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Career: Agricultural Food Scientist |
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Agricultural food scientists study farming and endeavour to increase productivity. They look for ways to improve quality, but in a less labour-intensive way. They also try to conserve soil and water and make farming more safe and effective. Agricultural science is similar to biological science in that it makes use of mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology to solve agricultural problems. To obtain knowledge about biotechnology, agricultural food scientists often work closely with biological scientists.
Their work varies, depending on the area of specialization. They can study food science (helping to meet consumer needs), plant science (studying plants and how they grow), soil science (relationship between soil and crop growth), or animal science (developing better ways of processing or producing meat).
Agricultural food scientists work in a variety of environments, again depending on the specialization; for example: office environments, in laboratories, test kitchens or dairies and outdoors, particularly when doing research. They use scientific equipment. |
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Some satisfying aspects of this career |
- knowing you are contributing to improving agriculture
- discovering new things |
Some demanding aspects of this career |
- hard work
- sometimes difficult or unpleasant environments in which to work. |
Requirements |
- ability to perform research
- well-organized and dedicated
- ability to work independently
- enjoy outdoor life
- above average intelligence
- creative and innovative thinker |
School Subjects |
National Senior Certificate with matric exemption for a degree course
National Senior Certificate for a diploma course
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics (Higher Grade)
Recommended Subjects: Accounting, Economics, Business Economics, Agriculture, Biology |
Training |
Degree: in Agriculture or Food Sciences - UFS, UFH, UL, US, UKZN, UP,
Diploma: NWU, DIT, TUT, UNISA (T), NMMU (T), CUTFS |
Employer |
Employment options include:
- universities and colleges
- government
- animal food producers
- self-employment |
Contact |
Agricultural Research Council
P O Box 8783
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 427-9700
Fax: (012) 342-3948
Department of Agriculture
Private Bag X250
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 319-7328 |
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| www.arc.agric.za |
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