Dairy Science
The Introduction to Dairy Science course is 10 credit level 6 Special Purpose Award certificate course. It is aimed at those intending to or already working in the dairy industry and was developed by WIT in consultation the Irish dairy industry.
Wales Ireland Network for Scientific Skills (WINSS)
The aim of WINSS project is to address the skills gaps in the region and increase the number of skilled professionals with training in new and emerging technologies. A Scientific Skills Survey was conducted to address the scientific skills gaps within industries based in Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Waterford, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, South Tipperary, Cork and Kerry.
The agri-food sector is currently thriving, especially in the South-East, with companies such as Glanbia, Danone and Kerry Group obtaining investment to expand their facilities in this area.
Infant and toddler milks are seeing growing demands across Europe and worldwide. While the abolition of the EU milk quota in 2015 may bring significant challenges to the Irish dairy sector, it also presents exciting opportunities for skilled graduates in this area.
The development of this course will hopefully provide and train high quality, knowledgeable employees to the dairy industry in Ireland and within the Interreg region.The course will provide students with:
-
An understanding of a modern dairy enterprise including factors influencing milk quality and yield
-
Fundamentals of dairy production, processing and quality management
-
Knowledge on the principles and technologies used in dairy processing
-
Knowledge on the importance of working in an environment which operates under strict guidelines for production and quality outputs.
Delivery
The course will be delivered using a block approach - students will be required to attend 2 or 3 days a week for 2 months between May-June.
Fee
The course fee is €550
Further Information
Please contact Dr. Karen Tambling (ktambling@wit.ie), Department of Science for further information on when this course will next be offerred.
Dairy Science Modules
Lectures will be employed to introduce the fundamentals of dairy production, processing and quality management. Laboratory practical sessions and field trips will highlight the principles and technologies used in dairy processing and will examine environmental pathogens associated with the dairy industry and the importance of hygiene and cleaning in place. Team work will also be included to aid in troubleshooting techniques.
Prior to commencement of the programme an induction training session will focus on issues of health and safety while on campus, especially safety while working in the laboratories, and while participating in site visits/field trips.
The course contains a blend of lectures, practical sessions, field trips, group work and independent study.Continuous assessment such as in-class tests, laboratory reports and teamwork problem solving assignments will be used.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the origins of milk, impact of sources on overall quality of end product produced and the issues/challenges facing farmers in milk production.
- Evaluate core milk processing stages including pasteurization process and recognise the role of non-dairy ingredients in dairy manufacturing.
- Evaluate and analyse milk constituents and illustrate an understanding of the range of milk products using milk or a derivative of milk.
- Identify the role and function of quality control, quality assurance, quality auditing and in process testing in dairy processing.
- Describe the significance of GMP as a pre-requisite to HACCP in the food industry, discuss the origins of HACCP and its basis as a Food Safety Management System.
- Examine food and environmental pathogens associated with the dairy industry and the importance of hygiene and cleaning in place.
- Discuss where effluent comes from and what is consists of and how it should be treated/disposed of with both relevant legislation and also company profitability in mind.
Dairy Science Entry Requirements
A standard entry to a full Level 6 programme of study has the following entry requirements:
-
2 subjects: HC3 or better
-
4 subjects: OD3 or better
-
English/Irish: OD3/HD3
- Mathematics: OD3/HD3
(Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see WIT’s English Language Requirements for details).
However, some applicants who do not immediately meet these requirements may wish to consider using WIT’s Recognition of Prior Learning mechanism in order to make application that can be considered for entry to this course. For example an applicant who does not have a Leaving certificate qualification but who has informal learning (e.g. learning gained through relevant work experience) can submit an RPL portfolio setting out, in the prescribed format, this previous learning.
Course Leader
Ask a Course Question
If you need to contact the course leader directly, please use the email address listed above.
If you are considering applying for this course and have particular questions about it or the application process, please use the form below to ask your question. To ensure your question is answered more speedily, please try to choose the relevant contact point in the drop down menu. If you are unsure of your contact point, please choose "General".