News

Interest high for food, animal management courses

Media Release, Wednesday 19 March 2003

University of Melbourne’s new courses in food science, and animal science and management have experienced a demand that far outstripped places available.

The University’s Institute of Land and Food Resources introduced the courses this year. The Bachelor of Animal Science and Management received more than 500 preferences. The Bachelor of Food Science received more than 240.

Both courses appear to be meeting a previously unmet demand.

“Students are attracted to the University’s Bachelor of Animal Science and Management because of the focus of working with animals and the career opportunities it opens. Graduates find employment in a wide range of animal production, biomedical, environmental and service industries, community organisations concerned with animal welfare as well as advising and consulting,” says course coordinator Brian Leury.

“The course allows students to pursue animal specific subjects, that cover both domestic and companion animals, to a greater extent than is currently available in agricultural courses,” he says.

In food science, much of the demand is coming from industry. The University of Melbourne’s Bachelor of Food Science is one of the few courses to consider the entire food supply chain - from the farm to the plate. It also considers all aspects of supply chain management, including consumer issues arising from the technological advances in food production.

“The food industry is expanding rapidly in Australia and worldwide,” says course coordinator, Said Ajlouni.

“The demand for specialists in this industry is enormous, especially for those with knowledge of food microbiology, biotechnology, chemistry and the development and production of new foods, for example, minimally processed food such as ready-to-eat salad mix or functional foods such as low-fat, high fibre and high antioxidant foods,” he says.

“The industry is also researching ways to extend shelf life, maintain freshness and enhance safety and nutritional value of products. The Bachelor of Food Science is simply meeting the demands of industry.”

The University’s Bachelor of Agriculture at Parkville and Dookie, and the Bachelor of Resource Management also saw increases in first preferences. This backs up recent Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre data, which showed an increase in interest in studying agriculture and resource management statewide.

Courses such as the Bachelors of Animal Science and Management, Resource Management and Food Science also saw significant jumps in international student enrolments.