Students’ views - Food Science
Thérése O’Rourke, Louth
Year 4 Food Science
"I wanted to take a science course but I felt pure science was too restricted in the areas covered and job opportunities. Food Science incorporates science, food and business modules so it leads to more opportunities.
There is a good mix of lecturers and practical classes and a wide range of areas covered from product development to marketing. In year 3 I spent a semester in Purdue University in the US. This was a fantastic opportunity, I got to travel, meet people from other ethnic backgrounds and I suppose learn to become more independent.
The Professional Work Experience module was very good. I worked for Kerry Foods where I got to experience how all the different elements of the food industry that I had learnt about interact. My role was as a quality assurance officer which involved carrying out routine daily checks on the production lines and training new personnel on the quality procedures. This time really opened up my eyes to the wide range of roles I could potentially pursue a career in.
The students and staff are very friendly. This is really important as when you arrive in first year you know nobody, but it didn’t take long to make friends! There are always loads of well organised events to go to so there is no excuse not to get involved.
I hope to work for a successful company in the food industry and eventually progress to a management position."
Shane Mc Darby, Dublin
Year 4 Food Science
"Why did I choose Food Science? I liked science in school, was interested in nutrition and could see good job opportunities in the food sector. I have totally enjoyed my 4 years here. It has all been really interesting but I particularly enjoyed the nutrition and biochemistry modules.
I spent 10 weeks working for a meat company during my Professional Work Experience in year 3. This was great, I got managerial experience supervising staff and it made some course work easier as I had seen a lot of things in practice.
Everyone is really friendly; you make friends with people from loads of different backgrounds. The small classes are good as well. The lecturers get to know you and you get to know them.
I definitely made the right decision to do Food Science. It is a broad course with plenty of variety. I am looking forward to getting into product development when I graduate in June."
