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Bachelor of Applied Science (Food Science and Nutrition)
- Duration: 3 years full-time (or equivalent part-time)
- Location: St Lucia campus, Brisbane
- Delivery mode: This program is generally available internally only
- Entry requirements: Standard Qld Year 12 plus English, Chemistry and Mathematics B
- QTAC code: 703 031
- 2007 entry score: OP 12, Rank 75
- Honours: Available as an extra year of study
What is Food Science and Nutrition?
Food and nutrition covers all aspects of the food system from farm to fork. The food system is not only concerned with on-farm production, off-farm food processing, and distribution of produce for sale, but also the selection and consumption of the food by the consumer including the effects of food on their health.
Food science covers the physical nature and chemical composition of food to enable us to understand how and why food behaves under different conditions of processing and storage. We use this information to improve the safety and quality of food as well as extend the range of products available.
The science of nutrition studies the effects of dietary nutrients on growth, development, health and well-being in the population. It also examines the psychological, sociological and cultural factors which influence food choice, with a particular focus on the consequences for health.
Careers in Food Science and Nutrition
Community nutritionist, nutrition educator, food policy officer, food product development officer, food microbiologist, food product marketing, food quality assurance officer/manager, consumer enquiries and customer service, nutritionist in the food processing industry or retail industry, nutrition/health/exercise adviser.
Food science and nutrition provides you with an understanding of the nature and composition of foods and the importance of nutrition for health. Developing your knowledge of food science with nutrition enables you to understand the nutritional and health implications of food composition and processing; and to develop novel food products directed at specific health purposes. You can also apply your skills and knowledge to assist people to make healthy food choices.
Program highlights
From a core of basic science and food science and nutrition courses you can select either a food science stream or a nutrition science stream. The food science stream provides additional background in areas such as food quality and food product development for students seeking careers in the food and related industries. The nutrition science stream includes advanced nutrition courses as well as health promotion and public health. Students wishing to prepare for a dietetics program should choose the nutrition science stream.
You can also combine food science and nutrition studies with Arts (eg, journalism, psychology), Education or Business Management. Work experience (30 days) is a requirement for graduation and gives you an opportunity to gain valuable practical experience in real workplace settings.
Dual program opportunities
Dual programs enable you to study two complete programs at the same time, significantly reducing the time it would take to complete two programs one after the other.
Dual programs available for the Bachelor of Applied Science include:
- Bachelor of Applied Science/ Agribusiness – St Lucia/Gatton
- Bachelor of Applied Science/Business Management – St Lucia, and
- Bachelor of Applied Science/Business – St Lucia/Ipswich.
Students wishing to enter teaching should complete their Bachelor’s program, then enrol in a Graduate Diploma of Education (1 year full-time).
Professional memberships
Graduates and enrolled students of the program can apply for membership of both the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) and the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA).
Further information: