This certificate is designed to provide a broad understanding of food science for people with little or no formal food science education. It will be of interest to those wishing to upgrade their knowledge and will benefit those with new job responsibilities, new positions or those looking to change careers.

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Various colleges and universities offer acceptable courses by distance education, for example Athabasca University (BIOL204 and CHEM217).

Contact the Office of Open Learning if you have any questions about acceptability of your prerequisites.

You can take the courses from wherever you have a computer linked to the Internet! The benefit of the online format is that you can work around your busy schedule by studying from the comfort of your own home and at a time convenient to you. There are no classes to attend. All that is required is a computer, an Internet connection, and a desire to learn.

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For specific start dates, contact the Office of Open Learning or see the certificate information page.

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To obtain a certificate, you must successfully complete 5 degree-credit courses. The courses may be taken in any order, as long as prerequisite requirements are met.

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The Certificate program consists of five courses. If you were to take one course a semester, it would therefore take five semesters or approximately 2 years to complete the certificate.

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Online courses offer you more convenience and flexibility. Your online course will require a significant amount of reading, writing, completing assignments, and participation online. You should expect to spend about 10 hours per week for each course taken. You will receive a weekly schedule to help you plan your time.

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Most courses in the Certificate program cannot be applied towards requirements for an undergraduate food science degree at the University of Guelph due to the laboratory requirements of the undergraduate curriculum. However, the Principles of Food Science course (FOOD*2010) can be applied towards the degree. Students planning to pursue undergraduate degrees at another university are advised to contact the food science program advisor at that institution since program requirements may vary. If you have questions about the Food Science degree program offered through the University of Guelph you can contact Dr. Doug Goff, Undergraduate Advisor, Food Science Department at 519 824-4120, extension 53878 or by email at dgoff@uoguelph.ca.

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Because our courses and programs are so wide-ranging, and targeted to such a diversity of learners, we recommend visiting the Office of Open Learning website at www.open.uoguelph.ca or calling us for information about specific courses and programs at 519 767-5000.

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Distance education allows you to study at home or in your office, according to your own schedule...there are no classes to attend. Generally, each course comes with a manual that may be accompanied by DVDs, audiotapes, audio CDs, computer diskettes, CD-ROMs, etc., depending on the nature of the course. As well, most courses incorporate websites with computer conferencing, e-mail, and computer-based quizzes using the World Wide Web as an innovative learning environment. Distance education provides a contemporary means through which the University of Guelph continues its tradition of outreach and open learning opportunities.

For more information on our approach to online distance education, please check out our online learning portal.

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No, tuition fees do not include the cost of textbooks.

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You can register online, by fax or mail.

To register by fax, complete the registration form and fax it to
519 824-1114.

To register by mail, complete the registration form and mail it to:

Office of Open Learning
160 Johnston Hall
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1

Please let us know the course(s) in which you are interested.

Should you have any questions, call 519 767-5000.

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Many of our courses fill up quickly so you should register early. In some courses we will accept registration up until the course starts, but you should remember that we do not send out course materials until we receive course payment. It can take a week or more for course materials to arrive depending on where you live. International students should allow at least a week for course package delivery. If you register when the course starts you will not receive course materials until the first week of the course is over. Register early.

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Each offering has its own registration deadline. Please see the individual course descriptions or contact us for more information. Generally, we do everything we can to get you registered for a course. However, it is advisable to register early as some courses have limits and fill up early.

We recommend using the guide below to help you determine by when you should register:

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The Food Science Certificate courses are presented in English and require proficiency in written English. Students should supply evidence of English proficiency (except Francophone Canadian citizens educated in Canada) if:

1. their primary or first language (meaning the language first learned as a child) is not English; and

2. they have had less than four years of full-time secondary or post-secondary study, demonstrating satisfactory academic progress, in an English-language school system.

Registrants who need to meet the English Proficiency Requirements must submit the required scores as outlined in the English Proficiency Requirements section of the University of Guelph Undergraduate Calendar.

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Distance education courses typically have assignments due every week or two, and each assignment has specific requirements and a set due date.

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It is important for you to be aware of due dates so that you can complete and submit your assignments in a timely fashion. Instructors may use their discretion to deduct marks for late assignments. If possible, contact your instructor in advance of the due date if you are unable to complete your assignment on time. Medical documentation may be requested if illness has prevented you from keeping up with your course.

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If you change your mind about taking a course that you have registered for, you will need to contact the Office of Open Learning at 519 767-5000 as soon as possible.

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Tax receipts are issued. In Canada, the tuition portion of your course fees is income tax deductible.

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