The scientific study of food is one of human society’s most important endeavors. Food is necessary for survival, growth, physical ability, and good health. Food processing, handling, preparing, and serving comprise the world’s largest industry. Many factors require that those scientists who choose to study foods be prepared in many of the physical and life sciences. Among these are the chemistry of food, its vulnerability to spoilage, its role as a disease vector, its quality attributes, its nutritional content, and its varied sources.