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Informatics & DesignFood Science and Technology
Food Science and Technology is the application of food science to the selection, preservation, processing, packaging and distribution of food. This is used to ensure that a safe, nutritious and wholesome food is made available to the consumer.
Food Scientists study the physical, microbiological, and chemical composition of food. Depending on their area of specialization, Food Scientists may then use this knowledge to, develop ways to process, preserve, package and store food, safely (Food Product Development), according to industry and government specifications and regulations.
The Food Science and Technology Department staff compliment is highly qualified and do not only teach at the National Diploma and B. Tech. levels, but are all involved in research projects with B. Tech. and M. Tech. students.
Vision
To be at the heart of Food Science and Technology Education and Innovation in Africa.
Mission
To create and sustain an empowering environment for developing technologically skilled and socially responsive graduates, using innovative teaching, research and a work integrated learning approach; fostering active partnerships with industry and community in order to be a centre of excellence for the training of Food Scientists.
Who creates the food we eat?
Have you ever wondered who is responsible for creating your favourite chocolate, cereal, cool drink or even slice of bread?
The answer is Food Scientists.
Many people are under the misconception that chefs are responsible for creating food products, however, the development of every food products starts with a Food Scientists in a laboratory.
From the development of recipes to ensure the correct flavor of a food product, to conducting a wide range of scientific tests to ensure products meet food standards set by authorities, Food Scientists are highly skilled individuals who incorporate their science and math skills with their love for food.
Developing new products
As part of the training programme in the Food Science and Technology Department, all final year Food Science and Technology students participate in the “New Product Development” initiative.
This exciting project allows students to think out of the box and use all aspects of food science that they have been exposed to and come up with a real product that tastes really good.
The New Product Development initiative involves the following:
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BriefStudents receive a brief and have to develop ideas for suitable food products. They are tasked to work in groups. |
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Idea and concept generationEach group must develop a product and present their ideas to staff members for approval. |
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Experimental trialsSmall-scale experiments are conducted in the research and development kitchen. |
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Product testingMicrobiological tests are conducted to ensure food safety for human consumption. |
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Food ChemistryA range of chemical tests are performed to generate nutritional and shelf life information. |
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Sensory evaluationEach product is evaluated to check if it will appeal to consumers. |
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CommercialisationIf the product meets all the necessary food requirements and standards, students are given the go-ahead to commercialise it. |
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Packaging and labellingStudents have to design their own packaging and labels that meet legislation. |
Product launchAfter a year of hard work, the final products are showcased to the public at the New Product Launch. |
Facilities
Facilities and Equipment at the CPUT Food Science and Technology Department
Our food factory is a state-of-the-art facility comparable to similar setups overseas. There is no single educational facility comparable to it on the African continent. The comprehensive collection of laboratory and factory equipment ensures that students will have been exposed to various equipment they are likely to encounter in the food industry at the end of their studies.
Gallery
2012
Every year the final year ND and BTech students showcase a variety of new products they have been working on through the 2nd semester of the year, this year as always the students came up with very good ideas which brought elicited compliments from all that attended.
The Food Technology extended curriculum students got an opportunity of a life time, when they where chosen to attend a HACCP workshop organised onsite by Unilever. The students learnt a lot and were very happy for the rare opportunity. Unilever has indicated that they would want to continue to train our students for as long as there is funding to do so. Kudos to them!!!
Our marketing drive to educate high school students about the Food Technology department seems to be paying dividends, as we get visitors from various schools during the course of the year. This year as usual we entertain the students with various aspects of food technology. The enthusiastic students are only too eager to learn.
A yearly occurrence, which Food Technology only just started document last year, is the New Product Development Workshop, which is organised by the department for members of the food industry. This workshop is always well attended and has speakers from various parts of SA and overseas giving talks and demonstrations on the >NPD process. Food technologists who have heard about, but not attended the workshop are already looking forward to this years (2013) event.
2011
Staff members and students letting their hair down, (some literarily) to enjoy these days
Final year students showcasing their new products at the 2011 NPD launch.
Extended curriculum students program delivering a workshop they developed for the local fish farmers, to said farmers in Stellenbosch
Extended curriculum program students visiting a fish farm in Jonkershoek, in order to get an idea of the process that take place, so that they can develop a workshop to help the farmers overcome their shortcomings as far as the quality of the fish for further processing is concerned
2010
2009
2008
Become a Food Scientist
Food Scientists study for 4 years. To qualify, students need Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences.