• » Bachelor of Science Honours in Food Science & Nutrition

    Programme Title  Bachelor of Science Honours in Food Science & Nutrition
    CAO Code  
    LYIT internal code  LY_SFODN_B
    Duration  1 Year, post level 7 degree
    Standard Code Places:  18
    National Framework Level  8
    Award Type  Major
    Awarding Body  LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    Is this Programme for Me?
    The B.Sc. Honours in Food Science and Nutrition is designed to build on knowledge gained by students in a Level 7 B.Sc. in Food Science and Nutrition and to broaden the scope and depth of this knowledge. It may be completed in one academic year (2 semesters) or on a part-time basis (ACCS).
    The nutritional content, safety, and quality of food are issues that have an important effect on our lives and our health. The food industry in response has a constant demand for graduates in Food Science who have good scientific skills as well as knowledge and skills in nutrition ,food safety, and food product development. The programme includes modules on Food Technology, Food Safety, Food Fermentation, Advanced Human Nutrition, Nutrition in Health and Disease. Sports Nutrition, and Food Product Development The programme also contains modules on Regulatory Affairs in the Food and Pharmaceutical Industries, and a module on Management Structures that are intended to equip the student with the basic skills required to develop their management potential within the food industry. The students carry out an extensive research project during the course, develop essential practical research skills, and strengthen the presentation and communication skills acquired in previous years.
    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    This is two semester, add-on, Honours Degree programme for students who have achieved a Level 7 B.Sc. in Food Science and Nutrition. Students who have completed an equivalent programme at Level 7 with appropriate learning outcomes would also be considered for acceptance.
    What will I have to study?
    Year/SemesterModulesMandatory/
    Elective    		No of creditsClass hours per week
     4/7  Food Technology Mandatory  5  5
     Management Structures Mandatory  5  3
     Research Project Design Mandatory  5  3
     Regulation of the Pharmaceutical & Food Industries Mandatory  5  3
     Food Fermentation Mandatory  5  5
     Advanced Human Nutrition Mandatory  5  4
     4/8  Food Product Development Mandatory  5  5
     Microbiological Food Safety Mandatory  5  5
     Research Project Mandatory  10  3
     Nutrition in Health & Disease Mandatory  5  4
     Sports Nutrition Mandatory  5  4
    Learning Outcomes
    Learning outcomes of this programme include the following. The graduate will
    • Be able to understand the new emerging technologies in the field of food science
    • Be able to apply traditional and new technologies in the food industry in the context of food production, food safety and quality assurance
    • Be able to describe the significance in the diet and role in maintenance of health of specific nutrients
    • Understand factors affecting dietary intake, the role of diet in disease and the specific dietary requirements at different stages in the lifecycle.
    • Be able to plan, analyse and evaluate a dietary survey using appropriate methodology and describe and implement methods used in anthropometric and biochemical assessment of nutritional status.
    • Have an understanding of different types of fermented foods and their production processes and have developed competency in the manufacture of fermented food products.
    • Have an understanding of the basic principles of engineering and how they apply to the food processing sector
    • Have knowledge of causative organisms of food illnesses and the factors governing food safety and an understanding of Food Safety Management systems.
    • Be able to describe in detail the concepts and stages involved in a systematic new product development process and understand the factors which contribute to new product success.
    • Have an understanding of the key elements of modern management structures.
    Are there follow-up Programmes Available?
    Graduates may pursue postgraduate studies by research at LYIT.
    Graduates from this programme may also pursue further studies to Masters level at other Universities in Ireland or abroad, or in some cases transfer to programmes leading to the award of a Doctoral Degree. This programme will increase the choice of career options to include post-graduate degrees in areas such as Health Promotion and Nutrition. Acceptance on any programme is at the discretion of the college to which the candidate applies
    Career Opportunities
    Ireland has a proud tradition as a producer and exporter of quality foods e.g. dairy products, meat, fish, etc.
    The food industry is responding to advances in nutritional knowledge and technology by developing a new generation of convenience foods with an emphasis on added value and safety. Such developments have created a demand for young well qualified graduates in food science to join the wide variety of companies in Ireland and abroad who regularly recruit to areas such as production, quality assurance, product development, food safety, etc. Food Science and Nutrition graduates are able to pursue successful careers in the food industry, and also in government departments concerned with food production and food safety.
    This course begins in September each year. How to Apply
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    • Contact: Dr Anne Nelson Head of Department of Science, Letterkenny Institute of Technology by
    • E- Mail: anne.nelson@lyit.ie
    • Telephone: (074) 918 6302