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New food and nutrition degree program in Saskatchewan

Jan 20, 2022 | 4:53 PM

MELFORT, Sask. – The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has addressed the growing need for training in food sciences.

The new undergraduate bachelor of science in food and nutrition degree is for a distinct group of students wanting to build knowledge in food chemistry, and food processing along with knowledge of food nutrition and the role that nutrients play in human health.

College of Agriculture and Bioresources dean Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn said students will learn how agricultural commodities are transformed into safe, nutritious, and sustainable food sources.

“People are more health-conscious than ever, with a focus on what foods we eat and how they function to promote health,” Bedard-Haughn said. “This program fits with our core college mission of helping feed a growing, hungry world in sustainable ways.”

Industry has made numerous requests to develop an academic program like this. Dr. Darren Korber, department head of food and bioproduct sciences at USask said employers are looking for graduates who can address consumer trends in food and health.

“Possible careers for graduates of the program include nutritional researchers, wellness program co-ordinators, food product developers, food service co-ordinators and more,” Korber said.

The new program will be housed in the college of agriculture and bioresources, with students taking both agbio classes and classes offered by the college of pharmacy and nutrition.

Students can enter the BSc in food and nutrition program directly from high school or transfer in from another post-secondary program. They will learn how to address emergent needs in the food, health, and wellness sectors with the strong academic background of both nutrition and food science.

Students will also receive hands-on lab experience, along with the opportunity for a summer work term that earns university credit.

The new program is accepting applications for classes beginning in September 2022.

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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