Why Study an Honors Program?

The BSc Honors in Food Science or Nutrition degrees are intended for highly-motivated students with exceptional ability who plan to pursue graduate studies. It also prepares you for research-oriented careers in the food industry, including scientific research, applied research, and product development in the private and public sectors. It requires a higher standard of academic achievement for both admission and ongoing performance, and challenges students to complete an honors research project. 

Follow your area of interest or desired career path by selecting one of two honours programs. 

  • The BSc Honors in Food Science examines topics such as food microbiology, food chemistry, food processing and engineering, sensory evaluation, and product development. Apply physics and engineering principles to food, such as safely transporting food with consideration for heat transfer. The Honors in Food Science program meets the guidelines of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). With two years of industry experience, graduates can get an IFT designation in the United States.
  • The BSc Honors in Nutrition focuses on nutritional science and the related physical, health and social sciences. This program prepares you for graduate-level studies in nutrition, or for a career in health sciences, nutrition policy, health promotion, education or research in the private or public sectors. It explores advanced nutritional physiology and biochemistry and how nutrition impacts health and disease. This program can be a pathway to the Dietetics Specialization.  

Careers

  • Product Development Specialist
  • Quality Assurance Manager
  • Research Scientist

Most students that complete this honours program pursue graduate studies. Check out the U of A's Food and Nutrition Science Career Guide for more options.

 
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Learn alongside current research

Students interested in research will be inspired by experts in the field, and may even learn on location with current projects at the U of A. Nutrition students can get involved with the Human Nutrition Research Unit (pictured), directed by Canadian Academy of Health Sciences fellow Carla Prado. Students pursuing food science will be interested in work underway at the Agri-Food Discovery Place, where Royal Society of Canada fellow Michael Gänzle studies food safety and microbiology. ALES supports these projects and many other opportunities as a research-intensive faculty.

 

Featured Courses

Quality Assurance (NU FS 312)

Statistical methods in quality assurance, sampling plans, control charts, sensory evaluation and risk management in the food industry, HACCP, good manufacturing practices, food regulations, Iabelling requirements and ISO 9000 standards.

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Food Chemistry (NU FS 372)

The fundamental chemistry of major and minor components of food and food additives. The relationship between chemistry and function in food systems is discussed. Laboratory emphasizes analytical techniques. 

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Food Science Honors Research Project (NU FS 407)

An independent research project on a current topic in Food Science supervised by a faculty member. The results of the research project will be presented in a written report and oral presentation. 

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Innovations in Food Science (NU FS 490)

Integrated exploration of emerging concepts and novel technologies and innovations in food science.

View in course catalogue

 

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