Food Chemistry (Bachelor)

From the very first semester, you will work on practical tasks in the laboratory and learn how to handle chemicals and equipment responsibly. Courses attended in parallel provide the theoretical background. From the basics of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry to biology—the programme provides insides into everything you need to know as a food chemist. You will receive theoretical and practical training in the following areas:

• general and inorganic chemistry

• analytical chemistry

• biology and biochemistry

• mathematics and physics

• organic chemistry

• physical chemistry

• food chemistry

• food analysis

• food technology

In addition to these subjects, the curriculum also includes courses not related to the natural sciences as well as courses on key skills such as foreign languages or presentation techniques. You complete the degree programme with a Bachelor’s thesis in food chemistry or technology or related fields. Please note that according to the APVO, the training to become a state-certified food chemist includes the B.Sc., the M.Sc. and a practical year in public food inspection.

Gain intercultural experience

Would you like to complete part of your studies abroad? No problem. Your achievements from studying abroad will be recognised if you spend one or two semesters at a European partner university. This will not extend the duration of your studies. You can also receive funding for internships abroad through corresponding programmes.

Studying abroad [in German only]

What skills do I need?

You can use our self-assessment: Fit4TU is a computer-assisted questionnaire to assess your own expectations as well as the knowledge and skills needed for working in the disciplines of chemistry.

If you enjoyed scientific and mathematical subjects at school, you have a sound basis. However, it is not a prerequisite that you had chemistry as an advanced course in school. Food chemistry is a subject in which you can not only satisfy your “scientific curiosity” but can also develop manual dexterity. Imagination and the ability to abstract will help you to visualise and think in models and to logically and creatively link experimental observations with chemical, physical and biological facts. Knowledge of English becomes more and more important already in the Bachelor’s degree programme, as most of the international specialised literature is published in English and it is often spoken at conferences. Moreover, most global player in the area of food chemistry are operating internationally.

Well prepared for a practice-oriented career

The Bachelor’s degree programme at TU Braunschweig offers you a broad basic education. This means you are well prepared for a practice-oriented career or a subsequent Master’s degree programme. As a food chemist, you can choose from a wide range of occupational fields. Having a Master’s degree in Food Chemistry, followed by training as a state-certified food chemist, is recommended for many occupational areas. With the B.Sc. in Food Chemistry you can work in the following areas, for example:

• food inspection (testing laboratories)

• commercial laboratories

• research facilities

• food, chemical or pharmaceutical industry

• equipment manufacturers, preferably with a focus on analytics

• marketing and sales

• consultancy on chemistry- and environment-related issues

• media and journalism

• educational sector