Student testimonial
Student Romy te Wierik - BSc Food Technology
My name is Romy and I am currently in my third year of the Bachelor Food Technology. At the moment, I am writing my Bachelor thesis at the department of Food Chemistry. For my thesis project, I am investigating the potential of taste enhancers to reduce off-colour formation in foods that are fortified with iron.
I liked the variety in courses and the fact that the study is not purely about doing research, but also has a more practical side which focuses on creating new, or improving existing food products.
When did you first hear about your study programme and what did you think about it?
"I heard about the study programme Food Technology when I was in high school. I doubted quite long about whether I wanted to study Food Technology or Nutrition and Health, but I decided to study Food Technology because I liked the variety in courses and the fact that the study is not purely about doing research, but also has a more practical side which focuses on creating new, or improving existing food products."
Could you tell us something about your study programme?
"The courses in the first two years of the Bachelor Food Technology are compulsory, so unfortunately you have no freedom of choice during these years. Especially the first-year courses are very general; think of physical chemistry and mathematics, but most courses in the second year are really food-related. In your third year, you can choose elective courses for your minor, which can also be outside your field of study. In my case, this meant that I was able to follow some courses from Nutrition and Health and Biotechnology."
Which part of your study did you find the most interesting?
"The bachelor course I enjoyed most was molecular gastronomy. During the practicals of this course, we were cooking in a professional kitchen at the cooking school in Wageningen. We learned all about the chemical and physical changes occurring in food when using various culinary techniques. This course made me realise how complex food is, and really put cooking in a more scientific context.
Unfortunately, I was not able to go to Copenhagen for my minor due to the coronavirus, but I am planning on doing a minor or internship abroad during my Master’s Food Technology. I do not know what I will be doing after I finish my study, but since I like the combination of food technology and human health, a job in infant nutrition or medical nutrition seems very interesting to me."
What do you think about the student life in Wageningen?
"Although the study Food Technology has quite some contact hours per week, I have enough free time to go for a run or to meet with friends. Since Wageningen is not that easily accessible by public transport, most students live in or around Wageningen. I live in a student house together with nine other girls, so there is always someone around to hang out with. I think it is an advantage that Wageningen is a small town; friends live nearby so you can easily visit each other or go to a party together. Also, the study association and student sport associations organise many fun activities, so you never get bored during your student days in Wageningen!"