They can choose biological science and engineering electives from various departments throughout the university. This provides program flexibility, allowing it to be tailored to individual student needs. In the student s last year of study, they are involved in a Senior Design Project that gives real world experience. They are expected to apply the knowledge learned in previous coursework to a project conducted in a team atmosphere. Impressive pilot processing facilities, housed in the Food Science Department, are also available.
Laser light is used to determine food textures and quality.
Bioprocess students visit a local brewery to learn first-hand about yeast reactions in a large scale process. Tuna odor testing is being done with an electronic nosedevise by an undergraduate student. Vanilla beans are analyzed with this machine designed by a graduate student and his professor. Student test food samples over a period of time to determine the deterioration rate. Electronic instrumentation is made to precisely analyze a particular food product.