About the course
Food Science is a multidisciplinary major that includes core competencies in food chemistry and analysis, food safety and microbiology, and food processing and engineering. After completing the preparatory course work, students focus on advanced subject courses in food chemistry and biochemistry, food processing, sensory evaluation, and food microbiology applied to improve the safety, stability, taste, nutrition, convenience, sustainability and value of foods.
Whatever you choose, it was probably grown, processed, delivered and prepared using techniques developed by food scientists and technologists. Food scientists help solve problems of producing and distributing food safely across broad geographical ranges and in varying climatic conditions. They also respond to market demands by creating food products that meet modern consumers’ needs for nutrition, taste and convenience. During your first two years of study, you will concentrate on developing the scientific and general background necessary for advanced coursework by taking courses in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics and (optionally) introductory food science. In your upper-division courses, you will study nutrition, microbiology and food chemistry, analysis and processing. You may choose to specialize in one of seven career-oriented options: food technology, food business and management, consumer food science, fermentation science, food biology/microbiology, food chemistry or food biochemistry.
Opportunities for employment include positions in the food and allied industries, government agencies, and educational and research institutions. Graduate study for the food science student may lead to the M.S. or Ph.D. degree in food science, or in related fields such as agricultural chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition and health sciences. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships
Start dates and prices
Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.
Duration: 8 Semester(s)Fees: Not available
Intake |
Location |
Winter (January), 2021 |
Davis |
Winter (January), 2024 |
Davis |
Spring (March), 2024 |
Davis |
Fall (September), 2024 |
Davis |
Winter (January), 2025 |
Davis |
Spring (March), 2025 |
Davis |
Fall (September), 2025 |
Davis |
Winter (January), 2026 |
Davis |
Spring (March), 2026 |
Davis |
How to apply
Entry requirements for University of California - Davis
Official or self-reported academic records.To be competitive for freshman admission to UC Davis, prospective students must be on track to earn a high school diploma (or equivalent) and meet all UC freshman admission requirements. Achieve a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), 213 on the computer-based TOEFL or 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL.Achieve a minimum score of 6.5 (academic module) on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).Achieve a score of 3, 4 or 5 on the AP Exam in English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition.Achieve a score of 5, 6 or 7 on the International Baccalaureate (IB), Higher Level examination in English (Language A).Achieve a score of 6 or higher on the International Baccalaureate (IB), Standard Level examination in English (Language A).Score 560 or higher on the Writing section of the SAT Reasoning test (old SAT) or a score of 31 or higher on Writing and Language in the SAT with Essay (the new SAT, taken March 2016 or later).Complete one transferable college courses (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units each) in English composition with letter grades of C or better at an accredited U.S. college or university.
English language requirements
6.5
Overall IELTS band score
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TOEFL Internet based overall score: 80.0
Application deadline:
This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.
Further information
Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at University of California - Davis. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.
Pathway options to study at this institution
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