Applied Biology - Food Science
The food and beverage industry is Ireland's most important indigenous industry and contributes greatly towards the economic development of our society. This thriving sector provides interesting, varied and well-paid employment. Today's consumers are demanding a combination of attractive/nutritional, convenient, affordable and safe food products along with health benefits, thus requiring highly skilled scientists to produce such goods.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
This is a full time one year course
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate or equivalent, ideally a minimum of a pass in Mathematics at Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate.
For mature applicants experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.
All applicants are interviewed, and places are awarded on suitability.
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
The food and pharmaceutical industries are among Ireland’s largest employers and have a large potential for employment.
Job opportunities for students who complete this course include:
•Laboratory assistants.
•Operators in food and pharmaceutical industries.
•Supervisor/manager in food retail outlets.
•Worker/supervisor in food preparation.
•Small food business operators.
Progression Opportunities
Students who study and complete this course are eligible to apply for many courses in the Science field within Irish Third Level Institutes. As this course is part of the “Links Scheme” for entry into third level colleges, students gain entry to these linked courses based on their QQI results rather than their Leaving Certificate results.
Students who wish to use the links to further studies will need to achieve a certain level in their QQI award.
Some examples of these linked courses include:
University College Cork:
Food Science (CK505)
Nutritional Science (CK504)
Food Marketing & Entrepreneurship (CK502)
Public Health and Health Promotion (CK706)
Biological and Chemical Sciences (CK402)
Chemical Sciences (CK406)
Environmental & Earth System Sciences (CK404)
MTU Cork:
Nutrition and Health Science (CR333)
Applied Biosciences (CR006)
Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (CR007)
Science Courses (CR300)
Herbal Science (CR330)
Home Economics and Business Teaching - MT930 (First 3 years in MTU and final 2 in UCC)
Course participants are also eligible to apply to UK Universities to study Dietetic and other Science courses.
Further information
FEES
Student Services: €250
QQI exam fees: €50*
Materials: €100
Field Trip: €40
Total: €440
Please note that only debit cards/visa/mastercard payments are acceptable for payment. The College cannot accept cash/cheque.
* Note: Students with medical cards are exempt from paying the QQI exam fee.
Learners attending full-time Further Education PLC courses may be eligible for a means-tested maintenance grant. Information
regarding eligibility and application details is available at www.susi.ie
Interviews are held a number of times per year from Springtime through to course commencement. The interview simply acts to match the applicant against the course in terms of suitability, commitment and expectation.
The focus of this exciting course involves expertise and knowledge in areas such as science, technology, food safety and nutrition. Throughout the course you will gain valuable insights into the manufacture and the nutritional content of current food products available on the market. You will also get the opportunity to learn new theoretical skills and apply them in practice.
This booming industry is an exciting and rewarding sector to be involved in and this course will provide you with the necessary tools to progress to third level education. Over the years, as a result of this course, our highly skilled graduates have progressed to third level education in Ireland and the UK.
Course Content
The following subjects may be offered:
•Biology 5N2746
Designed to develop an understanding of biology and an ability to perform practical tasks in biology.
•Microbiology 5N0738
Outlines the fundamentals of microbiology and basic microbiological skills used in a laboratory setting.
•Chemistry 5N2747
Designed to develop an understanding of the industrial and practical applications of chemistry.
•Food Chemistry 5N2748
Designed to develop an understanding of basic and analytical chemistry and the fundamentals of food chemistry.
•Food Processing 5N5245
Describes the processes used in the food industry to produce selected food products and explains the scientific principles underpinning these processes.
•Laboratory Skills 5N2751
Outlines basic laboratory techniques and safety measures important in an analytical laboratory.
•Mathematics 5N1833
Applies a broad range of mathematical skills and tools to a wide variety of contexts, with theoretical understanding.
•Nutrition 5N2006
The study of the nutritional composition of food and the effects of food and nutrition on an individual’s health and personal well being.
•Communications 5N0690
Equips students for presentations, report writing and interviews.
•Work Experience 5N1356
The purpose of this subject is to equip the learner with the relevant knowledge, skill and competence to participate in the workplace for a limited time, carrying out work-related tasks independently while under general direction.
5M5267 - Food Science
5M3807 - Laboratory Techniques
Award
QQI Level 5-
Food Science: 5M5267
Laboratory Techniques: 5M3807
Special Features
This one year course is an excellent foundation in the Science subjects for students wishing to pursue higher level courses /careers in the Science area.
There is a strong emphasis on the development of practical and laboratory skills.
Work experience in the food/ pharmaceutical/health care, or related industries and services is an important feature of this course.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Yvonne Crowley, Course Director
Email: yvonne.crowley@csn.ie
Tel: (021) 2067 637