The academic content and curriculum of the Olive and Olive Processing Technology Associate Degree Program is designed to provide students with the comprehensive knowledge and skills required in the olive and olive oil sector. The curriculum of this program generally consists of courses such as basic agricultural sciences, olive cultivation, olive processing techniques, olive oil technology, quality control and food safety.
Basic Agricultural Sciences: Students are trained in basic agricultural sciences such as plant biology, soil science and plant nutrition. These courses provide the basic knowledge required for olive cultivation and processing.
Olive Cultivation: In this area, topics such as varieties of olive trees, planting, pruning, irrigation and fertilization techniques are covered. Disease and pest control methods are also part of this course.
Olive Processing Techniques: Students will learn about the processes carried out after the harvest of olives, storage, classification and processing of olives.
Olive Oil Technology: This course focuses on olive oil extraction methods, modern olive oil processing techniques and equipment. Also, topics such as storage and packaging of olive oil are covered.
Quality Control and Food Safety: Students are trained in quality standards of olive oil and olive products, food safety regulations and quality control techniques.
Applied Education: A significant part of the program includes laboratory work and workshop training. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in real olive and olive oil processing facilities.
Internship and Sectoral Training: The program also offers students the opportunity to do internships in the sector. This allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice and build relationships with the sector.
The curriculum is designed in a balanced manner to ensure that students graduate as individuals equipped and knowledgeable in all aspects of the olive and olive oil sector. This education covers basic and applied knowledge that will help graduates succeed in a variety of roles in the olive growing and olive oil processing sectors.