Draft:Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University

History

The Faculty of Agro-Industry at Chiang Mai University was established on December 18, 1992, as announced in the Royal Gazette on December 18, 1992, becoming the 13th faculty of the university. In 1999, the faculty relocated to the Mae Hia Agricultural Research and Training Station, Mae Hia Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province.

In 1993, the Cabinet identified agro-industry as a scarce field, recognizing its importance in improving the quality of life for farmers. The Faculty of Agro-Industry is committed to producing high-quality graduates with a strong sense of social responsibility. The faculty emphasizes research that highlights the unique characteristics of northern Thailand.

Moreover, the faculty aims to be an internationally recognized academic institution in the field of agro-industry, fostering academic collaborations between public and private sectors at both national and international levels.

Currently, the faculty is led by Associate Professor Dr. Yutthana Phimolsiripol, Dean of the Faculty of Agro-Industry.

Organization

In accordance with Chiang Mai University's announcement on organizational restructuring, titled "Division of Academic and Other Units (No. 16) B.E. 2567," dated May 24, 2024, effective from June 9, 2024, the Food Innovation and Packaging Center and the College of Maritime Studies and Management have been integrated into the Faculty of Agro-Industry. The Faculty of Agro-Industry is now organized as follows: 1. Office of the Faculty 2. The School of Agro-Industry 3. Food Innovation and Packaging Center

Programs

Bachelor Programs - Bachelor of Science Program in Food Science and Technology - Bachelor of Science Program in Food Science and Technology (International Program) - Bachelor of Science Program in Agro-Industrial Biotechnology - Bachelor of Science Program in Food Process Engineering - Bachelor of Science Program in Product Development Technology - Bachelor of Science Program in Packaging Technology - Bachelor of Science Program in Marine Product Technology

Master Programs - Master of Science Program in Food Science and Technology - Master of Science Program in Food Science and Technology (International Program) - Master of Science Program in Agro-Industrial Product Development - Master of Science Program in Packaging Technology

Doctoral Programs - Doctor of Philosophy Program in Food Science and Technology - Doctor of Philosophy Program in Food Science and Technology (International Program) - Doctor of Philosophy Program in Agro-Industrial Product Development

Course Details and Career Pathways

Department of Food Science and Technology The Department of Food Science and Technology offers a comprehensive and diverse curriculum covering all types of food. Students will learn about the chemical and physical changes in food, food microbiology, principles of food preservation, food processing, food chemistry, food analysis, and quality evaluation including sensory, physical, and chemical properties, as well as the nutritional value of almost every type of food. Years 1-2: Students will study general and basic science courses to provide a foundation for food science and technology subjects, including chemistry, biology, physics, and calculus, with a focus on chemistry-related subjects. Year 3: Students will delve into specialized subjects in food science and technology. They will learn about food processing, food engineering principles, food microbiology, both in terms of food spoilage and the beneficial use of microorganisms in food, food chemistry, quality control and assurance, food analysis, food product development, and technology for various food products. Practical training in all food processing stages is included. Additionally, students can choose elective courses in business administration, economics, psychology, or computer science to enhance their career opportunities. Final Year: Students can choose to undertake internships in the food industry or participate in cooperative education programs, gaining hands-on experience and solving real-world problems in a more intensive and prolonged setting.

Department of Product Development Technology The Department of Product Development Technology combines both science and art, applying knowledge in science and technology, and food innovation to develop high-quality, safe agricultural products that meet consumer demands. Therefore, the curriculum in Product Development Technology focuses on systematic agricultural product development. Year 1: Students will study basic sciences, including chemistry, biology, microbiology, calculus, English, and general elective courses such as accounting, economics, and marketing. They will also learn introductory agro-industry and agricultural product regulations. Year 2: Students will delve deeper into the curriculum, learning both theoretical and practical aspects of using chemicals in food product development and more advanced food chemistry. Year 3: Students will learn systematic planning for product development, both in theory and practice. They will study processing, sensory testing, product quality analysis using quantitative techniques and technologies, and statistical analysis. Additionally, students will have opportunities for field trips and internships in actual factories or businesses. Year 4: Students will study market research, product quality control and assurance, shelf-life studies, product and packaging design using graphic design. In the final semester, students can choose a cooperative education plan to integrate their knowledge by undertaking research projects in collaboration with factories or actual businesses.

Department of Packaging Technology The Department of Packaging Technology focuses on the study of material science, biobased packaging materials, production processes of materials and packaging, testing of packaging materials, and principles of selecting appropriate packaging materials to protect and maintain the quality of both food and non-food products. The department emphasizes research to create innovative material sciences, such as smart packaging, active packaging, and environmentally friendly packaging. This research helps extend shelf life and indicates product quality. Additionally, the department teaches and conducts research in structural packaging design to enhance sales, ensuring strength and suitability for use, as well as in graphic design to make packaging aesthetically appealing and attractive to consumers. Year 1: Students will study basic courses in the Faculty of Science. Year 2: Students will focus more on major-specific courses, learning in-depth about the functions of packaging and the properties of different packaging materials. Year 3: Students will start using analytical and testing equipment to study material properties and will learn more about both graphic and structural packaging design. Final Year: Students will study methods of packaging transportation, food packaging, smart packaging, and undertake research projects in biobased packaging materials, smart packaging, and composite materials. Students can also choose an internship in the food industry or opt for cooperative education.

Department of Marine Product Technology This department provides education on the fundamentals of food science, marketing, and management to develop marine products. Students will learn to select appropriate raw materials and processing methods according to scientific principles, control production processes and product quality, and manage waste and by-products from the seafood industry. The curriculum covers the principles and methods for producing nutritious and safe food products, ensuring economic viability. Key courses include logistics and management, food laws and standards, experimental design, and analysis of raw materials for marine products, microbiology and chemistry of marine products, marine product technology, thermal processing, refrigeration, and freezing of marine products. This program follows a cooperative education model, with 2.5 years of study at Chiang Mai University and 1.5 years at the College of Maritime Studies and Management in Samut Sakhon Province. The faculty collaborates with educational institutions and businesses, providing students with a full-year internship in their fourth year at renowned industrial facilities in central and southern Thailand.

Department of Agro-Industrial Biotechnology This department applies scientific knowledge to utilize microorganisms, plants, and animals in various industries such as food, paper, textiles, leather, cosmetics, and medicine. It also focuses on managing and adding value to agricultural and industrial waste. The teaching and research emphasize understanding fermentation processes, factory design, management and utilization of agricultural waste, and enhancing production processes through genetic engineering. Years 1-2: Students will take general and science courses, including chemistry laboratory, calculus, physics laboratory, basic knowledge in agro-industrial biotechnology, genetics, microbiology, and biotechnology laboratory. Year 3: Students will delve deeper into biochemistry, microbiology in agro-industry, pre- and post-production processes, and treatment and utilization of agricultural waste. Final Year: Students can choose an internship in the food industry or opt for cooperative education.

Department of Food Process Engineering This department focuses on specialized courses in science, technology, and engineering related to the food processing industry. Students will apply their knowledge to process agricultural products using modern, efficient production methods and machinery to produce high-quality, safe food products. Years 1-2: Students will study basic mathematics and science courses that serve as a foundation for advanced courses. Years 3-4: Students will take core courses in the field, such as organizational management and operations in the food industry, mass and energy balance in food engineering, physical and chemical properties of agricultural materials, food processing and preservation, quality control and assurance, food engineering calculations, process control in food engineering, food processing equipment, food plant design, productivity improvement in the food industry, and food process engineering. For courses with practical components, students will gain hands-on experience in a model food processing plant.

References

https://www.agro.cmu.ac.th/web/en/