Feature

Build your Career in Food Engineering

Mohammad Mukul Hossain

FOOD science is a discipline concerned with all the technical aspects of food, beginning with harvesting or slaughtering, and ending with its cooking and consumption. It is considered a branch of the agricultural science, and is usually distinct from the field of nutrition. Examples of the activities of food scientists include the development of new food products, design of processes to produce these foods, choice of packaging materials, shelf-life studies, and sensory evaluation of the product with trained expert panels or potential consumers, as well as microbiological and chemical testing. Food scientists at universities may study more of the fundamental phenomena that are directly linked to the production of particular food products and its properties. Food science is in fact, a highly interdisciplinary applied science. It incorporates concepts from many different fields including microbiology, chemical engineering, biochemistry, and many others.

Life of a human being is solely dependent on food and health, hence the importance of food science and technology in keeping us healthy can never be overlooked. The fast paced life of today has ushered in the era of convenience food, or more popularly, the fast food culture in our country. On one hand, this has led to the growing demand for packed and processed food, and on the other, it has made the consumer more quality and nutrition conscious. All these factors portray a very encouraging picture on the future of Food Processing Industry in Bangladesh. This industry encompasses basic foods, like wheat and rice products and the processes for converting them into edible form; besides processed foods such as bakery & confectionery products, dairy products, meat and fish products, fruit and vegetable products in short, everything which is processed and packaged to enhance and prolong the edible shelf life. This technology has indeed revolutionized the food habits of the people in our country by having cooked and packed foods in attractive packages in their homes. In fact these foods have become a status symbol for many households in the country.

Institutions, Area of study and Eligibility for Education
Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh offers bachelors and masters degree in food engineering, under the department of Food Technology and Rural Industries. Candidates from studying science with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English and Biology or Agriculture after passing HSC are eligible for the under-graduate study. The admission to undergraduate programmes is centrally administered through an Admission Committee of Bangladesh Agricultural University. Usually, the notice for admission is advertised in the national newspapers soon after the results of HSC examinations are announced by the different Boards. Applications are invited each year for the January-June semester. Successful applicants must appear before a written admission test. From the merit list of the results of the admission test, qualified applicants are invited for viva examination and medical test before they go for final admission to undergraduate programme. The capacity of intake of newly admitted students is 30 for B. Sc. in Food Engineering.

Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Islamic University and Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University also offer bachelors degree in food processing and nutrition science.

Career Prospects
The Food Processing Industry is a very fast growing industry, with good job opportunities in Bangladesh and abroad. Processed and preserved foodstuff has been instrumental in bringing about a change in the food habits of a large urban populace. From eating merely for subsistence, people now prefer to supplement their diet with 'value-added food'. Increase in consumption of processed foods is noticeable across various sections of the population and the trend of 'eating out' has grown manifold. In tune with theses trends, the market for processed food is growing significantly and are attracting large integrated players into the field. With the open market policies of the government and globalization, this industry has also attracted multinational participation.

There is a plethora of opportunities for food technologists, mainly in institutions like processing industries, hotels, food industries, and the like.

Remuneration
Being a food scientist and technologist is all about success and quick career growth. To start as a fresher after an undergraduate degree in food science and technology, one can earn a salary ranging from Tk.10, 000 to Tk.18, 000 per month. However, a master degree holder can get a salary much higher depending upon the personal skills and caliber. In the present scenario, stepping-in of multi-national companies has further increased job prospects and lucrative salary packages in this industry.

(Student of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU)

This English Training Course conducted by SPEED commenced in June 2007 and the learners were required to complete the Intermediate Level by February 2008. The sessions for Advance Level began in May 2008 and its three modules were completed by April 2009. The teachers have obtained the benchmark for taking the Cambridge ESOL Examination which is held in the British Council and is internationally recognized. The Graduation Ceremony of these achievers was held on May 17, 2009 in the SPEED Corporate Office at Khawaja Tower, Mohakhali.

SPEED is a sister concern of Scholastica. Since its inception in November 2005, it has provided high-quality training programs for teachers and corporate professionals alike.

The Graduation Ceremony was attended by the Deputy Chairperson of Scholastica, Ms Wasima Parveen, and the Director of the Curriculum Development Unit, Ms Itrat Rahman. The speakers recognized that SPEEDfs method of interactive teaching and complete assessment were designed for successful achievement of learning outcomes and were thus highly appreciated.

SPEED is committed to provide training solutions that meet the developmental needs of business and educational organizations by creating programs that increase productivity and long term success. Around the world, at all levels, education and training practice are focusing on modern teaching methods, the direct application of teaching theories in the classroom, and improved assessment and evaluation. Keeping this in mind, SPEED has introduced the Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers (CIDTT). The Diploma allows in-service teachers the chance to sharpen their skills and knowledge to achieve success in their classrooms. It also enhances their profiles by achieving an international certificate which is valued and accepted by countries around the world. SPEED is a certified CIE center. It also provides training courses in computer skills, accountancy and corporate professional development workshops.