Bachelor of Science - Food Science & Fermentation

How do we provide safe, nutritious, and delicious food? How do we feed the growing global population while reducing environmental and social impacts? How do we preserve the unique heritage of Aotearoa | New Zealand?

This degree will equip you to answer these questions with an understanding of food and beverage production from the farm to the fork. You’ll focus on using cutting-edge technologies to create innovative new food and beverage products that are safe to consume, have a high nutritional value, and a low environmental impact.

How you’ll grow

• Understanding the science and technology of food and beverage production, including biology, chemistry, nutrition, engineering, fermentation, marketing, microbiology, and sensory disciplines.
• Developing your knowledge of modern technologies including cultured and fermented foods, brewing, and winemaking.
• Acquiring skills in the analysis of food and beverage products including biological, chemical, physical, and sensory methodologies.
• Appreciating the unique nature of Aotearoa | New Zealand food systems and how we can apply the concept of Kaitiakitaka to food and beverage production.
• Appreciating how scientific research can be applied to ensure safety and integrity at every stage of food and beverage production

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Science (Food Science and Fermentation) will prepare you for careers with food and beverage companies, research centres, government agencies, or further postgraduate studies. This includes roles such as:

• Food technologist
• Quality assurance specialist
• Brewer
• New product developer
• Laboratory technician
• Policy adviser
• Compliance officer

You can start studying in either:

• Semester 1 (late February)
• Semester 2 (mid-July)*

There are also options for starting in summer semesters, but the range of courses available would be limited.

*Please obtain course advice if you’re considering this option.

Graduate attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field.

Knowledge

• Describe the biological and chemical basis of food and beverage production
• Describe the principles of fermentation and associated biochemical processes
• Evaluate the impacts of technology on the chemical, physiochemical, and microbiological composition of food and beverage products
• Describe the relationship between food composition, food consumption, and consumer health
• Describe the principles and applications of microbiology relating to the safety and quality of foods and beverages
• Critique the quality and marketing of food and beverage products
• Describe food and beverage production systems used in Aotearoa | New Zealand and Globally
• Describe Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Plan (HACCP) principles in relevance to food and beverage production

Skills

• Analyse the chemical and biochemical composition of food and beverage products
• Analyse the microbiological composition of food and beverage products
• Analysis the physical properties of food and beverage products
• Apply scientific and engineering principles to optimise the production of food and beverage products
• Employ techniques to produce safe novel food and beverage products that meet consumer needs
• Employ the scientific method to solve problems both independently and as part of a team
• Competently apply statistics and biometrics, in the design of experiments and data analysis
• Communicate information effectively, in writing and orally to diverse audiences.

Values

• Synthesise industrial, scientific, and consumer perceptions
• Critique food and beverage production with respect to sustainability
• Recognise the impact that diverse cultural and ethical frameworks have on food and beverage production.

University Entrance through NCEA or an approved, equivalent qualification.

If you have an overseas qualification, you can find out more about overseas undergraduate entry requirements.

*If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about English language requirements.

Recommended preparation

• Biology (highly recommended)
• Chemistry (highly recommended)
• Computing
• English (highly recommended)
• Māori Studies
• Maths / Statistics (highly recommended)

Find out more

• Domestic Fees Calculator
• International Fees
• Explore scholarship options

Summary of Regulations

All of the following:

• Pass at least 360 credits (24 courses)
• Pass all compulsory courses
• Complete no more than 165 credits (11 courses) at the 100 level
• Complete at least 75 credits (5 courses) at the 300 level
• Meet the requirements of at least one of the named Bachelor of Science majors

Please refer to the Academic Calendar for all of the suggested electives for the Bachelor of Science.