Bachelor of Science in Chemistry - Food Science Track

Program Description

This degree track is designed for students interested in working in food industries, food quality assurance work in private industry, government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration or pursuing graduate studies in food science. In addition to the general degree requirements, the track requires satisfactory completion of courses in chemistry, food chemistry, food science, mathematics, and physics. These provide the skills needed to succeed in a variety of food science careers. The Food Science track consists of a broad range of upper-level elective courses to expose students to modern techniques in chemistry and the chemistry of food, and help them expand their college experience. The curriculum emphasizes major chemical and biochemical (enzymatic) reactions that impact food quality with emphasis on food industry applications; the formulation and processing of foods; the role of flavor molecules in food, from both a sensory and food quality perspective; importance of food hygiene, sanitation, and safety during food processing unit operations; and basics of analysis of food and interpret the results.

Career Opportunities

Students majoring in chemistry may pursue careers as teachers, entry level chemist, and medicine.

Admission Requirements

There are no program specific admission requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of safety methodologies used in the chemical laboratory.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the diverse areas of chemistry.
• Demonstrate the practical use of chemistry in food science.

Additional Program Requirements

There are no program specific academic regulations.

Program of Study

Area A Essential Skills Required Hours: 9
ENGL 1101 (with a grade of "C" or better)
ENGL 1102 (with a grade of "C" or better)
MATH 1113

Area B Institutional Options Required Hours: 4
COMM 1110
Select one of the following courses:

OR
Select one of the following courses: Foreign Language 1001, 1002, 2001, or 2002
Any Area C-E course with a study abroad component.

Note: the two extra hours may be used as electives.

Area C Humanities/Fine Arts/Ethics Required Hours: 6
Select one of the following humanities courses:

Select one of the following fine arts courses: *ITDS 1145, though listed under both humanities and fine arts, may be taken only once.

Area D Science/Math/Technology Required Hours: 11
Take the following courses:
MATH 1131

Area E Social Sciences Required Hours: 12
Select one course from the following two courses:
HIST 2111
HIST 2112
Take the following course:
POLS 1101
Select one behavioral science course from the following courses:

Select one world cultures course from the following courses:

Wellness Requirement Required Hours: 3 

PHED 1205
Select any one PEDS course.

Area F Courses Related to Major Required Hours: 18
Students must have a C or better in the courses used to satisfy the major.

Area G Program Requirements Required Hours: 46
Students must have a C or better in the courses used to satisfy the major.

Area H Program Electives Required Hours: 14 
MATH 1131 (one hour from Area D)
MATH 1132 (one hour from Area F)

Select 12 semester hours from the following (at least 6 hours must be chemistry courses):

Additional courses in astronomy, biology, computer science, geology, mathematics, or engineering may be selected as approved by advisor and department chair.

Total Hours Required: 123