Science of life

Dr Sheelamma Jacob, head, department of Home Science, St Teresa's College, Kochi, on the changing trends in Home Science

Home science is a unique course that focuses upon every phase of human life and touches every segment of the population. It is a perfect blend of arts and science. The subject integrates areas of nutrition education, effective child rearing practices, geriatric care, ecological conservation, wise consumerism, prevention of childhood diseases, design and care of fabrics, interior and exterior space designing etc. with extension education which makes it highly practical oriented.

Contrary to the popular belief that home science as a subject teaches only cooking and stitching, the course is reconstructed to be more job oriented one, which makes it trendy and interesting for the younger generation. The home science curriculum at UG and PG level is made multi-dimensional and skill oriented.

Students who have completed their plus two in any stream can opt for a degree in home science, and graduates in home science or any science stream with open course in related areas, can apply for a post-graduation in home science. Apart from this, an artistic inclination and finer skills, creative outlook, communication and organisational skills, humane approach towards concerns of the society, etc., are an added advantage for home science students. Specialisations in home science include courses in human development and behaviour science; resource management and interior designing; and food science and nutrition.

Home science offer interesting career options in the field of education and administration; production and service sector; marketing and sales; hospitality, teaching or in research, production and service sector; product design and development, etc. Based on the specialisation, one can work as a dietician/diet consultants, child and family counsellor, food quality controller, research coordinator, government welfare programme coordinators and so on. Besides pursuing a teaching career in teaching home science, one can also work as a fashion designer, interior designer, apparel merchandisers, etc.

Home science is not mere home management anymore. With a post-graduation in home science, one can choose from plenty of varied fields or even start their own entrepreneurial ventures in food business, consultancy services or garment manufacturing to carve a successful career.

As told to Sherene Joseph