Intro to Food Science
Careers pt 2
Objectives
• Gain a perspective in the Food Scientist and Food Technologist Field
Food Scientist
• A person who is trained in the theory of food systems – Chemistry – Physics – Biology
• Interests in preserving the integrity of the food system
Education Requirements
• Usually must obtain advanced degrees from college – Masters or PhD– Major is commonly in
food science but can branch out to specialty areas • Meet Science • Brewing Science • Food Safety
Skills Needed
• Research Skills – Systematically asking
questions and seeking answers
• Understanding of the scientific method – Identify problem – Collect Data– Hypothesis – Experiment – Conclusion
Nature of Work
• Often involved with food product development – Imitation Crab
• Over 20,000 new food products each year are created– Do they all reach the
supermarket?– Who Decides this
• The Consumer!• Also involved in food safety
– The security of food is a thriving industry due to bioterrorism threats
Location of Work
• Universities – Teachers
• Food Industries – Product Developers
• Government Agencies – Food Safety
Food Technologist
• Similar of food scientists – Concentrated on short-
term problem solving of food issues
• Machine operation • Developing methods of
production
Education
• College Degree In Food Science – Bachelor at the least – Masters is encouraged
• Sometimes can major in biology or chemistry
• Can specialize in different disciplines – Dairy – Meat
• Engineering background is encouraged in some areas
Nature of Work
• Concerned with mass production of food and the problems involved– Thousands of pounds of
product per hour– Problems with production
can cost business large sums of money
• Works with food scientist closely when new products are made– Why?
Nature of Work
• Also Focused of quality Assurance – The whole process is
monitored for start to finish that meats all health and safety guidelines
Location of Work
• Universities – Help food scientist conduct
experiments on new products and production
• Food Industries – Larges employer of
technologists – Production, development
and tech service • Government Agencies
– Food production products for military and other branches of government
Summary
• What is a food technologist under more pressure that a chef producing food a restaurant.
• What are the common educational requirements between an food scientist and technologist?
• Is there opportunities for these two professions in bowling green? Where?