2-Year Master of Technology (MTech) in Food and Bioprocess Engineering
The food processing industry and the bioprocessing industry are presented as different methodical entities, especially in the Ghanaian setting. However, they are underpinned by the common utilisation of biological-based materials into beneficial products for society. Their intertwined activities could be emphasised by shared scientific knowledge, which enables diverse applications. Therefore, the program in MTech Food and Bioprocess Engineering is a scientific multidisciplinary field that employs scientific knowledge to engineer systems and processes for the food and biologically based industry. The programme is designed to enhance the benefits derived from the agricultural value chain. The program, unlike elsewhere in the Ghanaian setting, presents a synergy of food processing and bioprocessing to produce professionals equipped to provide technological solutions at all levels of the food value chain, including the valorisation of food waste, by-products from waste food, and crop residues, and especially prolonging the lifespan of food. While contemporary disciplines are typically focused on food processing, the combinational effect of bioprocessing allows complete value addition at all levels of the food chain, including waste. Thus, Food and Bioprocessing Engineering offers a complete value addition to the entire food chain, where food waste is processed into valuable industrial products.
The Master’s in Food and Bioprocess Engineering, unlike any of its contemporaries in the nation, will be significant for value addition in the food chain and pivotal to the Ghanaian food processing industry. The program is designed to present a wholesome technological solution to the food chain industry. Professionals would be equipped for food processing and the subsequent management and conversion of waste food by-product into valuable products. Furthermore, the training offers skills extensible to the transformation of other biological-based products, such as crop residue, among others, into viable products.
The MTech in Food Process Engineering includes training in food processing, bioprocess engineering, equipment design, microbiology, and the physical properties of food and biological materials. Experts in the program will work on the cutting edge of the food and bioprocessing engineering industry to process food and transform the leftover waste and other biological waste into industrial products. The program presents a complete valorisation of food and agricultural products critical for the Ghanaian food industry.
Objectives/Prospects
The aim of the MTech in Food and Bioprocess Engineering is to train professionals with the requisite skills for the development of systems and technologies for the processing, distribution, and storage of food and other biological-based materials by the addition of value.
The following are the objectives:
1. To train students with a strong foundation in scientific and technical knowledge to comprehend, analyse, design, and create innovative products and solutions for the development of food and biologically-based materials.
2. To prepare students to excel and succeed in Food and Bioprocessing Engineering research through the latest state-of-the-art postgraduate education.
3. To sensitise students about scientific temper and the necessity of waste management, social responsibility, and awareness of the environment.
4. This course enables the student to develop good communication and leadership skills, respect for authority, loyalty, and the lifelong learning needed for a successful scientific and professional career.
Graduates of the programme will be suited to work in all public, private, local, and foreign food and bioprocessing facilities. The students graduating with the MTech degree in Food and Bioprocess Engineering from the Accra Technical University can be employed as:
1. Food Plant Equipment Maintenance and Repair Engineers in both public and private food processing facilities, where they undertake rudimentary, general, and sophisticated maintenance and repair of faulty equipment and devices
2. Bioprocessing Equipment (Bioreactor) Maintenance and Repair Engineers in any bioprocessing delivery system – ensuring that equipment functions properly before and post bioprocessing delivery or provision operations in accordance with the manufacturer’s manual.
3. Equipment Quality and Safety Assurance Engineer in any food and bioprocess facility – ensuring that equipment is well-calibrated to obtain accurate processing records of data.
4. Processing Engineers and Technologists in the food and bioprocessing industry to implement techniques for the processing of food products and biologically based materials.
5. Project Engineer for the procurement of food and bioprocess equipment for processing plant setups.
6. Consultancy services – where they provide training for healthcare workers, including nurses, doctors, and administrators, on how to use typical and sophisticated food and bioprocessing equipment.
7. Self-employment through setting up workshops for food and bioprocessing equipment repair and services, as well as procuring equipment and devices for food and bioprocessing facilities, research laboratories, and centers.
8. An instructor or engineer/technologist at any food and bioprocessing laboratory set up for tertiary, research, and secondary educational institutions.
Entry Requirements for 2-Year Master of Technology (MTech) in Food and Bioprocess Engineering
A Bachelor’s degree in the Biosciences, Chemical Engineering, Food Processing Engineering, Food Technology, Biotechnology, or an allied field would be required for admission to the MTech Food and Bioprocessing Engineering programme.
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