Foodservice Science and Technology
Foodservice Science and Technology
Course sheet
A.Y. 2025/2026
Bachelor
L-26 - Food Sciences
Starting from academic year 2024-2025, this study programme has been renamed as Food Service and Retail Sciences
- Prospective students can find all relevant information on the page of the new study programme: Food Service and Retail Sciences
- Already enrolled students can refer to this webpage and to the dedicated website: Foodservice Science and Technology
The bachelor degree in Foodservice Science and Technology aims at preparing graduates with specific professional knowledge and skills for the needs of companies and organizations operating in the foodservice field.
The degree course is provided by the Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS) in cooperation with the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy (DISAA).
The degree course is provided by the Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS) in cooperation with the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy (DISAA).
The professional figure of the foodservice technologist operates at different levels for the preparation, marketing and supply of food, beverages and full meals. Graduates have the skills to independently carry out professional activities in numerous fields, including the management, control and quality assurance of production processes, preservation and transformation of foodstuffs and food products; evaluation of chemical, physical, sensorial, microbiological and nutritional characteristics of finished, semi-finished products and raw materials; planning and control of the hygienic-sanitary and safety aspects of food products from field to fork in both private and public structures; preparation and supply of meals for foodservice; global supply chain quality management, also with reference to product traceability issues; management of food safety in the distribution sector; teaching, professional training, marketing, communication and publishing relevant to food science and technology. Thanks to the multidisciplinary nature of the training, graduates will be able to cover various roles in foodservice companies, in small and large-scale retail, in companies and public alert offices, public planning institutions, control and certification bodies and analytical laboratories. Graduates will also be able to find employment in agro-food companies and in agritourism field. They will be able to collaborate in the design of collective foodservicesystems and in the activities of consultancy companies.
For example, graduates have the skills to:
- production management and quality control in catering and banqueting companies;
- development, innovation and research in the area of quality assurance;
- training and selection of staff involved in collective and commercial foodservice;
- certification of production processes and of the self monitoring systems applied to collective foodservices;
- participation in the management of public procurement for foodservice;
- management and supervision of food supplies and food analysis s in large-scale retail;
- development of processes and products in the foodservice system.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
For example, graduates have the skills to:
- production management and quality control in catering and banqueting companies;
- development, innovation and research in the area of quality assurance;
- training and selection of staff involved in collective and commercial foodservice;
- certification of production processes and of the self monitoring systems applied to collective foodservices;
- participation in the management of public procurement for foodservice;
- management and supervision of food supplies and food analysis s in large-scale retail;
- development of processes and products in the foodservice system.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
Students enrolled in the degree program have the opportunity to spend periods of study and internship abroad. This is a unique opportunity to enrich their curriculum in an international context. For the European Erasmus+ program, the geographical areas where the partner universities reside are mainly in France, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. Otherwise, The Erasmus + Traineeship allows you to accede a training internship abroad at research centers, institutions and laboratories. Information on international mobility is available on the page https://www.unimi.it/en/international/study-abroad
Course attendance is strongly recommended.
Enrolment
Qualifications and knowledge required for admission
Applicants to the degree programme must hold a secondary-school diploma, or other equivalent qualification, and a basic knowledge in scientific subjects (mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology).
Admission assessment
Admission to this Bachelor's degree programme is open, subject to a mandatory, non-selective, assessment test before enrolment. The test is aimed at ascertaining that the candidate meets admission requirements in the basic scientific disciplines (mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology) as provided by upper secondary school, and an understanding of elementary logic.
The test required for admission to the degree programme is TOLC-AV, an online test provided by the Consortium of Inter-University Integrated Access Systems (CISIA - https://www.cisiaonline.it).
For topics and details of the test, please view the page https://www.cisiaonline.it/en/area-tematica-tolc-agraria-veterinaria/struttura-della-prova-e-syllabus/
It is possible to take the TOLC-AV test at the University of Milan or any other member university of CISIA.
The calendar with available locations and dates is published on the page https://tolc.cisiaonline.it/calendario.php?l=gb.
Enrollment procedures and deadlines are indicated in the call for applications published on the page https://scienzeristorazione.cdl.unimi.it/it/iscriversi
Admission for transfer or graduate students
Transfer students from a degree programme of the University of Milan, or another university, and graduate students will be waived from the test only if admitted to years subsequent to the first.
To this end, a specific request for prior career assessment must be submitted by accessing the online service as indicated in the call for applications.
These candidates must provide a full transcript of records (exams lists, subject areas, credits, grades) and attach the course syllabi. For more details and dates, please refer to the call for applications.
Students admitted to the first year will be required to take the test and register for the call.
Additional learning requirements (OFA) and remedial activities
Students admitted with a score lower than or equal to 4 in the Mathematics section of the TOLC-AV test will have to fulfil additional learning requirements (OFA), within the first year of the programme. In order to fulfil their OFA, students will be offered a remedial Mathematics course with a final assessment test. Students who do not pass the OFA test within the deadline are not allowed to take second- or third-year exams. Alternatively, students may fulfil their learning requirements by passing the Mathematics exam in the study plan. Learn more at https://scienzeristorazione.cdl.unimi.it/it/studiare/le-matricole
Applicants to the degree programme must hold a secondary-school diploma, or other equivalent qualification, and a basic knowledge in scientific subjects (mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology).
Admission assessment
Admission to this Bachelor's degree programme is open, subject to a mandatory, non-selective, assessment test before enrolment. The test is aimed at ascertaining that the candidate meets admission requirements in the basic scientific disciplines (mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology) as provided by upper secondary school, and an understanding of elementary logic.
The test required for admission to the degree programme is TOLC-AV, an online test provided by the Consortium of Inter-University Integrated Access Systems (CISIA - https://www.cisiaonline.it).
For topics and details of the test, please view the page https://www.cisiaonline.it/en/area-tematica-tolc-agraria-veterinaria/struttura-della-prova-e-syllabus/
It is possible to take the TOLC-AV test at the University of Milan or any other member university of CISIA.
The calendar with available locations and dates is published on the page https://tolc.cisiaonline.it/calendario.php?l=gb.
Enrollment procedures and deadlines are indicated in the call for applications published on the page https://scienzeristorazione.cdl.unimi.it/it/iscriversi
Admission for transfer or graduate students
Transfer students from a degree programme of the University of Milan, or another university, and graduate students will be waived from the test only if admitted to years subsequent to the first.
To this end, a specific request for prior career assessment must be submitted by accessing the online service as indicated in the call for applications.
These candidates must provide a full transcript of records (exams lists, subject areas, credits, grades) and attach the course syllabi. For more details and dates, please refer to the call for applications.
Students admitted to the first year will be required to take the test and register for the call.
Additional learning requirements (OFA) and remedial activities
Students admitted with a score lower than or equal to 4 in the Mathematics section of the TOLC-AV test will have to fulfil additional learning requirements (OFA), within the first year of the programme. In order to fulfil their OFA, students will be offered a remedial Mathematics course with a final assessment test. Students who do not pass the OFA test within the deadline are not allowed to take second- or third-year exams. Alternatively, students may fulfil their learning requirements by passing the Mathematics exam in the study plan. Learn more at https://scienzeristorazione.cdl.unimi.it/it/studiare/le-matricole
Applicants can find all relevant information on the website of the new study programme: Food Service and Retail Sciences
Programme description and courses list
course year not available
year
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Fundamentals of Chemistry and Physical Chemistry | 8 | 72 | Italian | CHIM/02 |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Calculus | 8 | 88 | Italian | MAT/05 |
| Principles of Biology | 6 | 48 | Italian | BIO/01 BIO/05 BIO/10 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Elements of Physics | 8 | 80 | Italian | FIS/03 FIS/05 |
| Introductory Economics and Statistics | 8 | 72 | Italian | AGR/01 |
| Organic Chemistry | 6 | 56 | Italian | CHIM/06 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| English Assessment B1 (3 ECTS) | 3 | 0 | English | NN |
course year not available
year
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Food Chemical Analysis | 9 | 92 | Italian | AGR/15 |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biochemistry and Biochemical Analysis of Food | 8 | 68 | Italian | BIO/10 |
| Food of Animal and Plant Origin | 10 | 88 | Italian | AGR/03 AGR/19 |
| - Food of animal origin | 5 | |||
| - Plant food | 5 | |||
| Microbiology I | 6 | 52 | Italian | AGR/16 |
| Sensory Analysis of Food | 6 | 52 | Italian | AGR/15 M-PSI/05 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Biotic Contamination of Food and Environments | 8 | 74 | Italian | AGR/11 AGR/12 VET/04 |
| Catering Technology | 8 | 68 | Italian | AGR/15 |
| Human Nutrition | 8 | 64 | Italian | BIO/09 MED/49 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Stage | 14 | 0 | Italian | NN |
year
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Food Microbiology and Hygiene | 9 | 84 | Italian | AGR/16 |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Business Economy and Elements of Food Legislation | 8 | 72 | Italian | AGR/01 IUS/13 IUS/15 |
| Community Nutrition | 6 | 56 | Italian | BIO/09 MED/49 |
| Quality Management Systems in Food Service | 6 | 48 | Italian | AGR/15 SECS-P/13 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Design, Logistic and Sustainability for Foodservices | 8 | 76 | Italian | AGR/09 AGR/15 |
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Final Exam | 3 | 0 | Italian | NN |
First semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Food Law | 4 | 32 | Italian | IUS/03 |
| Health and Safety in the Workplace (T.U. 81/08) | 2 | 16 | Italian | AGR/09 |
| Packaging for Foodservice | 4 | 40 | Italian | AGR/15 |
Second semester
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | ||||
| Equal Opportunities and Scientific Careers | 3 | 24 | Italian | SPS/09 |
| Insects and Microorganisms for the Valorization of Agro-Food Residues and Waste | 6 | 56 | Italian | AGR/11 AGR/12 |
| Inspection of Foods of Animal Origin | 4 | 32 | Italian | VET/04 |
| Laboratory: Sustainability and Sustainable Development | 4 | 32 | Italian | AGR/13 IUS/01 NN SECS-P/01 SPS/04 |
| - Brainstorming session | 1 | |||
| - Diritti | 0.25 | |||
| - Impatto energetico | 0.75 | |||
| - Riciclo e bioeconomia | 0.5 | |||
| - Sostenibilità sociale , politica ed economica | 1.5 | |||
| Mass Market Retailers: Organization, Processes and Food Safety | 4 | 32 | Italian | AGR/15 |
| Safety of Fish Products and Derivatives | 4 | 48 | Italian | AGR/20 VET/04 |
| Supplier's Planning and Food Quality | 5 | 48 | Italian | BIO/09 |
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||||
| Computer Science Course | 3 | 30 | Italian | INF/01 |
Study plan rules
- Students must earn 13 credits for elective activities, which can be chosen from the list of courses offered by the University of Milan, provided that the Academic Board recognise them as congruent with the study programme. Students may also obtain elective credits by attending seminars, conferences or refresher courses organised by this University or another entity and offered yearly under the label "Professional development for the food service industry", with the Academic Board's approval. Among elective courses offered by this Faculty, the Academic Board recommends those listed in the table below. For activities included in the Professional development for the food service industry bundle, students may be awarded a minimum of 1 and up to 4 credits.
| Courses or activities | Max ECTS | Total hours | Language | Lesson period | SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Law | 4 | 32 | Italian | First semester | IUS/03 |
| Health and Safety in the Workplace (T.U. 81/08) | 2 | 16 | Italian | First semester | AGR/09 |
| Packaging for Foodservice | 4 | 40 | Italian | First semester | AGR/15 |
| Equal Opportunities and Scientific Careers | 3 | 24 | Italian | Second semester | SPS/09 |
| Insects and Microorganisms for the Valorization of Agro-Food Residues and Waste | 6 | 56 | Italian | Second semester | AGR/11 AGR/12 |
| Inspection of Foods of Animal Origin | 4 | 32 | Italian | Second semester | VET/04 |
| Laboratory: Sustainability and Sustainable Development | 4 | 32 | Italian | Second semester | AGR/13 IUS/01 NN SECS-P/01 SPS/04 |
| Mass Market Retailers: Organization, Processes and Food Safety | 4 | 32 | Italian | Second semester | AGR/15 |
| Safety of Fish Products and Derivatives | 4 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | AGR/20 VET/04 |
| Supplier's Planning and Food Quality | 5 | 48 | Italian | Second semester | BIO/09 |
Learn more
Location
Milan
Head of study programme
Tutor
Tutor per i piani di studio:
lettera iniziale cognome studenti A-BE: Prof. Alberto Giuseppe Barbiroli (Responsabile docenti Tutor per i piani di studio)
lettera iniziale cognome studenti BF-BZ: Prof. Matias Pasquali
lettera iniziale cognome studenti C-CL: Prof. Dimitrios Fessas
lettera iniziale cognome studenti CM-DE: Prof.ssa Gabriella Giovanelli
lettera iniziale cognome studenti DF-F: Prof. Riccardo Guidetti
lettera iniziale cognome studenti G-L: Prof.ssa Luciana Bava
lettera iniziale cognome studenti MA-MI: Prof.ssa Carola Cappa
lettera iniziale cognome studenti MJ-PN: Prof.ssa Lidia Limonta
lettera iniziale cognome studenti PO-S: Prof.ssa Daniela Martini
lettera iniziale cognome studenti T-Z: Prof.ssa Monica Laureati (Responsabile Erasmus)
Referente DSA: Prof.ssa Sara Limbo
lettera iniziale cognome studenti A-BE: Prof. Alberto Giuseppe Barbiroli (Responsabile docenti Tutor per i piani di studio)
lettera iniziale cognome studenti BF-BZ: Prof. Matias Pasquali
lettera iniziale cognome studenti C-CL: Prof. Dimitrios Fessas
lettera iniziale cognome studenti CM-DE: Prof.ssa Gabriella Giovanelli
lettera iniziale cognome studenti DF-F: Prof. Riccardo Guidetti
lettera iniziale cognome studenti G-L: Prof.ssa Luciana Bava
lettera iniziale cognome studenti MA-MI: Prof.ssa Carola Cappa
lettera iniziale cognome studenti MJ-PN: Prof.ssa Lidia Limonta
lettera iniziale cognome studenti PO-S: Prof.ssa Daniela Martini
lettera iniziale cognome studenti T-Z: Prof.ssa Monica Laureati (Responsabile Erasmus)
Referente DSA: Prof.ssa Sara Limbo
Reference structures
Contacts
- Degree programme head
[email protected]
+390250319174 - Course management for the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (Science and Technology area)
via Celoria 2 - Milano Città Studi
Contatto: https://informastudenti.unimi.it/saw/ess?AUTH=SAML
+390250316511
Orario di apertura al pubblico: lunedì dalle 10 alle 12 e dalle 14 alle 16 - Student registrar
via Celoria 18 - Milano Città Studi
https://www.unimi.it/it/node/359
+390250325032
https://www.unimi.it/it/node/360
The tuition fees for students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes are divided into two instalments with different calculation methods and payment schedules:
- The amount of the first instalment is the same for all students
- The amount of the second instalment varies according to the ISEE University value, the degree programme and the student status (on track / off track for one year or off track for more than a year)
- An additional fee is due for online programmes
The University also offers:
- Concessions for students meeting high merit requirements
- Diversified tuition fees according to the student's home country for international students with assets/income abroad
- Concessions for international students with refugee status
Scholarships and benefits
The University provides a range of financial benefits to students meeting special requirements (merit, financial or personal conditions, international students).
Learn more
Guidance:
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Official documents