Company Project Product and Process Development
The company project covers a minimum of four weeks and deals with a specific and comprehensive task in the field of process development for a specific food (feed, cosmetic) product. The seminar supports the project through input in innovation management, entrepreneurship, scientific work and writing. Topics are selected together with the company. Relevant conversations and presentation take place in the company. Literature search and project planning. Peer groups for coaching and learning reflection support the entire process.
Raw Material and Product Characterization
Advanced characterization and determination of quality parameters of raw materials (e.g. distribution of ingredients) with a focus on sustainability criteria (e.g. footprinting) and tracing of origin. Introduction to methds of characterization using case studies of selected processed food items and current issues of marketing strategies (e.g. “free from”, controlled origin, “organic”). Practical experiments in laboratory. Company case study on a selected product.
Special Topics in Sensory Testing and Analytics
Analytical methods used in managing production processes: traceability, ingredients of waste and byproducts in agriculture, cross-contamination in processing (e.g. allergens). Selection and application of suitable analytical tools (e.g. HPLC, GC/MS, LC). Rapid testing along the food chain and use of modern ICT. Advanced sensory analytical in combination with chemical analysis to detect raw material and process flaws. Practical exercises with laboratory equipment.
Hygienic Design and Process Technologies
Introduction to hygienic design in plant and process engineering in food production. Characterization of typical technological problems and hazards (e.g. micobial and chemical contamination, temperature distribution), their causes and possible countermeasures. Examples of successful technologies and concepts (e.g. cleaning, surface materials). Introduction to engineering drawing by hand and with CAD (Solid Works) and to software solutions in plant design. Company case study on a selected technology (application of CAD).
Hygienic Process Management and Control
Repetition of important issues of hygiene management influencing process management and control. Introduction to measurement and control engineering and sensor technology. Hygienic process design and control: practical design project for a specific food production process. Excursions to selected industrial operations and practical experiment in the food technical center.
Integrated Quality Management
Hygiene management: Work with systems, norms, standards for food safety (IFS, BRC, ISO 22000). Integrated management: Requirements, methods, tools. Methods of process and risk management, quality management techniques to direct information, implement improvement programs. Legal case study in the company rooted on case studies during the course. Voluntary industrial certificate “Quality Expert Food Safety” with extra preparatory course.
Innovative Packaging Technologies
Repetition of important issues and technologies in food packaging: Goals, product requirements, technology selection and automation, hygienic parameters. Innovative materials and technologies, aspects of sustainability (e.g. intelligent packaging). Requirements from marketing and public awareness issues. Excursion to indutrial examples. Design project in the technical center using new materials and automation. Company case study on a selected process (technology or material change).
Innovative Preservation Technologies
Repetition of important issues and technologies in food preservation. Introduction to alternative thermal and non-thermal methods of preservation and potential fields of application. Influences of preservation methods on the quality of food products and consquences for process management and raw material choice. Excursion to indutrial examples. Design project in the technical center including necessary measurements. Company case study on a selected process (technology change).
Individual Professional Practice 2
Reflection Workshop: Individual learning objectives are identified according to personal career plans and company interest and conrete actions are planned, documented and reflected. Selected actions are carried out during work periods in the participating companies with a focus on value adding work amounting to a minimum of four weeks.