What is the Difference Between Food Technology and Food Science?

Nowadays, food science and food technology are being confused to be the same by many people. This perception is completely wrong. Both the courses are interdependent but not the same. The following blog takes you through the different aspects of these courses.

What is Food Science?

The term science cannot be effortlessly expressed in a few words. Biological, physical and chemical sciences are some of the primary science streams, which may be further divided into numerous subdivisions. Food science is an applied science that is associated with foods, and it is a combination of all of the above simple sciences. Food science contains distinctive subject areas including food chemistry, food physics, microbiology, preservation, food nutrition, food evaluation etc. People engaged in getting to know food science and innovating new technologies associated with foods are referred to as food scientists.

What is Food Technology?

Technology is the output of the advanced utilization of science. Also, it may be referred to as applied science. When science information is developing daily, human beings tend to apply it to get maximum advantage out of that. This rings true for the food industry too. They additionally attempt to use scientific improvements for the development of the enterprise. These applications or technologies may be categorized as food process technology, storage technology and preservation technology.

What is the Difference between Food Science and Food Technology?

Technology is one of the main issues of science. The behaviour of various components in food items may be defined via means of food science while the application of that information is called technology. Those who’re engaged in exploring scientific elements of foods are known as food scientists, and people who adopt new technologies to the industry are known as food technologists.

Here is the basic difference between Food Science and Food Technology:

Food Science Vs Food Technology – Scope

With the rapid growth and development with inside the food industry, the want for professional experts in food science and technology is excessive to ensure safe manufacture, packaging and food items.

Graduates in Food Technology have hired in food production sectors and their need is likewise excessive with inside the R&D branch in diverse food-associated industries.

In the past few years, the profession as a food scientist has also won recognition and reputation, which has brought about the opening of many job options for new aspirants.

Food Science Vs Food Technology – Career Opportunities

For a food technology pursuer, the following careers are available-

  • Food technologist: Production/Operation/ QA/QC
  • R&D: New Product & Process Development
  • Marketing & Sales, Business Development & Marketing analysis
  • Procurement & Supply chain management

For a food science graduate, the following career prospects are there:

  • Food microbiologist or food safety expert
  • Food Process and Packaging Design Engineer
  • Quality Control Supervisor
  • Food Plant Production Supervisor or Manager
  • Ingredient, Product, or Equipment Sales Representative/Manager

Both the courses have ample career opportunities and a graduate can be easily assured of a good career.

Food Science Vs Food Technology – Roles & Responsibilities

Food scientists examine food on the levels of testing, consumption, nutrition, and production. Those who focus on manufacturing might also additionally help develop more efficient and secure packaging and production systems. Those who work in quality assurance will carefully study food for nutrients and protection standards. Job responsibilities of a food scientist include:

  • Execute scientific experiments to improve food products
  • Effectively relay findings to the government, the food industry, and the public
  • Ensure that government regulations for safety and hygiene are being met
  • Keep updated records of nutritional and safety requirements

Food technologists work with food production corporations to make certain that the food they produce meets standards, whilst additionally using their scientific background to assist in developing new products. Job responsibilities of a food technologist include:

  • Determine estimates of shelf life for food products
  • Keep the economics of production in mind while developing new products
  • Monitor the reaction of the public once a new product is released
  • Keep reports and communicate findings of research and test panels

Food Science Vs Food Technology – Career Path

B.Sc. Hons. (Food Science) curriculum & syllabus

This 3-year graduate course is divided into 6 semesters and the syllabus according to the semesters is:

Semester 1 – Fundamentals of Food Processing and Preservation Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Microbiology Introduction to Food Engineering English and Communications SkillsSemester 2 – Post-Harvest Management of Food Crops (Cereal, Pulses and Oilseed) Food Processing Equipment’s Animal Product Technology  Food Biochemistry and Microbiology
Semester 3   – Food By products and its Utilization Bakery, Confectionery Technology Fruits and Vegetable Processing Food Quality, Safety and hygiene   Semester 4 –   Spices and Condiments Processing Environmental Science Health Food Product Development and Nutrition Food Business and Entrepreneurship Development Small Business Enterprise (SME) Start up
Semester 5 –     Food Packaging Food Supply Chain Management Patronage Food Processing Sensory Quality and Artificial IntelligenceSemester 6 – Food Quality Analysis Techniques Fermentation and Product Development Technology IT Applications and Ethics in Food Product Development and Technology Project (Hands on Training/Industry Internship) Seminar
B. Tech Food Technology curriculum & syllabus

This 4-year graduate course is divided into 8 semesters and the syllabus according to the semesters is:

Semester 1 – Professional Elective course-5 Principles of Food  Processing Post-Harvest Managements of Fruit and Vegetable Basics in Food Chemistry Fundamentals of Microbiology Basics of Food Engineering Engineering Drawing Mathematics – I (Calculus and Linear Algebra) EnglishSemester 2 – Applied Chemistry and Human Nutrition Food Microbiology Basics in Computer Application Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer Cereal Processing & Technology Legume and Oilseed Technology Mathematics –II (Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations and                Complex Variable)  
Semester 3   – Meat Poultry and Fish Technology Food Packaging Technology Food Biochemistry Food Processing Equipment & Design –I Dairy Product Processing Bakery and Confectionery Technology Fermentation Technology Mathematics -IIISemester 4 –   Fruit and Vegetable Processing Science of Food Additives Food Quality Control Food Processing Equipment & Design –II Industrial Food Hygiene and Sanitation Spice Science and Technology Introduction to Business Management Environmental Science
Semester 5 –     Beverage Technology Techniques in Food Analysis Food Safety and Security Refrigeration Engineering Food Trade Management Professional Elective course-1 Professional Elective course-2 Open Elective Course-1 Open Elective Course-2Semester 6 – Food Processing Plant Design and Layout Specialty Food Processing Technology Food Biotechnology Food Laws and Regulatory Governance Professional Elective Course-3 Professional Elective Course-4 Open Elective Course-3 Open Elective Course-4 Ethics in Food Business Management
Semester 7   –    Food Industry InternshipSemester 8 – Professional Elective course-5 Seminar and Group Discussions Hands-on Training                            Village Adoption Program

A food scientist generally requires a bachelor’s degree from an authorized university or college to go into this career field; however, most of them go on to earn a master’s or doctorate. Certifications are typically not required for a food scientist, however, they can assist enhance your career once you begin working.

These may be earned from various organizations. The American Society of Agronomy, the constitute of Food Technologists (IFT), or the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) are a few that provide resources and these certifications. Internships are highly looked upon for potential food scientists and this is an excellent way to benefit hands-on experience and networking with potential future employers. And then you are good to go!

On the other hand, to become a food technologist you generally need to have completed a bachelor’s degree in science with a major in food technology or nutrition from any reputed and recognized institute. After having passed their graduation and having a number of the positions, they can go for further Master’s Degrees. A Master’s degree is essential for having better management positions. They can also have further research work after it. And then, you are good to go!

Food Science Vs Food Technology – Which is Better?

Each of the two has its benefits and drawbacks. No course can be better than the other, but it depends on the interests and competencies of the pursuer. A pupil may pursue any of the two as per his interests and passion from the right institute with all the facilities a graduate need.

Conclusion

MIT ADT University for Food Technology from MIT School of Food Technology (MIT SoFT) is one of the most reputed institutes for the course in food technology. The career of a graduate reaches heights when his competencies are provided with MIT ADT University’s highly experienced faculty and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The students get a student-friendly curriculum and regular workshops are held to make learning easy. The hostel facilities and various co-curricular activities are a benefit.

Study with MIT ADT University and excel in the field of food technology! Start your exciting career in Food Technology at MIT School of Food Technology from MIT ADT University, with their strong industry linkage, a graduate gets amazing placement opportunities. To know more about the programme,  explore the Food Technology course

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