Bachelor of Science (Honours) Scheme in Food Science and Nutrition (JS3255)

I appreciate the knowledge and experiences I have gained from studying on the BSc (Hons) in Food Safety and Technology at PolyU. This programme covers a wide range of food science topics from food processing, food chemistry, and food microbiology to food quality assurance, food regulation, and food toxicology. Each course offers a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical applications. The laboratory sessions provided us with a practical experience, where I was able to apply what I learnt in lectures to real scenarios.

The FSN also offers numerous internships and academic outbound exchange opportunities. I participated in a one-semester exchange programme at the National University of Singapore, which was a transformative experience and allowed me to experience life differently. I learnt to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the world with an open mindset. I have also joined two one-week study trips to Wuxi and Taiwan during the summer. The study trips allowed me to connect with fellow students, which not only broadened my perspectives and strengthened my knowledge in the field of food technology but also inspired me to explore more. I was also honoured to be a student assistant at several PolyU Open Day events and the Summer Institute.

The opportunity to study at PolyU, with the support of my professors, has equipped me with the experience and knowledge to shape my personality and future career.

The Food Safety and Technology program (FST) align with the industry's stringent requirement of food safety and food product development. Lots of internship opportunities are offered to students to inspire students’ in food innovation. Participating in the Campbell Food Limited, basic sensory testing technique and food developing progress were comprehensively practiced.

Beside acknowledging technical skills, I gained theoretical knowledge ranging from food microbiology, food analysis to food quality assurance. The curriculum is strategically structured to integrate classroom instruction with laboratory exercises, affording students the opportunity to investigate different bacteria, food component testing methods, and product control measures. 

Also, the program places a strong emphasis on the cultivation of soft skills. For time management and cooperation, balancing the workload of projects in program and extra-curricular activities in school’s volunteering society can equip me with the interpersonal skills vital for a prosperous career.

I am honored to have graduated from PolyU and the FST program. 

The BSc (Hons) in Food Safety and Technology is a great and practical programme. The core subjects allow me to have wide scope of knowledge in both science and food science. There are also lab practical sessions that helps me to gain better understanding of the study and applications through hands-on learning. In addition, there are also many opportunities to work under different professors as undergraduate research assistant. With the different research interest available, there are many skill and experience that we can gain through this opportunity. Working in a lab for more than one year, I was able to learn different techniques, critical thinking skills, and new perspective in the research area. Although my research area is now on Chinese Medicine, many of the foundations are learnt through the core subjects in this programme. 

In addition, the teachers and staff in this programme are also very accommodating. When online learning first started, it was not an easy transition for myself and many others. However, the department are being very supportive with the different needs that arise and provided help where necessary.  Overall, my 4 years study journey was very meaningful and I gained a lot through this time.

The Food Safety and Technology programme provided me with all-round knowledge in food science and food processing. Besides learning theoretical knowledge from the lectures, most of the core subjects include the laboratory section, which I loved the most since I can obtain hands-on lab experience and practice my lab skills. Students may have a chance to participate in a research project as the final year project. All these experiences can facilitate the learning of theories and laboratory techniques.
 
PolyU values our all-round development. It provides a service learning experience to enrich students’ learning experience and provides opportunities for the local or oversea internship to enhance our professional competencies. It also benefits our future career paths. All of the lecturers and tutors I have met in PolyU are very passionate and inspiring. They are always willing to provide guidance. 

Having recently completed my bachelor's degree in food safety and technology, I can truly say the skills and experiences provided to me by the programme have allowed me to develop into a confident student and researcher- something I believe was a result of the support and encouragement of the lecturers and their passion for their teachings. FST is a very interesting programme that touches almost all subjects. It uses the information generated from food science in the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, and distribution, as it affects the consumption of safe, wholesome, and nutritious food. Not to mention, I also get the chance to apply the acquired knowledge during my internships which I took during the summer break. I learned that Food Safety and Technology is very useful especially in today’s society where issues concerning food security and food safety are becoming rampant.

The Major in Food Safety and Technology was the only reason I applied to PolyU when I was in high school. I was drawn to the philosophy of the core subjects and eager to learn about topics I am truly passionate about. As expected, the courses have given me many great opportunities for hands-on practice in addressing food safety issues. Although I was frustrated when I first had to manage lab work independently, the experience ultimately gave me a deeper understanding of microbiology.

Moreover, all the teachers and professors are kind and always willing to help students struggling with academic or personal challenges. Over these four years, my hard work has paid off, and their encouragement has kept me motivated. We have become like friends, and as students, we are fortunate to carry such precious university memories with us after graduating from PolyU.

Lastly, I hope you find what you are looking for—and love what you find.

My time at PolyU has been life-changing. The food safety and technology program provides knowledge of multiple areas which enriches my career prospects, including quality control, food testing laboratory and hygiene management. This degree also became a platform for self-discovery, where I explored my interests, honed my time management skills, and cultivated self-compassion.
Over the four years, I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of PolyU. The professors and advisors I encountered were kind and supportive, providing guidance and advice regarding my studies and future plans. Their consultations have been invaluable in my personal and academic growth. I am sincerely grateful for their support throughout my university journey, as they urged me to not only focus on my studies but also to enrich myself beyond campus by participating in various extracurricular activities.

My four years studying Food Safety and Technology at PolyU have been truly rewarding. This programme not only equipped me with knowledge on ensuring food safety but also deepened my understanding of food production processes and cutting-edge technologies. The curriculum offered numerous practical opportunities, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. A highlight was my internship in Valencia, Spain, during Year Three, where I worked on food industry and marketing research. This invaluable experience, fully supported and funded by PolyU, broadened my perspective on global food markets and enhanced my research skills. The hands-on projects and industry exposure throughout the course prepared me to tackle challenges in the food sector with confidence. I’m grateful for the comprehensive education and support from PolyU, which have shaped my career aspirations and fuelled my passion for advancing food safety and innovation.

To pursue a career in Food Science, I have enrolled to the Food Safety and Technology programme at PolyU after completing my Higher Diploma in Food Science and Safety. The FST programme has provided me an all-round profession-oriented training and has equipped me with a multitude of skills to work in the food industry. Through a series of lectures running in parallel with laboratory-based practical, we had the opportunity to put theory into practice and demonstrate our understanding by conducting a variety of food analytical testing and industrial food processing. Apart from the academic training, the programme also emphasizes workplace learning experience and offers me an invaluable opportunity to work in the Food Tech Lab and the Sensory Evaluation Lab for my summer internship to enhance my problem-solving skills in real-life circumstances. 
I wholeheartedly enjoy and treasure my time studying at PolyU. With the skills and knowledge that I have gained from the programme, I am ready to take up new challenges in the coming semester!

Studying for the BSc (Hons) in Food Safety and Technology programme has been a transformative journey. Beyond acquiring knowledge, I have discovered a deep passion for safeguarding food quality and public health. Every class, lab session and discussion has taken on greater meaning, shaping my perspective and strengthening my commitment to this field. Furthermore, exchange experiences at NUS and Cambridge have broadened my global outlook, allowing me to appreciate diverse approaches to food science and safety. More than just academics, PolyU have given me lifelong friendships, invaluable mentorship, and a genuine sense of belonging—all of which have played a key role in my personal and
professional growth. As a result, these years have taught me resilience, curiosity, and the importance of contributing to society. As I move forward, I will carry with me the lessons and values nurtured here, constantly striving to make a meaningful impact in the world of food science.

Due to the current trend of increasing concern about food safety and my own interest in chemistry, I decided to pursue Food Safety and Technology at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2020 which resulted in an amazing and memorable learning experience. Throughout this period, I have stocked up on a wide range of expertise in nutrition, microbiology, analytical chemistry and biochemistry, allowing me to provide a more professional perspective on food-related issues. In addition, thanks to the numerous internship opportunities offered by the university, I was able to gain more access to laboratory equipment and learn practical skills through student assistance and conducting experiments on my own. With the help of my supervisors and seniors, I continued to explore my personal interests in analytical chemistry, thus setting an early direction for my future efforts and work.

Apart from acquisition of specialized knowledge, the three years I spent in this department allowed me to feel the warmth from the people around me. Whenever I have encountered difficulties, I have always been touched by the understanding and helpfulness of the lecturers and tutors. Furthermore, the classmates are really friendly, the company of whom gives me a great sense of comfort and happiness.