HELLO SWAGGY,

Food science & technology is the branch of applied sciences that combines the fundamentals of biochemistry, physical sciences and chemical engineering to study the physical, chemical and biological nature of food items. In simple words, food science (or food technology) deals with the manufacturing, processing, treatment, preservation, and distribution of food.

The ultimate objective of food science is to understand the principles of food processing and to improve the food quality for the general public. Whatever food item (especially packaged ones) you come across in the supermarket (or retail store), has had some contributions from a food scientist, food technologist or food engineer. Careers in food science and technology require significant formal education. Food scientists and food technologists conduct tests and experiments to try to optimize food production. They typically hold at least a bachelor's degree.

Food science & technology is the study of how to optimize agricultural output, while food technology is the implementation of those improvements. The majority of food scientists and technologists work in research capacities for labs, companies or universities, but a considerable number of positions are also available in manufacturing industries. Careers in food science and technology afford researchers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the healthfulness of people's diets around the world.

Food Scientists

Food scientists research how to improve existing methods of food packaging and processing. This can include studying a food's nutritional content and investigating alternative sources of food and ways to purify foods containing additives. Many focus on the manufacturing aspect of food and determine how best to process and store food products. All food scientists must be conscious of government regulations on food processing, but specific positions exist for those who want to make a career of food processing inspection.

Food Technologists

Although the functions of food scientists and food technologists often overlap, the latter is more immediately concerned with product development. Those specializing in biotechnology have opportunities to work on genetic engineering of plants and crops or explore how agricultural products can be transformed into fuel sources (biofuels). Nanotechnology is being used successfully to test the content of food, targeting especially the presence of harmful contaminants. Like food scientists, food technologists must be capable of working independently, as well as with a team. Workers often begin as part of a research group, with the possibility of promotions to managerial positions.

Growing Demand of Food Science & Technology Professionals

Relatively Food Science is still a very new discipline, and it is growing due to rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes worldwide. Being a branch of applied sciences, Food Science is very multi-disciplinary in nature, just like Biomedical Science, Pharmacy or Translational Science.

Educational Requirements

Undergraduates can expect to take an assortment of rigorous courses covering chemistry, biology, calculus, statistics, nutrition and health. Students are also frequently required to take classes on writing and oral expression, since food scientists often perform advisory functions for the government or food processing companies.

Food scientists and technologists seeking positions with private companies are considered qualified with a bachelor's degree, but those who hope to work at universities will need a master's or doctorate (Ph.D.). Food scientists and technologists don't need a license to practice.

Ideally you need to have Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) combination in your 10+2, and may be Mathematics as well. At Bachelors level, ideal courses are 3-year or 4-year degree courses in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Science and Technology, or Food Science and Agriculture.

To have a career in R&D, QC and QA, you will require a higher degree (Masters or PhD). You can gain more advantage by pursuing a higher degree from abroad. If you are more inclined towards the sales and marketing (product/brand management) roles then an MBA will be very helpful.

In case you want to pursue a career as a Nutritionist or Dietician, a formal degree after Bachelors is not always necessary. You can do a Certificate or PG Diploma course in Nutrition or Dietetics.

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