BSc (Hons) Food Science & Nutrition

  Institution: UCSI University

Study in Food Science and Nutrition involves various science disciplines such as chemistry, biochemistry, nutrition and engineering to teach students how diet and nutrition affects the health of individuals, and also the technologies for creating new food products, and designing new processes to improve the safety and quality of foods

A challenging programme, the study begins with an understanding of the biological and physical sciences as a basis for understanding the science of food and nutrition, as well as the relationship between nutrition and health. Students possessing an analytical, inquisitive mind who are interested in applying food science principles to further enhance the health and welfare of mankind, will benefit greatly from this programme.

Designed to provide students with practical “hands-on” experience through a comprehensive and practical curriculum of cutting edge research and studies in food science and nutrition, the curriculum will not only enable students to gain pertinent knowledge and skills to work in the food manufacturing industry, government agencies, colleges and universities, as well as research laboratories, but will also equip them with good interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work in teams to solve multi-disciplinary problems. Under the direction and guidance of qualified professors and academicians, as well as experienced laboratory technologists, students are exposed to a variety of laboratory equipment and skills at the University.

Assessments are based on course work and written examination both i.e. Coursework percentage: 60%, written examination percentage: 40%

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirement

*To be reviewed by the University on a case-to-case basis

English Requirements

• A distinction (A+, A or A-) in English Language subject at SPM/UEC level; or MUET Band 5; or a score of 213 (computer-based) / 550 (written-based) / 80 (internet-based) in TOEFL; or Band 5.5 in IELTS.
• In the event that the English Language Requirements are not met, student may be required to undertake additional English module(s) prior or concurrently with undergraduate programme, based on the University’s decision.

*International students holding equivalent academic qualifications but of non-English curriculum, are required to sit for the English Placement Test, which may result in the taking of the Certificate in English programme (1 to 10 months). Students who intend to pursue the above undergraduate programme directly, are advised to fulfill the above English requirements prior commencing their studies at the university.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be employed in the following areas:

• research and development of products and processes
• supervision of food manufacturing processes
• as food engineering support
• marketing and sales
• product support and promotion
• consulting laboratories
• government organizations

They may also be employed as:

• food scientists
• food microbiologists
• flavour chemists
• food safety inspectors
• community and university educators
• corporate health promotion and wellness specialists
• public relations specialists
• nutrition advisor in public health programmes
• weight loss counsellors
• scientific writers
• researchers
• private practice consultants

Subjects Offered

Year 1

• Semester 1
  • Extra-curricular Learning Experience 1 (MPU-U4)
  • Chemistry 1
  • Calculus & Analytical Geometry for Applied Sciences
  • Human Physiology
  • University Life (MPU-U2)
• Semester 2
  • Chemistry 2
  • Structural Biochemistry
  • Statistics & its Applications
  • Microbiology
• Semester 3
  • Principles of Nutrition
  • Biochemistry & Metabolism
  • Co-operative Placement 1

Year 2

• Semester 1
  • Extra-curricular Learning Experience 2 (MPU-U4)
  • Malaysian Experiential Tourism (MPU-U3)/
    Malaysian Ethnic Food (MPU-U3)/
    Business Law- Malaysian Perspective (MPU-U3)
  • Food Chemistry
  • Lifespan Nutrition
  • Fundamentals of Food Engineering
  • Entrepreneurship for Applied Sciences
• Semester 2
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Food Processing & Packaging
  • Food Microbiology
  • Halal & Food Legislation
  • Free elective courses (select one)
    • Fundamentals of Marketing
    • Introduction to Public Speaking
    • Introduction to Internet Technologies
• Semester 3
  • Research Methodology, Safety & Ethics
  • Co-operative Placement 2

Year 3

• Semester 1
  • Extra-curricular Learning Experience 3 (MPU-U4)
  • Food Safety & Quality System
  • Nutritional Assessment
  • Food Commodities
  • Food Science & Nutrition Research Project 1
• Semester 2
  • Nutrition & Chronic Diseases
  • Food Science & Nutrition Research Project 2
  • Free elective courses (select one)
    • Nutrition in Exercise & Physical Activity
    • Fermentation Technology & Downstream Processing
    • Nutrition & Functional Food
    • Nutrition, Food & Society
• Semester 3
  • Product Development & Sensory Evaluation
  • Food Science & Nutrition Research Project 3
  • Co-operative Placement 3

General Compulsory Courses for all (MPU)

• For Malaysian students:
  • Ethnic Relations
  • Islamic Civilisation and Asian Civilisation
• For foreign students:
  • Malaysian Studies
  • Communication in Bahasa Melayu 3

Source: UCSI University.