The academic content and curriculum of the Tea Agriculture and Processing Technology Associate Degree Program aims to provide the basic knowledge and technical skills needed by individuals who will work professionally in the tea industry. This program covers both theoretical knowledge and practical applications and usually includes a two-year education process. Here is a general summary of the course content and curriculum of this program:
Basic Sciences and General Courses: These courses introduce students to the basic scientific concepts necessary to understand tea agriculture and processing. Courses such as general biology, chemistry, plant science and soil science are included in this category. In addition, math and statistics courses provide the foundation for research and data analysis skills.
Tea Agriculture Related Courses: These courses cover the cultivation of tea, tea garden management, tillage, fertilization, irrigation, disease and pest control. Students learn the techniques necessary to grow the tea plant in a healthy way and increase its yield.
Tea Processing Techniques: Tea processing stages such as fermentation, drying, grading and packaging are covered in detail in these courses. Students learn how various types of tea are produced, processed and how their quality is maintained and enhanced.
Quality Control and Standards: These courses cover how to assess tea quality, national and international tea standards, quality control techniques and food safety. Students learn how to assess and maintain the quality of tea.
Economics and Marketing: The economic aspects of the tea industry, marketing strategies, tea trade and exports are the focus of these courses. Students understand the commercial aspects and marketing of tea.
Practical Education and Internships: During this period, when theoretical knowledge is put into practice, students organize visits to tea plantations, processing facilities and do internships. These practical trainings provide students with real-world experience and help them find a job after graduation.
The aim of the curriculum is to provide students with a comprehensive education in tea farming and processing and to equip them with the skills and knowledge required for various career paths in this sector. The course content of the program is designed to ensure that students are trained in accordance with industry standards and succeed in the tea industry. Within this framework, the curriculum of the program is constantly updated according to the needs of the industry and students are provided with the most up-to-date information.