FT4214 BC4904 CH4304 MA4602

Year 3

Semester 5

BC4825 CH4305 FT4305 FT4345 FT4355 FT4365

Year 4

Semester 7

FT4407

FT4437

MA4505

FT4447

FT4457

EP4408

ER4507

SS4217

MN4217

Biochemistry 1 Microbial Technology 1 Organic Chemistry 2 Analytical Chemistry 1 Principles of Human Physiology

Summer

Food Chemistry Public Health Nutrition Biochemistry 2 Analytical Chem 2 Science Maths 2

Semester 6

Microbial Technology 2 Cooperative Education Analytical Chemistry 3 Food Engineering Principles Food Processing Operations Advanced Nutrient Metabolism & Health Food, Health and Disease

Semester 8

Project 1 FT4408 Food Ingredients FT4468 Applied Statistics FT4458 Food Quality FT4428 Research Trends in Health & Food FT4438 Specialist Elective 1 Specialist Elective - Choose 1 Business Consulting Waste Management 1 AC4214 Exercise and Health 1 Fundamentals of Project Management

Summer

Summer Cooperative Education

Summer

Project 2 Food Biotechnology Food Production Systems Advanced Food Chemistry Food Microbiology Specialist Elective 2 Specialist Elective - Choose 1 Accounting for Decision Making

What are the Entry Requirements For Food Science and Health? ›› Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment, the Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with at least Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3 in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects (including mathematics; Irish or another language; and English). ›› In addition, applicants are required to hold at least the following: Grade C3 in Higher Level Mathematics and a Grade D3 in a Higher, Common or Ordinary Level paper in any one of the following: Physics, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Engineering, Technical Drawing, Agricultural Science, Biology OR Grade B3 in Ordinary Level Mathematics (Grade D3 in Higher Level Mathematics also suffi ces) and Grade C3 in one of the following Higher Level papers; Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Biology. ›› Besides these minimum requirements, you will need to meet the entry points requirement published each year by the Central Applications Offi ce (CAO). The number of points required can vary from year to year.

Can I Enter as a Mature Student?

Applications from mature students (in general 23 years of age on the 1st of January of the year of registration) are encouraged. Consideration will be given to your academic qualifications, work experience, motivation and overall potential to succeed. You should apply directly to the UL Admissions Office (not to the CAO) by April 1st of the year of entry.

Can I Transfer from an Institute of Technology?

If you hold a National Certificate or Diploma with merit or distinction you are eligible to apply for entry to Year Two and Year Three, respectively. You are likely to be admitted if your qualification is considered to have covered the relevant part of the Food Science and Health programme.

Admission Enquires to UL Admissions: Tel: +353 (0)61 202015 Email: admissions@ul.ie www.ul.ie/admissions