Malaysia’s Top 5 Private Universities to Study Food Science

Find Out About the Food Science Degree Programme at Top Private Universities in Malaysia

Food science is a branch of science that looks at the properties of food, and how this knowledge can be applied to the processing, production, preservation, sanitation and distribution within the food industry. In practice, food scientists are integral in improving food safety and quality, sustainability, and health and nutrition across the globe.

The Food Science degree course is developed for science students seeking specialist skills and knowledge required to work in the food industry. It combines a strong core in food chemistry, processing, sensory science, food safety and microbiology,

Subjects you may encounter at Malaysia’s top private universities include cell and molecular biology, human physiology and nutrition, food safety, food processing, and food quality assurance. The degree programme will be delivered in a mixture of modes including lectures and seminars, as well as practical and laboratory based projects. At the final year of your course, you may also be able to take part in a work placement or internship.

As a Food Science student, you will learn not only specific technical skills that you can apply directly to your work but also a multitude of transferable skills. From problem-solving to numerical skills, data analytical skills to IT knowledge, you can be assured you will not be limited in your abilities to pursue a career in the wider world after graduating.

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Studying Food Science in Malaysia

Studying Food Science involves various science disciplines such as chemistry, biochemistry, nutrition and engineering to teach students how diet and nutrition affects the health of individuals, and also the technologies for creating new food products, and designing new processes to improve the safety and quality of foods.

Additionally, Food Scientists apply their knowledge in biology, chemistry, physical sciences, and engineering to study the nature of foods, the causes of their deterioration, and the principles underlying food processing. They will also study all the technical aspects of food from harvesting or slaughtering to cooking and finally being consumed safely. Food Science is different from the field of nutrition.

A challenging programme, the study begins with an understanding of the biological and physical sciences as a basis for understanding the science of food and nutrition, as well as the relationship between nutrition and health.

Students will apply their knowledge of microbiology and biochemistry to find ways to improve the taste and nutritional value of our food supply. They will study the physical, microbiological, and chemical makeup of food. In addition to studying Chemistry, Biochemistry and Microbiology, students will explore subjects like nutrition, food biotechnology, quality assurance, waste management and even food and beverage engineering.

Furthermore, Food Science degree is designed to provide students with practical “hands-on” experience through a comprehensive and practical curriculum of cutting edge research and studies in food science and nutrition, the curriculum will not only enable students to gain pertinent knowledge and skills to work in the food manufacturing industry, government agencies, colleges and universities, as well as research laboratories, but will also equip them with good interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work in teams to solve multi-disciplinary problems.

Which are the 5 Best Private Universities for Food Science in Malaysia?

1. University of Nottingham Malaysia
2. Monash University Malaysia
3. Taylor’s University
4. UCSI University
5. UTAR

How to Choose the Right University to Study Food Science in Malaysia?

Choosing the right university that fits your needs and academic goals can be challenging sometimes. Students who are interested in studying Food Science need not necessarily spend a lot of money at a foreign branch university campus although the quality that you get would definitely be beneficial.

One of the first things to do is to check to ensure that the course is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). The entry requirements for the foreign branch university campuses as well as tuition fees are higher, hence, if you don’t meet the requirements or the budget is out of reach, then you can cross them off your list.

Look through the brochures and check out the subjects that you would study. Visit the campus and look at the facilities. Labs would be very important for your Food Science studies. Ask the university about the internship opportunities and where have their graduates gone on to work.

Other than academic knowledge in the degree programme, the university environment and other skills that you would gain are important to enhancing your future career success. Choose a university that has an English speaking student environment so that you can improve your language, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Food Scientists would need to write a lot of reports and make some presentations, therefore, being proficient in English and communication skills is important.

Who Should Study Food Science?

Students who are good in Chemistry, Biology and Maths with a strong interest in sciences, can consider taking this course.

Those who possess strong scientific knowledge and innovative problem-solving skills. Good teamwork skills.

The ability to explain your findings clearly and concisely, including in written reports.

Students possessing an analytical, inquisitive mind who are interested in applying food science principles to further enhance the health and welfare of mankind, will benefit greatly from this programme.

Education Pathway into the Food Science Degree Programme after Secondary School

Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels will join the Foundation in Science for 1 year before continuing on to the 3-year Food Science degree programme at a top private university in Malaysia. Students will need at least 5 credits in the relevant subjects to enter the Food Science course.

Other than the Foundation in Science, students may go for a Pre-University programme such as the A-Levels, SACEi, STPM, etc before continuing on to the course.

Choosing to study at the best university in Malaysia for food science increases your chances of better career prospects. Students interested to know which are the best universities in Malaysia for Food Science may contact us for more information.

Entry Requirements for the Food Science Course

• You will need at least 5 credits in SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels (inclusive of Mathematics and 2 pure science subjects) to join the Foundation in Science.
• Students with STPM will need 3 principal Cs or A-Levels 3 principal Es in Chemistry, Biology & Mathematics / Physics.
• UEC students will need 5 credits (Bs) inclusive of Chemistry, Biology & Mathematics / Physics and 2 other subjects to enter into the degree.

Sample of Subjects that you will Study in a Food Science Degree Course

• Chemistry
• Calculus & Analytical Geometry for Applied Sciences
• Human Physiology
• Organic Chemistry
• Introduction to Biostatistics
• Physical & Inorganic Chemistry
• Kitchen Operations
• Structural Biochemistry
• Statistics & its Applications
• Nutraceuticals & Functional Food
• Food Physics
• Microbiology
• Principles of Nutrition
• Biochemistry & Metabolism
• Food Chemistry
• Lifespan Nutrition
• Fundamentals of Food Engineering
• Entrepreneurship for Applied Sciences
• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Processing & Packaging
• Food Microbiology
• Halal & Food Legislation
• Food Safety & Quality System
• Nutritional Assessment
• Food Commodities
• Nutrition & Chronic Diseases
• Nutrition in Exercise & Physical Activity
• Fermentation Technology & Downstream Processing
• Nutrition & Functional Food
• Nutrition, Food & Society

What Do Food Scientists Do?

Food Scientists are the guardians of our food supply and they are responsible for converting the world’s harvest into safe, sanitary and appetizing food products. They are also inventors of new products and new methods of food processing and preservation. Through their efforts we enjoy a variety of safe and nutritious foods.

Furthermore, Food Scientists are concerned with the development of fundamental information concerning the chemical, physical and biological properties and interactions of food and their components.

Food Scientists are also hired to perform research and to develop processed foods that have the right taste and consistency. Food Scientists apply the basic sciences, mathematics and engineering to converting agricultural commodities to edible food or beverages.

Food scientists may also develop ways to process, preserve, package, or store food, according to industry and government specifications and regulations. Consumers seldom think of the vast array of foods and the research and development that has resulted in tasty, nutritious, safe, and convenient foods.

Examples of the activities of food scientists include the development of new food products, design of processes to produce these foods, choice of packaging materials, self-life studies, sensory evaluation of the product with trained expert panels or potential consumers, as well as microbiological and chemical testing.

The simplest example is the instant noodles where the noodles and its ingredients need to be dried but when hot water is added, it “cooks” and turns into edible food that is acceptable to our taste. Cheese is also another product that Food Scientists work on from processing the milk into cheese.

As Malaysia grows and our food products become more in demand locally and overseas, the job demand for Food Scientists increase. Who knows, you may be hired to turn our famous Satay or Penang Char Keow Teow into microwaveable products.

• Food Scientists in Malaysia Ensure the Quality Control of Food
  • Food Science processes are use to make sure that the taste, aroma, texture, colour and nutrients in food are maintained. All these start to decline as soon as raw food materials or ingredients are harvested or collected. Food Scientists will perform research and development to try to minimize this decline.
  • Food processing is designed to remove health hazards associated with microbial pathogens. Pasteurization of milk is just one of many examples of processes that reduce the risk of food-borne illness and extend shelf life.
• Food Scientist Help to Develop Convenience in Food Consumption
  • Malaysians have become busy with the modern lifestyle therefore increasing the demand for easy to make foods to suit this lifestyle.
• Food Scientists in Malaysia Find Ways to Prevent Disease Prevention
  • A deficiency in vitamin D has caused Rickets, a common childhood disease. Food Scientists fortified milk and other products which has stopped this disease. Fortification of foods such as cereal, bread and pasta with folic acid, a B vitamin that helps make healthy new cells, has helped reduce the risk of serious birth defects.
• Food Scientists Discover Ways for Sustainability
  • Commercial food manufacturing operations are more efficient in the conversion of raw materials into consumer products than home processing and preparation. Through life-cycle assessments of the environmental impacts of the food system, waste-management practices are being refined and improved further.

What will you do in your Job as a Food Scientist?

As a food scientist, your work could involve:

• Finding the best balance of ingredients to improve flavour in food formulation
• Discovering healthy new foods through research
• Investigating the effects of bioactive food components like prebiotics and antioxidants on health
• Helping to ensure foods are safely processed and produced
• Maintaining quality in food manufacturing
• Making foods stay safe and stable for longer.

Wherever you choose to take your degree, you will have the scientific knowledge and experience to contribute to a healthier world.

Are there Jobs for Food Science Graduates in Malaysia?

The food industry is one of the largest in the world, and people will always have to eat. This means if you are working anywhere along the food supply chain, you will always have a job.

Food Science is a relatively untapped career option with great future prospects. With the increased use of science and technology in food production, there is an increasing demand for professionals in this field.

Food Scientists can help these people through their expertise. Food Scientists have developed genetically modified rice that is fortified with beta-carotene which the body converts into vitamin A, and they are also working on other kinds of nutritionally improved crops.

Job demand for Food Science professionals in Malaysia is high with so many Food manufacturing companies such as Kraft, Kawan Foods, Nestle, Lee Kum Kee, Maggie, F&N, Guinness Anchor, M&M, Gardenia, Carlsberg Brewery, Old Town White Coffee, Unilever Food Solutions, and more.