get into food and nutrition
TRANSCRIPT
Get into food and nutrition
Contents
Get into food science and technology 3
Get into nutrition 10
Meet the staff 16
Facilities and support 19
|Food and drink manufacturing is vital to the UK economy. The food sector (excluding agriculture and fishing) in Great Britain employed 3.6m people in Q4 2019 (12% of the entire employment for Great Britain).|
Did you know…
Get into food science and technology
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What is food science and technology?Food science and technology focuses on how food is produced, what’s in it, and how it affects our health as individuals and as a society. Food scientists and technologists are professionals working in vital sections of our society including food supply, food processing, food quality and safety regulation, food research, and public health.
> Food quality control inspectors and food safety officers make sure companies meet hygiene and safety standards, and that products are safe to eat.
> Food technologists and quality managers work in the food industry and regulatory bodies to ensure our foods are produced legally, safely and are good quality.
> New product development technologists work in the food industry to create new food products that are trendy, exciting, tasty and attractive but also nutritious, safe and ethical.
> Process technologists control and optimise the food production processes to ensure good production efficiency and food products that are of a high quality.
> Food scientists study the microbiological, physical and chemical properties of food to ensure it is safe to eat, can be produced safely and efficiently, and is nutritious, as well as seeking novel applications of food ingredients and processing technologies.
What do food science and technology graduates do?
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scientifically-minded
keen to see and taste your own
creations
curious about food science and
nutrition
passionate about food
a good team player
able to multitask
love problem-solving
You’ll need to be…
Am I the right kind of person to work in food science and technology?
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What do I need to become a professional in food science and technology?
You might need to undertake specific
training and acquire additional qualifications
in your workplace to progress.
To complete a relevant degree, such as BSc (Hons) Food Science
and Technology.
For entry level roles, a degree in food science
and technology can give you a solid foundation to
build your career on.
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BSc (Hons) Food Science and TechnologyUCAS code: D631 BSc/FST
At Teesside University there are fully equipped microbiological and chemical analysis labs to carry out practical investigative projects and explore a range of ingredients and food products.
There is also a food product development lab, which is fitted with small scale processing equipment, to gain experience of food processing and food product development.
In the first and second year of study you focus on topics including food science and nutrition, food sustainability, food science and chemistry, and food manufacturing.
The final-year modules, Food Product Development, and Food Safety Management and Law prepare you for a career in the food industry. You also develop your independent learning skills through a research project in food technology.
What’s it like to study food science and technology at Teesside University?
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| STUDENT PROFILEJames Cronin BSc (Hons) Food Science and Engineering*
Why university and why Teesside?I enjoyed biology and chemistry at school and, as food is essential to life, thought this would be a great career path. I took a higher apprenticeship with Quorn Foods and completed a foundation degree in food science and technology, working as a process technologist for two years. I realised I was missing key knowledge, which I could gain from doing a degree.
Why food science and engineering?The course covers all aspects of my current role and other roles within the food industry, such as quality and new product development, and I can better assist these functions.
What do you like most about your course?I like how relatable the subjects are to the industry, such as advanced food manufacturing and food safety management. I also really benefitted from the food sensory and product design, and food product development modules, as I’m involved with scaling product ideas up to factory level.
What do you think about the campus?It’s been modernised and is a real university hub. The Library is very resourceful and there are good areas for individual work on the quiet floors or meeting points for group projects.
Teesside has everything on your doorstep, the town, countryside, and seaside. If you climb to the top of the Eston Hills you can see it all. It’s also great for nightlife, from Middlesbrough to Redcar, Stockton and Yarm. There’s a lot of industry around us, so there are plenty of career opportunities.
Do you have a job?I’m a process technologist at Quorn Foods. My role includes improving the manufacturing process on the four lines at the Stokesley site. This could be by increasing yields, by reducing product giveaway and waste or by increasing throughput by adjusting settings on current machinery or looking at new machinery. I also am involved with factory trials and upscaling new products from kitchen to plant.
My ambition for the future is to advance in the role I am currently in and guide an apprentice through the same route that I came through.
What skills have you gained at Teesside that you feel will help in your chosen career?I have gained a more rounded view of the food industry which helps me understand how other departments are working and how best to work alongside each other to complete a common goal.
Would you recommend Teesside University and your course?Definitely, especially to people looking to enter a career in the food industry. The area has plenty of food companies that require skilled workers which means there are plenty of entry points for graduates in their desired field of the industry.
“I like how relatable the subjects are to the industry ...
*Now BSc (Hons) Food Science and Technology
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“I had an amazing time, achieved a first-class honours degree and now I’ve got my dream job.
Rebecca Storey BSc (Hons) Food Science and Engineering*
Why Teesside?I was drawn to food science because it has clear links to manufacturing food alongside the science and safety of making it. At an open day all the staff and students were friendly, welcoming and caring, and I was impressed by a campus tour and all the facilities.
What was your course like?We learnt in a range of ways, from small lectures and large cross-course lectures to working in the food, chemistry and cell biology labs. Additional opportunities included competitions, working with local businesses and industry events. I also loved modules such as food safety, bacteria, the science behind cooking processes.
What was your favourite module? My dissertation – I made crisps and explored four pre-treatment methods comparing texture, colour, reducing sugar content and microstructure. I gained confidence using a fryer alongside specialist equipment such as a textural analyser, colorimeter and scanning electron microscope.
Did you do an industry placement? I did a placement at SK Foods. I learnt so much about the food industry and new product development which helped significantly with my studies. I worked in the kitchens with the chefs to make new products, completed manufacturing specifications, quality assurance documents, participated in product tastings sessions, and carried out product reheat verifications. It gave me an insight into what I wanted for my career, which helped when I was applying for jobs.
What did you think about the campus?I loved how close the campus was to the shops in the centre of Middlesbrough. I also enjoyed going to the cafés, bars and restaurants surrounding the University. Most days I would visit the University’s cafes and Students’ Union.
| STUDENT PROFILE
*Now BSc (Hons) Food Science and Technology
Were you part of any societies or volunteering programmes?I was a student ambassador and loved every minute of it. It was an amazing team and it was a privilege to promote the University and higher education to schools and colleges. I also volunteered as a Girlguiding Rainbow leader.
Did you receive any financial support from Teesside University?I received two scholarships from the University. I used the money for a variety of things including attending the London Produce Show, buying essential textbooks and equipment. The show gave me a greater knowledge of the fresh food industry, food production. I networked with other professionals, and it was a great to talk to food students from other universities.
What are you doing now? I’m a development technologist at SK Foods. My role includes sampling new products and trialling them at our manufacturing sites, through to photography of samples and packaging.
Is there anything else? The staff were fantastic and were always available if you had any problems. I had an amazing time, achieved a first-class honours degree and now I’ve got my dream job.
Get into nutrition
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What is nutrition?Nutrition is the relationship between diet, lifestyle and health outcomes, in individuals and society. It is a multi-disciplinary science, where you study biochemistry, physiology, food science, and behaviour.
> The food industry is a great destination for nutrition graduates.
> Nutritionists work for the government, local authorities, and charities involved in health. Some are self-employed, offering nutritional advice to individuals and organisations.
> Public health nutritionists are experts in diet and nutrition, focusing on understanding issues in population nutrition, and developing effective solutions to improve the health of the population.
> Sports nutritionists advise athletes about healthy eating and lifestyle choices to improve fitness, health, and performance.
> Teaching is a great career for graduates who want to pass their skills and knowledge on to the next generation.
> Postgraduate opportunities in areas such as dietetics, public health and nutrition.
What do nutrition graduates do?
hardworking and take leadership for
projects
a good communicator at
local, national and international levels
able to develop innovative solutions
to real-world problems
someone who wants to change the world
for the better
keen to work in the ever changing field of food and
nutrition
motivated and a creative
thinker
passionate and knowledgeable
a dynamic team player
You’ll need to be…
Am I the right kind of person to work in nutrition?
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What do I need to become a professional in the field of nutrition?
Knowledge, skills and experience in nutrition to develop your career after
graduation.
To complete a relevant degree, such as
BSc (Hons) Nutrition.
Specific training and additional qualifications
in your workplace to progress.
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BSc (Hons) NutritionUCAS code: BD46 BSc/N
It’s a course which focuses on a range of subjects including science, anatomy, clinical practice and marketing; supported by a highly qualified team of academics, practitioners and technicians in industry-standard labs.
You study the complex interactions between food composition, metabolism, diet, health and behaviour – all vital in the drive to reduce the incidence of long-term conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Our graduates have achieved great success in their chosen career. Recent graduate destinations include Quorn Foods, Glanbia Performance Nutrition, Huel, Kerry, Ornua Nutrition Ingredients, Science in Sport, and Robert Linley Ltd. Two of our graduates were instrumental in the development of Quorn’s vegan range, work which began when they were still undergraduates.
Graduates are also well-equipped to set up their own business through the University’s student entrepreneurship programmes.
What’s it like to study nutrition at Teesside University?
Beth Clemmit BSc (Hons) Food Science and Nutrition*
Why university and why Teesside?My undergraduate degree in food science and nutrition at Teesside was an obvious choice for me. The course was varied, and the tutors were very supportive.
I returned to Teesside for my masters due to the expertise and support from the course tutors and lecturers, and the modules align with my current career in food research and development, and my future career aspirations.
What do you like most about your course?It covers a wide range of industry-relevant topics and has a good balance of theoretical and practical lab-based learning. I really enjoyed the food chemistry module, it was delivered and taught in a way that relates to the food industry and the knowledge will help in my career.
What do you think about the campus and the services offered? The campus heart has a great feel to it and gives an amazing first impression. The facilities and services are excellent, and I use the Library several times a week, it’s a great learning environment.
There are so many amenities on your doorstep and local industry offers a whole host of student placement and graduate opportunities. It’s a busy thriving industrial town, but in a short 20-minute drive you can be at the beach or surrounded by beautiful countryside.
What skills/experience have you gained that you feel will help you in your chosen career?I have gained skills in report writing and presenting to large groups, which are vital in any career. I have also learnt how to manage my time and workload to meet deadlines – a crucial part of project management in the workplace.
| STUDENT PROFILE
*Now BSc (Hons) Nutrition
What are you doing now?I am studying my masters part time and working as a research and development technologist at Quorn Foods. I work on the Quorn Vegan range, and my role involves scoping, analytical testing and research of new plant proteins, food process development and innovation and creation of product specifications. More consumers are turning to plant-based diets and the demand for Quorn Vegan products has increased, which makes it fast paced and challenging.
What are your ambitions for the future?I hope to progress within the food industry, particularly focussing on product development, research and food processing. I also have a keen interest in animal welfare and sustainability so want to stay working within companies that have a strong focus on this.
Would you recommend Teesside University and your courses? Definitely. The University is very accommodating and supportive of students, especially for those studying a degree alongside a full or part time job. Teesside is a great learning and social environment.
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“The campus heart has a great feel to it and gives an amazing first impression.
I am the course leader for the food courses. My undergraduate degree was from Harbin University of Commerce, China, and my MSc Food Science and Quality Assurance was from the University of Leeds. My PhD work is in plant biology carried out in one of the world’s oldest agricultural research institutions, Rothamsted Research.
I also manage several research and consultancy projects, working with various food manufacturers and technology companies. I am passionate about transferring knowledge into practical use through developing new processes or improving current processing technologies. My research at Teesside is embedded into the course programmes, which means students benefit from a real-life research experience. I enjoy seeing them develop and I love to hear their career progression after they graduate.
Dr Jibin HeSenior lecturer in food science and technology
I graduated from Teesside with a BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Science (Applied Sports Science and Exercise Physiology). I gained my MSc Sports and Exercise Nutrition at Loughborough University, and a PhD in pre- and post-carbohydrate ingestion on metabolism and exercise performance at the University of Hull. I’m a qualified health trainer for NHS health training initiatives and also deliver nutritional and sports science support in professional and international football.
My research interests include obesity, glycaemic index, exercise performance and I’m currently conducting research into the effects of high fat, low carbohydrate diets on health parameters and athletic performance.
I use past and current cases to teach, as well as to demonstrate research methods and techniques.
Dr Laura BrownSenior lecturer in nutrition, food and health sciences
| MEET THE STAFF
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I gained a BSc and PhD in chemical engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. I worked as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Huddersfield, researching food wastes and sustainable resources in collaboration with Lucozade Ribena Suntory and AB Agri.
I lead modules on both undergraduate and postgraduate food courses.
My research looks at the relationship between the structure and physicochemical properties of biopolymers and how it can lead to innovative functional applications. Students can be involved in research at various stages of their course including carrying out a final year project as a part of a larger research project, taking on semi-independent research tasks through student researcher projects, and developing new research interests in projects and assignments.
Dr Maria DimopoulouLecturer in food science and technology
I graduated with BSc (Hons) Chemistry, and MSc Biotechnology at Teesside University. I’m a point of contact to discuss course related matters. My main focus is on teaching, although I do have research interests in areas such as hydroponics and sustainable food in general.
Learning is a collaborative activity, and students who actively engage with their subject are usually very successful both at university and in their professional careers. Luckily, most food students are already highly motivated and want to change the world! Myself and my colleagues encourage students to make the most they can of their time at university. As well as the taught material we also actively encourage students to take up volunteering and other work experience.
Nigel AtkinsonCourse leader in nutrition
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| STUDENT PROFILEAngelica Avolio BSc (Hons) Food and Nutrition*
Why university and why Teesside?I went to university to gain the knowledge and qualifications required to work in the food industry, and the course was relevant.
What do you like most about your course?My undergraduate course enabled me to learn about different aspects of the food sector and linked subjects, such as immunology, nutrition, public health, food chemistry and food law. My favourite modules were clinical nutrition, food chemistry, and human metabolism.
What do you think about the campus?The campus has changed a lot, it was already great, but the investment in developing new services and spaces is worth it. The Library is one of my favourite places, there are spaces where you can concentrate, but also relax.
The services, such as counselling and student finance, were very helpful.
Are you a member of any clubs or societies, or a student ambassador?I work as a student ambassador, which involves talking to people and helping staff during events on and off campus. It’s also a great opportunity to socialise and get to know other students.
I’m also a volunteer in the research department of James Cook University Hospital. I am a member of the pole fitness club, it’s a chilled, yet energetic club.
What skills have you gained at Teesside that you feel will help in your chosen career?I’ve gained knowledge and developed skills in different areas of the food sector such as new product development, nutrition, labelling, legislation, regulations, and food chemistry. This has led to me launching a start-up company for food and sports supplements. I believe I still have a lot to learn, but my course provided me with very strong basis.
I would love to progress further with my company, or in the NPD or R&D department of a big food company.
Would you recommend Teesside University and your course?I would 100% recommend Teesside University – I already have. It is a supportive environment, with so many projects and events happening, where you can network and further develop your skills. The lecturers are always very helpful and go the extra mile to ensure students get all the material they require to work on assignments and study for exams. The advice I would give to someone thinking of coming to Teesside, is to come here, it’s one of the greatest things I ever did.
“I would 100% recommend Teesside University – I already have.
*Now BSc (Hons) Nutrition
Facilities and support
As a Teesside University student, you have access to some excellent facilities, supporting you to put your learning into practice and gain the expertise and knowledge needed to be successful in your future career.
Teesside UniversityMiddlesbrough Tees Valley TS1 3BX UK tees.ac.uk
TeessideUni
TeessideUni CA
G 1
2044
/HR
Teesside University tees.ac.uk
Institute of Food Science & Technology ifst.org
Food Standards Agency food.gov.uk
European Food Safety Authority efsa.europa.eu
Association for Nutrition associationfornutrition.org
The Nutrition Society nutritionsociety.org
The European Food Information Council eufic.org/en
T: +44 (0) 1642 342933
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