Laboratory Food Science Technician

Associate of Applied Science Degree
10-506-6

BTC’s Laboratory Food Science Technician degree is a 60 credit, flexible lab based program that builds upon the lab skills taught in the one year, Laboratory Technical Assistant program with additional computer skills, hands-on microbiology training, quality control standards, food product tests and an in-depth study of the regulations and regulatory agencies governing food production. In addition, this program will prepare you for certification in SERVSAFE, Hazard Analysis, Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Six Sigma Green Belt. Non-lab instructional content is delivered online.

Food Lab Technicians are a critical part of ensuring food products are safe and meet quality standards.  Many will play a role in developing the next innovative way to preserve, package, store, and deliver foods at the regional, national and international levels.  The Laboratory Food Science Technician Program prepares graduates for a variety of roles in food production and safety.  Learners will acquire knowledge in Chemistry, Microbiology, Technical Writing , LEAN Manufacturing, and food safety regulations.  Learners will apply these skills to operate and maintain equipment, collect samples, perform chemical and biological analysis, and document and report data in a food manufacturing area.      

Graduates of the program will be prepared to work in a variety of industries related to food production and safety of the food supply.  This includes but is not limited to breweries, cheese plants, sterile packaging facilities, food product testing labs, food safety testing labs.

  • Lab Technician
  • QC Scientist 1
  • Food/Beverage Manufacturing Lab Tech
  • Food Safety & Quality Auditor (Technician)
  • Process Control Technician
  • QC Lab Tech
  • Quality Assurance Tech
  • Food/Beverage Safety Coordinator
  • Food/Beverage Safety Specialist
  • Food Laboratory Technician
  • Food Lab Associate
  • Food Safety Technician
Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
513-110 Basic Laboratory Skills 1
506-108 Laboratory Safety and Hazardous Materials 1
103-128 Introduction to Microsoft Office Suites 2
806-199 General, Organic and Biological Chemistry 4
801-136 English Composition 1 3
804-118 Intermediate Algebra with Applications 4
196-158 Essentials of Quality: Quality Data Assessment 1
 Credits16
Semester 2
506-102 Intermediate Laboratory Skills 3
506-105 Quality Concepts in Laboratories 3
506-109 Data Management for Laboratory Assistants 1
806-197 Microbiology 4
102-148 Introduction to Business and Management 3
196-157 Essentials of Quality: Quality Management Basics 1
 Credits15
Semester 3
506-111 Food Microbiology 4
506-114 Introduction to the USDA and FDA 2
506-113 Excel and Statistics in the Laboratory (to become Excel and Statistics for the Laboratory) 3
513-170 Introduction to Molecular Diagnostics 2
809-196 Introduction to Sociology 3
506-120 ServSafe Certification Preparation 1
 Credits15
Semester 4
506-115 Food Production Regulations / HACCP, GFSI, FSMA 2
506-117 Food Laboratory Occupational Experience 2
196-159 Essentials of Quality: Lean Tools 1
801-198 Speech 3
809-198 Introduction to Psychology 3
806-172
Basic Nutritional Science
or Food and Nutritional Science
3
 Credits14
 Total Credits60

General Education Courses Within Program

801-136English Composition 13
806-197Microbiology4
806-199General, Organic and Biological Chemistry4
809-198Introduction to Psychology3
801-198Speech3
804-118Intermediate Algebra with Applications4
806-172Basic Nutritional Science3
809-196Introduction to Sociology3