Study Guide: Food Science in Malaysia
The food industry is also a multibillion-dollar industry in which manufacturers are constantly creating new food types and flavours. Have you ever caught yourself thinking how well-known food companies like Cadbury, KitKat, and Wall's create such unique yet mouthwatering flavours? Have you ever wondered how your food was prepared and packaged? All of this is made possible by food science, where a team of experts conducts in-depth research and development to generate distinctive flavours for food companies that result in delightful products for supermarket shelves.
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More food science graduates are needed to accomplish the goals of food innovation. The industry has untapped potential that is just waiting to be explored! If you want to learn more about this field, keep reading to find out all it has to offer!
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Food Science​
To better understand food processes and enhance food products for the general population, food science pulls from a variety of disciplines, including biology, chemical engineering, and biochemistry. Food scientists examine the physical, microbiological, and chemical composition of food. They use their research to create the secure, nourishing, and environmentally friendly meals and cutting-edge packaging that are currently found on supermarket shelves.
Learning about the numerous food processing techniques used to make new products, such as the best methods for gathering, preparing, preserving, and packaging different foods, is one of the many benefits of studying food science. In-depth knowledge about food safety will be acquired along with the ability to analyse food texture, flavours, and nutritional content.
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Entry Requirements to Study Food Science
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These are the general entry requirements to pursue a food science degree. Entry requirements for some universities may be higher, so do make sure you check the details carefully.​​​
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A-Level: A pass including minimum D in any 2 Science subjects (Biology, Physics, Mathematics and/or Chemistry)
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Australian Matriculation SAM/SACE International: Minimum ATAR 70 and at least a B in 2 Science subjects (Biology, Physics, Mathematics or/and Chemistry)
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Canadian Pre-University programmes: Minimum average of 80% in any 3 Science subjects (Biology, Physics, Mathematics and/or Chemistry)
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STPM/Diploma/Foundation in Science or Matriculation programme: Pass with minimum CGPA of 2.00 including 2 Science subjects (Biology, Physics, Mathematics and/or Chemistry)
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International Baccalaureate (IB): Minimum 24 points in 6 subjects including minimum 5 points in any 2 Science subjects, either in (Biology, Physics, Mathematics and/or Chemistry)
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UEC: Pass with minimum 5B including any 2 Science subjects (Biology, Physics, Mathematics and/or Chemistry)
Pathway to Study Food Science
This is the general pathway to study food science after completing your SPM or IGCSE.
Step 1: Complete STPM/UEC/Pre-university programme for 1-2 years. You can also opt to be enrolled in Diploma in Food Science for 2.5 years.
Step 2: Once you graduate with a diploma, you can choose to go straight to the workforce.
Step 3: If you want to pursue a food science degree, enrol in a 3-year degree programme.
Step 4: Once you've completed your degree, you can choose to go straight to the workforce.
Subjects in Food Science Degree​
In Malaysia, a food science degree takes 3 years long. In 3 years, you can acquire a wide range of skills and knowledge related to the food processing business with the help of food science degrees. Typically, you will learn the fundamentals of biochemistry, microbiology, and nutrition. You will also get the chance to gain real-world experience using advanced technology and lab equipment to create new food items and develop innovative methods for enhancing food safety and quality.
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Some examples of subjects commonly taught in a food science degree are:
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Food Chemistry
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Human Nutrition
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Microbiology
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Food Biochemistry
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Food Product Development and Innovation
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Food Processing, Preservation and Packaging
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Food Safety and Quality Management
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As a condition to graduate from certain universities' degree programmes, you might have to do mandatory industrial training or internships. This is for you to obtain practical work experience, which can help you better understand and apply what you have learnt in university.
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Job Prospects with A Food Science Degree​
Food science graduates can seek employment opportunities from companies such as food manufacturers, retail companies and specialist research/scientific sectors.
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Here are some careers that you can seek upon graduating:
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Food scientist
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Food technologist
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Food product/process development specialist
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Food safety inspector
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Flavour chemist
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Quality assurance associate
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Raw materials procurement executive
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Universities to Study Food Science
Monash University
Bachelor of Food Science and Technology
Intakes: February, July & October
Annual Fees: RM47,000
Duration: 3 years
Taylor's University
Bachelor of Food Science (Hons)
Intakes: January, April & August
Total Fees: RM106,646
Duration: 3 years