By Dr.T.Vijaya Lakshmi, Director-Siddhartha Mahila Kalasala
Food & Nutrition
Overview:
Health has become a major and topical issue for society. This means that nutritionists play an increasingly important role in ensuring that consumers can access convenient food of high quality that is also nutritionally beneficial. Nutritionists with training in food science are therefore now at the forefront of new product development , packaging design and relaying health messages to the consumer. These degrees will also provide graduates with the expertise to work in nutrition education and promotion, and within government departments concerned with public health issues. There are also opportunities for our graduates to pursue higher taught (MSc) or research (PhD) degrees in the area of food and health.
Nutrition & Food Science is a scientific study of the health and chemical aspects of the food that we eat. The courses provide a strong academic training in the science of nutrition and the related disciplines of food science, physiology, biochemistry, genetics and microbiology. A core curriculum provides the necessary academic training to gain registration as a 'Registered Nutritionist'.
Scope:
Job opportunities in Fruit and vegetable processing industries, Spices and condiments industries, Bakery and confectionery industries, Beverage industries , Dairy industries, Sugar industries, Meat and poultry industries , food processing equipment manufacturing industries etc.
Skills Required:
Personnel Attributes:
A food technologist should have a scientific blend of mind, power of observation & concentration, interest in scientific and technological development and an interest in health and nutrition. Other useful traits required for aspiring food technologists include a sense of responsibility, ability to work well on their own as well as a part of a team, effective communication skills and a discerning approach to food items. A high level accuracy is also very essential to be a good food technologist.
Courses offered:
Few courses offered in the field are
Diploma Course in Food Analysis and Quality Assurance
Diploma in Food Science Technology
Diploma in Food Science, Preservation and Management
Bachelor of Science in Food Technology
Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition
Bachelor of Science in Food Preservation
Bachelor of Technology in Food Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Food Technology
Master of Science in Food Science
Master of Science in Food Technology
Eligibility Criteria
For Undergraduate and Diploma courses:
Candidates must have passed or appeared in Class 12th examination from CBSE or equivalent board of education. They should have secured at least 50% marks (45% marks in case of SC/ST category candidates). However, some of the colleges or institutes do no ask minimum marks requirement for Diploma courses.
For Postgraduate courses:
Candidate must have completed a Bachelor’s degree of three years or four years duration in a relevant stream from a recognized college of India. They should have secured at least 55% marks in the qualifying degree examination or as mentioned by the admitting institute.
Job Prospects :
There are plenty of job opportunities for food technologists in the country. Food Technologists are in demand in the sectors such as hotels, quality control, soft drink factories, food industries, packaging, hospitals, distilleries and rice mills.
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