Degree Programme in Advanced Food Technology
Objectives
The degree programme focuses on processes of plant-based food and raw materials, product development, food safety, packaging and productization. You will learn about process engineering, food manufacturing technology and plant-based raw materials. Engineering combined with food industry skills are core competences in your studies.
The studies focus on microbiology, food hygiene, own-check and common knowledge of foodstuff and manufacturing technology. You will become familiar with quality, safety and responsibility in food processing. Studies in process engineering include mathematics, chemistry and physics. You can supplement your competence by choosing courses in authority and control, business or up to 20 ECTS credits of work-based projects.
Degree programme description
As part of the compulsory core competence studies, you learn the basics of the profession and the degree. These studies are included in modules focusing on
- studying and work-related skills
- general foodstuff knowledge
- mathematics and chemistry
- operational environment of food production
- production safety
- working life competences
- food technology and pre-packing
- plant-based raw materials
- processes in food factory and product development.
In the beginning, you will make a personal plan for your studies and improve your digital and communication skills which you will need during your studies. The module on general foodstuff knowledge includes microbiology, chemistry and thermodynamics which are basic subjects in food safety. Natural sciences consist of mathematics, physics and chemistry.
In terms of foodstuffs, you will learn about food legislation, manufacturing technology, raw materials, packaging, package labelling, the quality requirements of process water, own-check and sampling. The main focus is on plant-based raw materials and the associated processes, such as grain mill and bakery technologies as well as the beverage and berry industries.
During the studies, you will become familiar with different quality management systems and research and development methods. Courses in management and workplace community skills, occupational health and safety, labour legislation and supervisor-employee relationship prepare you for the practical training and work.
Responsibility, sustainable development and circular economy are natural parts of many courses. During your studies, you will also complete a practical training period (30 ECTS credits) and write a bachelor’s thesis (30 ECTS credits). In addition to the core professional subjects, you can choose 35 ECTS credits of complementary competence studies and 15 ECTS credits of elective studies.
Implementation of studies
The degree programme is implemented as full-time studies, and instruction is primarily provided on Kouvola campus, from Monday to Friday. The language of instruction is Finnish. The programme includes laboratory exercises and other practical assignments. Attendance at these lectures is compulsory.
Career opportunities
As a food processing engineer, you can find employment in various businesses operating in the fields of food processing, packaging technology, and research and development. By completing this degree programme, you will be able to work for example in process control, production planning or quality control. You can be engaged in future solutions.
You can choose studies according to your own interest, for example food control and monitoring, business or robotics. Your future job title could be Product Developer, Quality Manager, Production Engineer, Sales Manager or some other specialist in the food industry.
RDI and cooperation with world of work
The programme emphasises the importance of work-related cooperation right from the start of the studies. You have the opportunity to work with projects provided by local companies. You can work on these projects independently or as part of a team. Collaboration with local companies may help you find a place to do your practical training, bachelor’s thesis or even find your first job.
Learning environments
The theory studies are arranged on Kouvola campus. Laboratory exercises are held outside of campus in Kouvola region.