Food Science
Investigate traditional and innovative methods of food processing, preservation and packaging. Examine food industry developments that strive to meet consumer demand for nutrition amid a fast-paced, instant society. Debate the issues of food additives versus natural foods. Learn about natural toxicants. Research new methods of detecting food alteration. Make an impact on world hunger by contributing to scientific progress in the safe distribution and nutritive value of the world's food supply. These opportunities and more are available to you when you choose to major in Food Science at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Food Science?
Food Science is the study of the nature of food, the causes of food deterioration, and the principles underlying food processing and preservation. Food Science applies principles from chemistry, biology, microbiology and engineering to the study of food and the development of food technology.
This program educates students in the preservation and processing of raw commodities into healthy, safe and appealing foods. Acute consumer awareness and concern regarding foods and nutritive value, combined with the demands of active lifestyles and an aging population, has resulted in a dynamic and growing food industry. Food science addresses the critical global issues relating to the malnutrition of children and an insufficient world food supply. This program is designed for students who have a strong interest in the sciences and wish to apply this knowledge to the selection, preservation, packaging and distribution of safe, nutritious food.
After taking two food science courses as part of my nutrition degree, I realized food science was an interesting field of study that would lead to a rewarding career.
I decided to stay at the U of S for my second degree because of the people, the campus and the atmosphere that Saskatoon offers.—Steven Taylor,
B.Sc. (Nutrition),
Hometown: Swift Current SK
A Stepping Stone...
A degree in Food Science offers a solid, marketable foundation and opportunity for further study in areas such as business, communications, politics, education, journalism, marketing or law. Graduates also have the opportunity to pursue further studies in professional programs such as Nutrition & Dietetics and Pharmacy.
Most students entering the Master's or Ph.D. programs in Food Science at the U of S receive financial support through study-related employment opportunities.
Career Opportunities
The food processing industry is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in Canada, offering many opportunities for career development. Graduates pursue careers in the food processing industry, government or private research laboratories or food regulatory agencies. Food scientists are employed by food processing plants in areas of quality control, new product development and plant management. Food scientists in the provincial and federal government oversee the food processing industry and ensure that Canadians continue to enjoy a safe, high-quality food supply. International opportunities include innovative work in developing countries which are currently building their own food processing industries.
The U of S Advantage
The Food Science program offers the advantage of a small, diverse and supportive environment with numerous opportunities to interact with professors and peers both inside and outside of the classroom. Students come from across Canada and around the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.
The Food Science program has excellent research support and courses designed with a strong hands-on emphasis, utilizing the department's outstanding facilities and equipment housed in the progressive Agricultural Sciences Complex. Students benefit from the Department's significant interaction with the provincial agricultural and food industries. Students also have opportunities to enhance their studies and offset educational expenses with summer employment within the department or within Canada's food processing industry.
Choose Your Program!
Undergraduate students develop a solid background in the humanities and sciences during the first two years of study. During the third and fourth years, students concentrate on a series of food science courses in food chemistry, food engineering, food microbiology and food processing.
The U of S is a great place to get your education; the profs are easy to talk to and everything is so accessible! One thing I've found is that if I had any questions about anything, the faculty and staff were really friendly and tried their hardest to answer my questions... which helped me a lot in my first year!—Jamie DeRoose,
First-year Pharmacy,
Hometown: Radville SK
A Major in Food Science
Students majoring in Food Science can choose from one of the following degrees:
- B.Sc. Four-year
- B.Sc. Honours
Outstanding Students & Faculty
- Professor Mike Ingledew maintains an international reputation and travels extensively as a leading expert on fuel and beverage alcohol production. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards including the Inaugural International Biotechnology Medal of Excellence by Alltech, USA and Master Brewers Association of the Americas.
- Professor Nicholas Low leads a student training and research project in Manado, Indonesia, which is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency, investigating the conversion of palm starch to finished products with significantly higher monetary value. The project could result in increased economic development in this region. He also leads a unique research program that develops high-tech methods of detecting sub-standard ingredients in processed foods.
- Professor Phyllis Shand directs a nationally prominent research program that tests and develops products for the meat industry.
- Professor George Khachatourians pioneered the National Biotechnology Development Plan of Canada in 1981. He leads a world-renowned research group that is developing ways of using microorganisms to naturally control insects for the improvement of animal feed and the development of food biotechnology applications.
Research Facilities
The office for the Food Science interdisciplinary program is located in the Agricultural Sciences Complex. These high-calibre facilities include two state-of-the-art food processing pilot plants, a fermentation pilot plant, meat processing facilities, a sensory evaluation facility, laser microscopes and digital imaging capabilities.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
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