It has a total student population of one thousand, four hundred and ninety (1940). The department offers a 2-year Master of Technology (MTech) in Food and Bioprocess Engineering; a 4-year Bachelor of Technology Degree in Mechanical Engineering; a 4-year Bachelor of Technology Degree in Automobile Engineering; a 3-year Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering with options in Refrigeration and Air-conditioning and Plant and Production Options; a 3-year Higher National Diploma in Automobile Engineering; a 2-year Top-up Bachelor of Technology Degree in Mechanical Engineering; a 2-year Top-up Bachelor of Technology Degree in Automobile Engineering; Mechanical Engineering Technician I; and Motor Vehicle Technician I. 

 

PROGRAMMES OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT

2-Year Master of Technology (MTech) in Food and Bioprocess Engineering

The food processing industry and the bioprocessing industry are presented as different methodical entities, especially in the Ghanaian setting. However, they are underpinned by the common utilisation of biological-based materials into beneficial products for society. Their intertwined activities could be emphasised by shared scientific knowledge, which enables diverse applications. Therefore, the program in MTech Food and Bioprocess Engineering is a scientific multidisciplinary field that employs scientific knowledge to engineer systems and processes for the food and biologically based industry. The programme is designed to enhance the benefits derived from the agricultural value chain. The program, unlike elsewhere in the Ghanaian setting, presents a synergy of food processing and bioprocessing to produce professionals equipped to provide technological solutions at all levels of the food value chain, including the valorisation of food waste, by-products from waste food, and crop residues, and especially prolonging the lifespan of food. While contemporary disciplines are typically focused on food processing, the combinational effect of bioprocessing allows complete value addition at all levels of the food chain, including waste. Thus, Food and Bioprocessing Engineering offers a complete value addition to the entire food chain, where food waste is processed into valuable industrial products.

 

The Master’s in Food and Bioprocess Engineering, unlike any of its contemporaries in the nation, will be significant for value addition in the food chain and pivotal to the Ghanaian food processing industry. The program is designed to present a wholesome technological solution to the food chain industry. Professionals would be equipped for food processing and the subsequent management and conversion of waste food by-product into valuable products. Furthermore, the training offers skills extensible to the transformation of other biological-based products, such as crop residue, among others, into viable products. 

 

The MTech in Food Process Engineering includes training in food processing, bioprocess engineering, equipment design, microbiology, and the physical properties of food and biological materials. Experts in the program will work on the cutting edge of the food and bioprocessing engineering industry to process food and transform the leftover waste and other biological waste into industrial products. The program presents a complete valorisation of food and agricultural products critical for the Ghanaian food industry.

• Objectives/Prospects

The following are the objectives:

1. To train students with a strong foundation in scientific and technical knowledge to comprehend, analyse, design, and create innovative products and solutions for the development of food and biologically-based materials.
2. To prepare students to excel and succeed in Food and Bioprocessing Engineering research through the latest state-of-the-art postgraduate education.
3. To sensitise students about scientific temper and the necessity of waste management, social responsibility, and awareness of the environment.  
4. This course enables the student to develop good communication and leadership skills, respect for authority, loyalty, and the lifelong learning needed for a successful scientific and professional career.

 

Graduates of the programme will be suited to work in all public, private, local, and foreign food and bioprocessing facilities. The students graduating with the MTech degree in Food and Bioprocess Engineering from the Accra Technical University can be employed as:

1. Food Plant Equipment Maintenance and Repair Engineers in both public and private food processing facilities, where they undertake rudimentary, general, and sophisticated maintenance and repair of faulty equipment and devices
2. Bioprocessing Equipment (Bioreactor) Maintenance and Repair Engineers in any bioprocessing delivery system – ensuring that equipment functions properly before and post bioprocessing delivery or provision operations in accordance with the manufacturer’s manual.
3. Equipment Quality and Safety Assurance Engineer in any food and bioprocess facility – ensuring that equipment is well-calibrated to obtain accurate processing records of data.
4. Processing Engineers and Technologists in the food and bioprocessing industry to implement techniques for the processing of food products and biologically based materials. 
5. Project Engineer for the procurement of food and bioprocess equipment for processing plant setups. 
6. Consultancy services – where they provide training for healthcare workers, including nurses, doctors, and administrators, on how to use typical and sophisticated food and bioprocessing equipment. 
7. Self-employment through setting up workshops for food and bioprocessing equipment repair and services, as well as procuring equipment and devices for food and bioprocessing facilities, research laboratories, and centers. 
8. An instructor or engineer/technologist at any food and bioprocessing laboratory set up for tertiary, research, and secondary educational institutions.

 

• Entry Requirements for 2-Year Master of Technology (MTech) in Food and Bioprocess Engineering

A Bachelor’s degree in the Biosciences, Chemical Engineering, Food Processing Engineering, Food Technology, Biotechnology, or an allied field would be required for admission to the MTech Food and Bioprocessing Engineering programme.

 

Programme Structure – MTech in Food and Bioprocess Engineering 

The components of the programme in Food and Bioprocess Engineering include the following:

SN	Course Code	Course Title	Contact/Credit hours
			T	P	C
Semester I
1.	FBE511	Experimental Design and Research Methodology	3	0	3
2.	FBE513	Applied Statistics for Food and Bioprocessing	3	0	3
3.	FBE515	Food Chemistry and Microbiology	2	3	3
4.	FBE517	Mechanical Engineering, Refrigeration and Cold Chain	2	3	3
5.	FBE519	Advanced Food Engineering and Preservation	2	3	3
6.	FBE521	Food Plant Design and Automation	2	3	3
			14	12	18
Semester II
1.	FBE512	Computational Modelling and Simulation of Bioprocess	1	3	2
2.	FBE514	Advanced Enzyme and Fermentation Technology	2	3	3
3.	FBE516	Bioreactor Design and Analysis	1	3	2
4.	FBE518	Bioseparation and Purification Processes	2	3	3
5.	FBE520	Bio-Waste and Bioconversion Engineering	2	3	3
6.	FBE522	Food Processing Technologies	2	3	3
Long Vacation Industrial Training – Internship
1.	FBE598	Workplace-Based Learning	0	6	2
			10	24	18
Semester III
1.	FBE611	Industrial-Based Project Work	0	0	15
2	FBE697	Project – Work Phase I	0	0	6
			0	0	21
Semester IV
1.	FBE612	Project Work – Phase II	0	0	18
			0	0	18

                                                                                                                Total Credit  = 75

 

 Core Course(s): 

SN	Course Code	Course Title	Contact/Credit hours
			T	P	C
Semester I
1.	FBE511	Experimental Design and Research Methodology	3	0	3
2.	FBE513	Applied Statistics for Food and Bioprocessing	3	0	3
3.	FBE515	Food Chemistry and Microbiology	2	3	3
4.	FBE517	Mechanical Engineering, Refrigeration and Cold Chain	2	3	3
5.	FBE519	Advanced Food Engineering and Preservation	2	3	3
6.	FBE521	Food Plant Design and Automation	2	3	3
			14	12	18
Semester II
1.	FBE512	Computational Modelling and Simulation of Bioprocess	1	3	2
2.	FBE514	Advanced Enzyme and Fermentation Technology	2	3	3
3.	FBE516	Bioreactor Design and Analysis	1	3	2
4.	FBE518	Bioseparation and Purification Processes	2	3	3
5.	FBE520	Bio-Waste and Bioconversion Engineering	2	3	3
6.	FBE522	Food Processing Technologies	2	3	3
			10	18	16

 

       Mandatory Course(s):

 

SN	Course Code	Course Title	Contact/Credit hours
			T	P	C
Semester I
1.	FBE511	Experimental Design and Research Methodology	3	0	3
			3	0	3
Semester III
1.	FBE111	Industrial-Based Project Work	0	0	15
2.	FBE697	Project Work – Phase I	0	0	6
			0	0	21
Semester IV
1.	FBE612	Project Work – Phase II	0	0	18
			0	0	18

 

       Research Component:

 

SN	Course Code	Course Title	Contact/Credit hours
			T	P	C
Semester III
1.	FBE697	Project Work – Phase I	0	0	6
			0	0	06
Semester IV
1.	FBE612	Project Work – Phase II	0	0	18
			0	0	18

 

 Practical training, industrial attachment, internship, clinical experience, etc.:

 

Long Vacation Industrial Training – Internship
1.	FBE598	Workplace-Based Learning	0	0	02
			0	0	02

 

Mode of Delivery

1. Lecturing
2. Practical
3. Individual and group presentation.

Assessment

 

4-Year Bachelor of Technology Degree in Mechanical Engineering

The mechanical engineering programme at Accra Technical University (ATU) will be developed in consultation with industry players drawn from production and manufacturing companies in Accra and Tema. The program will have four primary areas of concentration aimed at filling the skills gaps of existing mechanical engineers. The areas are the theoretical underpinning knowledge based on Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Materials Science; computer-aided design and manufacturing of mechanical components using CAD and CAM systems, such as CNC and 3D printing; system automation, which will be based on sensors, actuators, microcontrollers, and PLC; and maintenance of industrial systems. Strong collaboration with industry will introduce students to the world of work before they graduate. The program will also focus on developing students’ entrepreneurial skills.

 

• Objectives / Prospects

The aim of the Bachelor of Technology program in mechanical engineering at ATU is to train a highly skilled workforce able to conceptualise, design, and manufacture mechanical components and machinery utilising CAD/CAM systems, as well as the maintenance and automation of production systems. The following are the objectives of the programme:

1. Equip students with the knowledge to design, analyse, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems.
2. Train students to acquire analytical skills, problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, and practical skills in mechanical engineering.
3. Provide students with the ability to research new ideas and write reports
4. Develop in students, computing and system automation abilities
5. Equip students with professional ethics and entrepreneurial know-how

• Entry Requirements

WASSCE Candidates

 WASSCE applicants must have six (6) credit passes (A1-C6) in all subjects, including English Language, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science, and any other three (3) relevant Electives.

SSCE Candidates

SSCE applicants must have a minimum of six (6) credit passes (A-D) in all subjects, including English Language, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science, and any other three (3) relevant Electives.

GCE ‘A’ LEVEL Candidates

Candidates must have five (5) credits at Ordinary Level in GCE, including English Language, Mathematics, and a Science subject, and passes in GCE ‘A’ Level Relevant Subjects.

Technician applicants

1. Candidates must have six credits in NABPTEX/TEU Examinations, including three (3) core (NABPTEX CERTIFICATE II) and three (3) electives (TEU) subjects.
2. Pass the Refrigeration Technician II exam with a passing grade in all subjects. OR
3. Pass in Motor Vehicle Technician Part II with passes in all subjects. OR
4. Pass in Mechanical Engineering Technician Part II with passes in all subjects. OR
5. Pass in Ordinary Technician Diploma (OTD)
6. Technical applicants with Technician Part III in the fields stated in ii, iii, and iv are qualified to be admitted at level 200

Higher National Diploma

HND in Automotive and Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of Second-Class Lower Division will be offered admission into the programme at level 300 for a two-year top-up. Other Diploma qualifications assessed by the National Accreditation Board as equivalent to HND may be considered similarly.

Diploma

Diploma in Automotive and Mechanical Engineering will be offered admission into the programme at level 200 for a three (3) year top up.

 

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying for admission to the BTech programme as mature applicants (i.e., those who have reached the age of twenty-five (25) years or more) will be required to pass a written and oral examination following a pre-qualification exercise.

 

Other Applicants

1. City and Guilds Certificate or Diploma in Motor Vehicle Technician
2. EET I and EET II Certificates