2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Dairy Manufacturing (B.S.) - Microbiology Specialization



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Program Coordinator/Contact

Joseph Cassady, Interim Department Head
Department of Dairy and Food Science
Alfred Dairy Science Hall 136
605-688-4116

Program Information

Dairy Science is an application of the sciences, engineering and technology, and business toward the study of milk production and processing. The degree is designed to prepare students for a wide range of outstanding, challenging and rewarding career opportunities ranging from industry to private enterprise, government, research and higher education. The Dairy Manufacturing Major - Microbiology Specialization provides a strong biology, chemistry and microbiology focused curriculum for students with a strong interest in pursuing Microbiology related careers within the dairy industry. Students will develop a knowledge base related to the basic physical, biological, microbiological, chemical and engineering sciences, with special emphasis on microbiology, as they are applied to dairy foods.  These sciences are utilized to study the nature and development of dairy products; the unit operations involved in processing and production of quality dairy foods; the causes of deterioration and spoilage, and principles of dairy food preservation.  Students will also be exposed to business operations management as it relates specifically to a dairy processing facility. These skill sets are also utilized by scientists to develop and create approaches for the generation of new dairy food products to assist in feeding the world through provision of products that provide proper nutrition with acceptable taste and texture while maintaining affordability.  Graduates with a degree in Dairy Manufacturing-Microbiology Specialization are well prepared for professional positions within the dairy processing industry or for further graduate study in Dairy Science.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Dairy Manufacturing - Microbiology Specialization curriculum a graduate should be able to demonstrate the following:

  • Understanding of the chemistry underlying the properties and reactions of the various components within a dairy food as they are influenced by processing conditions.
  • Practical proficiency in laboratory techniques associated with the determination of qualitative and quantitative analytical data related to physical, chemical, biological and microbiological aspects of dairy foods and dairy-based ingredients.
  • Understanding of microbial growth and survival as it impacts the safety, preservation and spoilage of dairy food systems.
  • Understanding of unit operations, process control and sanitation protocols as they relate to the production and preservation of dairy-based foods.
  • Understanding of cleaning and sanitation processes and protocols as they impact the control and assurance of quality in the finished dairy food.
  • Practical proficiency in application of Good Manufacturing Principles (GMP’s), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP’s) as a direct result of exposure to these items in an applied manufacturing environment.
  • Understanding of the laws and regulations governing the manufacture and sale of dairy-based food products.
  • General understanding of business operations including finance, human resources, inventory management, infrastructure requirements, loss control and purchasing.
  • Ability to utilize verbal and written communication skills effectively in a group environment.
  • Ability to apply critical thinking and reasoning skills while ethically applying scientific principles to resolving issues associated with dairy food products and processing systems.

Course Delivery Format

The program offers instruction through lecture, discussion, laboratory exercises and hands-on practical training.

Requirements for Dairy Manufacturing Major - Microbiology Specialization: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science

College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Requirements


Bachelor of Science Requirements: 11 **

Students who wish to complete a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences must complete a minimum of 11 credits from the approved list of Group 1  courses. Some departments require specific courses from the list, whereas others leave the selection entirely to the student and the advisor.

System General Education Requirements and/or major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.  Please review major requirements and the Group 1 list to determine if additional courses are required.

** Students in the Dairy Manufacturing - Microbiology Specialization need to only complete 7 of the 11 required Group 1 Electives to meet College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences requirements.

Major Requirements


Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements 32-34 Credit Hours
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Requirements* 7 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 81-83 Credit Hours
Electives** 0 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements, Major Requirements, and supporting coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.  
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.

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