UC Davis Food Science & Technology

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What is Food Science?

Food Science is a convenient name used to describe the application of scientific principles to create and maintain a wholesome food supply.

Food Science has given us

  • frozen foods
  • canned foods
  • microwave meals
  • milk which keeps
  • snacks
  • nutritious new foods
  • more easily prepared traditional foods
  • above all, VARIETY in our diets.

The Food Scientist helps supply this bounty by learning to apply a wide range of scientific knowledge to maintain a high quality, abundant food supply. Food Science allows us to make the best use of our food resources and minimize waste.

Most food materials are of biological origin. How they behave in harvesting, processing, distribution, storage and preparation is a complex problem. Full awareness of all important aspects of the problem requires broad-based training.

To be a Food Scientist and help handle the world's food supply to maximum advantage, you need some familiarity with

  • Chemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Engineering
  • Some specialized Statistics.

With this special training in the applied Food Science, many exciting and productive careers with a wide range of employment opportunities exist for the trained professional, such as

  • Product Development Specialist
  • Sensory Scientist
  • Quality Control Specialist
  • Technical Sales Representative