Course Descriptions

Food Science & Safety - FSS
Course Classification

Courses numbered 1-49 — are baccalaureate level (transfer) courses. Courses thus numbered are transferable to four- year institutions. Agriculture courses are designed to parallel the work taught in similar courses at California Polytechnic State University or at California State University, Fresno but may not carry the same number.

Courses numbered 50-99 — are associate degree level courses. Courses thus numbered are primarily for the student who does not plan to continue his/her education beyond the community college level; however, occupational education courses may transfer according to articulation agreements. Complete information on articulation is available through the Counseling Center.

Courses Numbered 100-201 — are non-transfer and are non-degree applicable; they are skill building or remedial.

Abbreviations for Degree, Non-Degree, and Transfer Courses

The following abbreviations designate degree applicable, transfer, and non-degree applicable courses:
(AA) Associate Degree
(CSU) Transferable to California State University System
(UC) Transferable to University of California System
(NDA) Non-Degree Applicable

  • FSS-005
  • Food Safety Mgmt/ App to Prod
  • Credit(s) 3

Food Safety Management With Application To Production Systems
FSS 005 is an introduction to food safety principles with an overview of career opportunities, food safety technologies, environmental sources and transport mechanisms of food-borne pathogens, and the role of site conditions. An overview Good Agricultural Practices for farm production is included. Specific guidelines for key agricultural commodities are presented as well as regulations and monitoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for food safety. Field trips may be required.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU
  • FSS-010
  • Food Chemistry
  • Credit(s) 3

Food Chemistry
FSS 010 will provide an overview of the nutritional, chemical and physical properties of the major food constituents (e.g., proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, water, minerals). The importance of organic chemistry and biochemistry in food is explored. Laboratory covers methods of food analysis.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Transfers to:
CSU
  • FSS-015
  • Microbiology of Foods
  • Credit(s) 4

Microbiology of Foods
FSS 015 is a lecture and laboratory course designed to prepare students for work in the food processing sector to include the use of material and equipment and corresponding microbiological laboratory skills. The technological aspects of food and water operations is taught with a focus on sanitary inspection procedures and quality control principles. The isolation and identification of micro-organisms by cultural and biochemical techniques are taught.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Advisory(s):
BIO 038 and CHEM 002A
Transfers to:
CSU
  • FSS-020
  • Agriculture Laws & Regulations
  • Credit(s) 2

Agriculture Laws and Regulations
FSS 020 provides an introduction to the laws and regulations governing the agricultural industry with a focus on food safety. Topics include an overview of government agencies with responsibility to create and enforce laws and regulations to ensure a safe and abundant food supply, public and worker safety, insurance, labor and agriculture organizations, and environmental issues.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU
  • FSS-025
  • Principles of Hazard Analysis
  • Credit(s) 3

Principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control
FSS 025 provides a review of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) food safety management systems as a systematic and science-based approach to food safety through the identification, monitoring and corrective control of critical hazards in food production facilities. The review will include the corresponding verification and validation processes necessary to prove that a food safety management system is scientifically valid by gathering evidence to assure that safe food products will be produced once the management system is implemented.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU
  • FSS-030
  • Audits, Prev Controls & Prod S
  • Credit(s) 3

Audits, Preventive Controls and Produce Safety
FSS 030 will provide an introduction to food safety plans with applications to preventive controls for human foods and the produce safety rule. The knowledge and skills necessary to conduct an effective audit of food safety management systems will be developed to evaluate regulatory compliance, detect deficiencies, and implement corrective and preventative actions.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU
  • FSS-035
  • Principles of Food Science
  • Credit(s) 3

Principles of Food Science
FSS 035 provides an introduction to the fundamentals of food science with an overview of food safety, technology and industry standards. Students will gain an understanding of the principles of food processing, preparation and storage. Food safety challenges and regulations will be reviewed.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
CSU
  • FSS-040
  • Facility Food Safety Managemen
  • Credit(s) 3

Facility Food Safety Management
FSS 040 course topics include the development and management of food safety programs with focus on evaluation, documentation, pathogen tracking and crisis management. An introduction to Good Manufacturing Processes (GMPs) for facility management is provided. Specific application is made to manufacturing and processing facilities with emphasis on temperature control/cold chain, evaluation of alternative risk reduction strategies, HACCP principles, employee training and the audit process.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
FSS 025
Transfers to:
CSU