Course Structure Overview
The Food Processing program at College of Agribusiness Management is structured over 8 semesters, with each semester comprising a carefully curated mix of core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and practical laboratory sessions. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience to prepare students for real-world challenges in the food industry.
Semester-wise Course Listing
| Year | Semester | Course Code | Full Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I | FP101 | Introduction to Food Processing | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 1 | I | FP102 | Food Chemistry | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 1 | I | FP103 | Basic Mathematics and Statistics | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 1 | I | FP104 | Introduction to Biology | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 1 | I | FP105 | Physics for Engineers | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 1 | I | FP106 | Food Safety Fundamentals | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 1 | I | FP107 | Lab Practical I | 0-0-6-2 | - |
| 1 | II | FP108 | Food Microbiology | 3-0-2-4 | FP104 |
| 1 | II | FP109 | Heat and Mass Transfer | 3-0-2-4 | FP105 |
| 1 | II | FP110 | Food Analysis and Quality Control | 3-0-2-4 | FP102 |
| 1 | II | FP111 | Basic Thermodynamics | 3-0-2-4 | FP105 |
| 1 | II | FP112 | Introduction to Process Control | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 1 | II | FP113 | Lab Practical II | 0-0-6-2 | - |
| 2 | III | FP201 | Food Engineering Principles | 3-0-2-4 | FP109, FP111 |
| 2 | III | FP202 | Food Product Development | 3-0-2-4 | FP102, FP108 |
| 2 | III | FP203 | Sensory Evaluation of Foods | 3-0-2-4 | FP108 |
| 2 | III | FP204 | Food Packaging Technology | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 2 | III | FP205 | Biochemistry of Food | 3-0-2-4 | FP102 |
| 2 | III | FP206 | Lab Practical III | 0-0-6-2 | - |
| 2 | IV | FP207 | Food Processing Equipment Design | 3-0-2-4 | FP201 |
| 2 | IV | FP208 | Process Optimization and Efficiency | 3-0-2-4 | FP201 |
| 2 | IV | FP209 | Food Legislation and Standards | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 2 | IV | FP210 | Food Economics and Marketing | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 2 | IV | FP211 | Lab Practical IV | 0-0-6-2 | - |
| 3 | V | FP301 | Advanced Food Processing Technologies | 3-0-2-4 | FP207, FP208 |
| 3 | V | FP302 | Food Nanotechnology | 3-0-2-4 | FP102 |
| 3 | V | FP303 | Bioprocessing and Fermentation | 3-0-2-4 | FP108 |
| 3 | V | FP304 | Sustainable Food Production Systems | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 3 | V | FP305 | Food Waste Management and Circular Economy | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 3 | V | FP306 | Lab Practical V | 0-0-6-2 | - |
| 3 | VI | FP307 | Food Analytics and Data Science | 3-0-2-4 | FP103 |
| 3 | VI | FP308 | Cultural Food Studies | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 3 | VI | FP309 | Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 3 | VI | FP310 | Global Food Trends and Consumer Behavior | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 3 | VI | FP311 | Lab Practical VI | 0-0-6-2 | - |
| 4 | VII | FP401 | Capstone Project I | 3-0-0-6 | FP307, FP308 |
| 4 | VII | FP402 | Advanced Project Research | 3-0-0-6 | - |
| 4 | VII | FP403 | Special Topics in Food Science | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 4 | VII | FP404 | Internship Preparation and Training | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | VII | FP405 | Professional Ethics in Food Industry | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 4 | VIII | FP406 | Final Year Thesis/Capstone Project | 0-0-12-12 | FP401, FP402 |
| 4 | VIII | FP407 | Industry Internship | 0-0-12-6 | - |
| 4 | VIII | FP408 | Capstone Project Presentation and Defense | 0-0-4-2 | - |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
These advanced elective courses are offered in the third and fourth years to allow students to explore specialized areas within food processing based on their interests and career goals.
- Food Nanotechnology: This course explores the application of nanoscale materials and techniques in food processing, focusing on how nanoparticles can be used for controlled delivery of nutrients, improved texture, and enhanced shelf life. Students learn about synthesis methods, characterization techniques, and safety considerations.
- Bioprocessing and Fermentation: This course delves into the science and engineering behind fermentation processes used in food production, including yeast fermentation, bacterial fermentation, and enzyme-assisted processing. It covers both traditional and modern bioreactor designs and optimization strategies.
- Sustainable Food Production Systems: Designed to address global sustainability challenges, this course examines how renewable energy sources, water recycling systems, and waste minimization techniques can be integrated into food production facilities. Students study life cycle assessment tools and carbon footprint reduction strategies.
- Food Waste Management and Circular Economy: This elective focuses on reducing food waste through better planning, processing, and distribution strategies. It explores how circular economy principles can be applied to create closed-loop systems in food manufacturing, turning waste into valuable resources.
- Food Analytics and Data Science: This course introduces students to the use of data analytics in food quality control, predictive modeling, and process optimization. Students gain proficiency in statistical software and learn how to interpret complex datasets from food processing plants.
- Cultural Food Studies: This interdisciplinary course explores how cultural practices influence food preparation, consumption, and preservation techniques around the world. It combines historical research with contemporary culinary trends and global trade dynamics.
- Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Students learn about innovation cycles in the food industry, from ideation to commercialization. The course includes case studies of successful startups and provides tools for developing business plans and securing investment.
- Global Food Trends and Consumer Behavior: This course analyzes global dietary shifts, emerging consumer preferences, and market trends that influence food product development. Students study how demographic changes, lifestyle factors, and social media impact the food industry.
- Advanced Food Processing Technologies: This advanced elective covers cutting-edge technologies such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, ultrasound treatment, and microwave-assisted extraction. It includes practical applications and future prospects of these technologies in industrial settings.
- Food Legislation and Standards: This course provides an in-depth look at regulatory frameworks governing food safety and quality standards in India and internationally. Students examine compliance requirements, labeling regulations, and international trade agreements that affect the food industry.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department places great emphasis on project-based learning as a core component of the curriculum. This approach is designed to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and practical application of theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Projects are structured to be challenging yet achievable, with clear milestones, deliverables, and assessment criteria.
Mini-projects begin in the second year and continue through the third year. These projects are typically team-based and last for 6-8 weeks. They involve identifying a specific challenge in food processing, researching potential solutions, designing experiments or prototypes, analyzing results, and presenting findings to faculty members and industry experts.
The final-year capstone project is an extended research initiative that spans the entire fourth year. Students select their own topics in consultation with faculty mentors, ensuring alignment with current industry needs and research interests. The project involves extensive literature review, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and preparation of a comprehensive thesis report. Students must defend their work before a panel of experts during a formal presentation session.
Faculty mentors are assigned based on students' academic performance, interests, and availability. Each student works closely with one or two mentors throughout their project tenure, receiving regular guidance, feedback, and support. The department also facilitates access to industry partners who provide insights, resources, and potential internship opportunities related to students' projects.