Programme description

The Faculty of Livestock, Fisheries and Nutrition started offering B.Sc. in Food Science and Nutrition (BScFSN), a fulltime four year degree, in year 2001. Such a degree programme was felt to be a national need, hitherto not available in the University system. Food scientists need to undertake the development of new knowledge and technologies which turn raw materials into high quality and safe food products of optimal taste, texture and functionality. Nutritional sciences emphasize intensive study in biological and physical sciences as a basis for understanding the science of nutrition and the relationships between nutrients and human health. Increasing consumer awareness on food related health issues and the need for developing of nutritious food products has generated a need for graduates with a good understanding of food science and nutrition. The faculty also has the advantage of being physically situated in an area where all the external resources for conducting such degree courses and outreach programmes are available. BScFSN degree course has a high demand as reflected by the Z-scores and the fact that it attracts students from all Districts and ethnic groups in the country. BScFSN degree programme provides a strong background in the principles underlying the food science & food technology and human nutrition.

Specialization

The students who follow the BScFSN course have options in specializing in Applied Nutrition and Food Science & Technology and those follow

Learning outcomes

BScFSN degree graduate will have knowledge and understanding of the characteristics and composition of major food materials, food quality assurance, physical properties and eating qualities of food, the impact of food storage and processing, and relationships between food, nutrition, health, and disease prevention, food manufacturing & marketing and entrepreneurship. Graduates will also have the knowledge, transferable and subject-specific skills, abilities and attitudes required to work in related areas.

Teaching approach

Lectures will introduce concepts; practical sessions including group work will foster in-depth understanding of the concepts. Field visits and industrial visits are conducted to provide hands-on experience and awareness about the practical situations. Placements in industry and institutions will ensure graduates can apply their knowledge appropriately in commercial enterprises, research or educational institutions, or in advisory and regulatory agencies. A variety of approaches such as group work involving problem based learning, solving case studies, class presentations, individual tutorials, and the undertaking of individual research projects will be used to develop intellectual skills. Opportunities to enhance transferable skills are incorporated into lectures, seminars and practical sessions involving group and individual work, project preparation and implementation.

Career opportunities for BScFSN graduates

The subjects are flexible and demand driven considering the employability opportunities both locally and globally. The undergraduates will be mentored and guided into careers contributing to social, environmental and economic development. The extracurricular activities will bring about the personality, confidence and social responsibility and social etiquette of students and they will be a new genre of students that will bear the hallmarks of quality and relevance of undergraduate education. Hence, the graduates get the opportunity of finding employments in a range of different streams including closely related employments. In addition, self employability and supplementary income generating opportunities will ensure that the graduates fit in with the national and international requirements.

In addition, the graduates will be able to contribute to the disciplines of Food Science, Food Technology and Human Nutrition and other pure and applied life sciences, social and management sciences through research and postgraduate studies.

Admission requirement

In order to be eligible for admission to the BScFSN degree programme, a candidate should have offered one of the following combinations of subjects at the GCE (Advanced Level) Examination and obtained at least ‘S’ grades in the subjects offered.

  1. Chemistry, Physics and Biology
  2. Chemistry; Physics or Mathematics; Biology or Agricultural Science
  3. Chemistry; Biology; Agricultural Science or Mathematics