Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology
FBP40421
Study Mode
Online Classes & Face to face Workshops
Certificate IV in Food Science and Technology - FBP40421
Course Overview
Launch your career in technical and supervisory roles covering product development, food safety and quality, food production and distribution, environmental functions, and the maintenance and monitoring of food processing systems.
This qualification delivers a mix of leadership and technical skills, developing knowledge of the food industry and priming students for their next supervisor role.
The course covers:
- Work, Health & Safety in food production workplaces.
- Lab testing and microbiological procedures.
- Principles of nutrition.
- Food safety plans.
- Contamination and spoilage.
- Food safety compliance.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
This course prepares individuals to work in the food processing industry in a senior role. Graduates may choose to pursue a career in one of the following areas:
- Food technology
- Marketing and management
- Production supervision
- Quality control
- Research and development
- Food standards and regulation
Further study
After graduating, students might like to undertake further study with the FBP50121 Diploma of Food Science and Technology.
Course details
Upcoming dates and times
Choose a location below to learn more about when this course is offered and on which days you’ll need to attend.
Hoppers Crossing
(2 commencing soon)
Starts On: 16-Jul-2024 - Part time - Online Classes & Face to face Workshops - Applications Close: 02-Jul-2024
Starts On: 08-Oct-2024 - Part time - Online Classes & Face to face Workshops - Applications Close: 24-Sep-2024
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 20 units: 8 core and 12 elective.
Core units
8 unit(s)
- BSBWHS411 Implement and monitor WHS policies, procedures and programs
- FBPFST4004 Perform microbiological procedures in the food industry
- FBPFST4011 Apply the principles of nutrition to food processing
- FBPFSY4001 Supervise and maintain a food safety plan
- FBPTEC4003 Control food contamination and spoilage
- FBPTEC4007 Describe and analyse data using mathematical principles
- MSL974020 Perform food tests
- MSMENV472 Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
Elective units
14 unit(s)
- FBPAUD4001 Assess compliance with food safety programs
- FBPAUD4002 Communicate and negotiate to conduct food safety audits
- FBPAUD4003 Conduct food safety audits
- FBPAUD4004 Identify, evaluate and control food safety hazards
- FBPFST4003 Apply digital technology in food processing
- FBPFST4005 Document food processes and supporting procedures
- FBPFST4007 Establish operational requirements for a food processing enterprise
- FBPFST4010 Apply sensory analysis in food processing
- FBPFST5024 Implement and review the production of fermented dairy products and dairy desserts
- FBPTEC4002 Apply principles of food packaging
- FBPTEC4005 Apply an understanding of food additives
- FBPTEC4009 Identify the physical and chemical properties of materials, food and related products
- FBPTEC4011 Establish process capability
- MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures
Attendance & commitment
General public blended delivery | 1.5 years course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend on campus 5 x 5 days per week (8 hours) for the duration of the course.
- Attend a virtual class one day per fortnight (3 hours per day). Students can select to attend either in the morning or evening depending on commitments.
- Spend approximately 12 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Knowledge questions
- Projects
- Observations
- Portfolios
- Written reports
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into the course applicants:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) - an online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training review interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Applicants must be employed in a food processing enterprise or have access to a similar location.
- Students will also require access to an enterprise food safety program to complete assessment tasks.
This program does not provide or include industry placement.
Student resources
- Students must have a laptop/computer with internet access, including access to YouTube.
Inherent requirements
- Working in this industry may involve shift and weekend work.
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Fees and payments
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2024 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of 3 different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - cover the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts, and booklets, e-Learning resources, and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) - contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session or during the pre-training review Interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
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