Food Chemistry

A rigorous, state-examination-track program at TU Dresden that takes students from the fundamentals of general chemistry and biology through advanced food analysis, food law, toxicology, and sensory science — building the full competency profile required for the title of 'Staatlich geprüfte:r Lebensmittelchemiker:in'.

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The Food Chemistry program at TU Dresden's Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry leads to the First State Examination and prepares students for a career as a state-certified food chemist. The curriculum is structured in two main phases. The first four semesters form a rigorous foundation covering the classical chemical disciplines — inorganic, organic, physical, and analytical chemistry — alongside physics, mathematics, general biology, informatics, law, and toxicology. All of these foundational subjects are accompanied by mandatory laboratory practicals that train hands-on analytical and experimental skills from the very beginning. From the fifth semester onward, the program shifts into its specialized food chemistry core. Students engage with the full breadth of the discipline: food analysis and technology, chemistry and analytics of consumer goods and cosmetics, food microbiology, nutritional science and applied biochemistry, food toxicology and environmental analysis, food law and hygiene, sensory science and commodity science, and the chemistry and analytics of animal feed. Four sequential food-chemistry laboratory practicals (Lebensmittelchemische Praktika I–IV) run through this phase, providing intensive bench experience in the methods central to the profession. Elective modules available during the program include food physics, food technology practicals, quality management in the food industry, and legal fundamentals specific to food chemistry — allowing students to deepen applied and regulatory knowledge. The ninth and final semester is dedicated to the scientific thesis, in which students undertake an independent research project under academic supervision. The completed thesis, together with the Second State Examination, marks the conclusion of the university portion of the qualification.