Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Health

Student Profile - ​Alannah Murphy

I’ve always had a passion for food, where it comes from and how it’s produced as well as nutrition and all kinds of cooking. The Food Science and Health course here at UL intrigued me with the range of modules that it covered from introductory chemistry and biology to food engineering and biotechnology, nutrition and public health. The opportunity to gain experience working with a company in the food industry and learn what happens in the real world sealed the decision for me and I put the course at the top of my CAO choices.

This degree offers a broad range of subjects with the first half of the 4-year programme focusing on the core science subjects. This has given me a great scientific background when studying topics like chemistry of foods, food processing, health, nutrition and biotechnology.

I organized my own Co-Op placement and worked with Goatsbridge Trout Farm in Co. Kilkenny. During my time there I was part of the New Product Development team and assisted in the development and launch of their Heavenly Hot Smoked Trout Pate. As it is a small business, I was involved in so many different aspects of the business and learned the real meaning of multitasking. This Co-Op opportunity gave me so much drive to one day work in such a motivated and hard-working company and possibly even set up my own one day. With the insight I gained through my Co- Op placement, I feel I am better prepared for the ‘real world’ as a food science graduate and have so much more to offer future employers.

Graduate Profile - ​Lorraine Stone

A day in the Life of an R&D Technologist

The role of R&D technologist is very varied and involves project management, recipe formulation and product development right from the concept stage up to industrialisation and product launch. The role also involves dealing with stakeholders and global markets in the development of new products within safety, regulatory and market speci c requirements. Innovation and idea generation are key activities as well as keeping on top of industry trends including new launches. It is a challenging job, which requires both creativity and logic. My degree at UL prepared me for my career by providing me with a strong scienti c base, skills in independent project work and a fantastic opportunity to build real world experience through the Co-Operative Education work placement scheme.

Lorraine’s tip:

Make sure you enjoy and are passionate about the subject area you choose to study. Try to get relevant work experience wherever you can as it will strengthen the knowledge and understanding you are building up in your coursework. Enjoy the great facilities, clubs and societies that UL has to offer - they are second to none and you will make life-long friends.

Lorraine is currently employed as a Research & Development Technologist with Wyeth Nutrition (Nestlé Research).

Graduate Profile​ - Cathy Cope

Current employment: Glenpatrick Spring Water Company Ltd., Powerstown, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

I chose UL because I liked the course and all the college facilities. I was always interested in science, especially food related, nutrition etc. My current job involves product development of beverages (all kinds including, flavoured water, iced tea, juices, alcoholic). It involves dealing with customers, both internal and external. There is a lot of project management, bringing products from development stage to production and launch. It is a very busy job, with a huge turnover of projects.

Cathy’s tip:
It is always difficult to decide what to do, but whatever programme you choose, try to make the most of it. Many programmes start out broadly and become more specialised as the years go on. Avail of as many of the college facilities as you can, you will not have such a huge choice when you leave.