Introduction to food engineering

Food engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles from various branches of science and engineering for the production, processing, preservation, packaging, and distribution of food products. It plays a crucial role in the food industry that helps ensure the availability of safe and high-quality food for consumers while also addressing environmental and sustainability aims.

This short course aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to engineering concepts with a specific focus on the chemical and physical attributes of food, various food processing technologies, process analysis tools, the relationship between process parameters and product quality, and an overview of emerging technologies and digital tools. Throughout the course, practical examples and case studies related to food engineering may be used to illustrate the concepts being taught.

This three-day course is designed to cater to individuals with varying levels of prior knowledge in engineering, making it accessible to both non-engineers and graduate engineers seeking to refresh their understanding of engineering concepts in the context of the food industry.

The program combines the practical experience and in-depth technical knowledge of industry professionals, universities and CSIRO.

Program outline

  • Physical and chemical properties of food
  • Food safety and stability
  • Dimensional analysis
  • Mass and energy balances, heat and mass transfer
  • Thermal processing, refrigeration and chilling technology
  • Size reduction technology
  • Fluids and solids mixing technologies
  • Drying technology
  • Separation technology
  • Dough mixing and handling
  • Frying and freezing technology
  • Food process scale-up
  • Packaging
  • Plant Design for food grade operations
  • Cleaning and sanitation
  • Process modelling and simulation
  • New and emerging technologies
  • Digital technologies
  • Demonstrations and pilot plant tour

Who should attend?

Product development technologists, process improvement technologists, process engineers, innovation managers, technology managers, product development managers, technical managers, quality assurance managers, food safety managers, entrepreneurial investors, equipment suppliers, retailers from the food manufacturing industries, procurement managers, consultants, universities, and government.

Pricing

Registration: $2310

Date and Time:

13-15 May 2024

8.30am to 5.00pm AEST

Location: 

CSIRO's Food Innovation Centre

671 Sneydes Road, Werribee VIC

Registration closes 3 May 2024

Enquire about our special rate (50% discount on early bird rate) for recent graduates who are Australian Food Engineers Association (AFEA) members. Get in quick, there are only four spaces available!

All fees include GST.

Morning tea, light lunch and refreshments are included.

Upcoming Events Submit an Event

July

Sydney’s iconic Bastille Festival returns this year from 17-20 July, drawing hundreds of thousands of food and wine lovers, music enthusiasts, and seekers of good vibes.

From the hottest chilli sauces to the smelliest cheese, the Margaret River to the Barossa, we scour the nation to find the most delicious and exciting products around and bring them all together in one place.

Discover the future of winemaking at WineTech 2025, Australia’s premier wine industry trade exhibition, taking place from 21-23 July at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Hosted by Weld Australia, this year's National Manufacturing Summit will be held from 23-24 July 2025 at the Shangri-La Sydney, bringing together a diverse group of industry stakeholders.

August

The 2025 AIFST Convention (AIFST25) will bring together Australia’s agrifood science and technology community for two days of cutting-edge insights, industry connections, and professional growth.

The Gluten-Free Expo is the largest dedicated gluten-free event in Australia. It provides an ideal platform to showcase your gluten-free products to targeted, qualified gluten-free consumers. 

The Australian National University (ANU) Agrifood Innovation Institute has partnered with not-for-profit organisation, Cellular Agriculture Australia (CAA), to bring the future of food to the nation’s capital. Made & Grown: The Future of Food will take place in Canberra on 21 August, spotlighting the biotechnologies shaping the Australian food system.

September

Australia’s largest and most influential food trade event is back in Sydney this year. Fine Food Australia 2025 will take place from 8–11 September at the ICC Sydney, and bring together the full foodservice, hospitality, and retail industry for four powerful days of product discovery, education, and business connection.

The 13th ICSD 2025 will be an opportunity to share ideas and research findings relevant to the Sustainability Science, through the European network of academics.

drinktec 2025 will bring together experts from the beverage and liquid food industry in Munich from 15-19 September 2025. drinktec aims to be the premiere platform for world firsts, where exhibitors from all over the world present the entire value chain with their innovative solutions for beverage and liquid food production.