
MASTER-OF-SCIENCE in Dairy Engineering at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University

Ludhiana, Punjab
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About the Specialization
What is Dairy Engineering at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Ludhiana?
This Dairy Engineering specialization within the M.Sc. Dairy Technology program at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University focuses on applying engineering principles to the processing, preservation, and handling of milk and dairy products. It addresses the critical demand for skilled engineers in India''''s booming dairy sector, providing expertise in plant design, automation, and sustainable waste management.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates with a background in Dairy, Food, or Agricultural Engineering, as well as B.Sc. graduates in Dairy or Food Technology. It also caters to working professionals in dairy plants, R&D, or government sectors seeking to enhance their technical competencies and advance their careers in a specialized field.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths as Dairy Plant Engineers, Production Managers, Quality Control Specialists, or R&D Scientists in India. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning 8-15 LPA. The program aligns with industry demands for professionals in milk processing, product development, and equipment manufacturing.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Core Engineering Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to revise and reinforce fundamental concepts in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and material science, often available via NPTEL courses. A strong grasp of these basics is crucial for understanding complex dairy process designs and equipment operations later in the curriculum.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Engineering Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Standard engineering textbooks
Career Connection
Solidifies theoretical base for designing and troubleshooting dairy equipment, a core skill for dairy engineers.
Maximize Hands-on Laboratory Experience- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in all practical and laboratory sessions. Pay meticulous attention to experimental procedures, data recording, and analysis related to heat transfer, fluid flow, and properties of dairy materials. Document your learning thoroughly in lab reports.
Tools & Resources
University''''s dairy engineering labs, Lab manuals and protocols
Career Connection
Develops practical skills and familiarity with actual equipment, essential for roles in plant operations, maintenance, and quality assurance.
Initiate Dairy Industry Immersion- (Semester 1-2)
Attend seminars, workshops, and guest lectures featuring dairy industry experts. Organize or participate in industrial visits to local dairy farms and processing units like Verka or Milkfed to understand real-world challenges and technological applications within the Indian dairy sector.
Tools & Resources
Industry association events, GADVASU industry outreach programs, Local dairy plants
Career Connection
Provides early exposure to industry practices, helping identify career interests and build a foundational understanding of the dairy value chain.
Intermediate Stage
Acquire Specialized Software Proficiency- (Semester 2-3)
Gain hands-on expertise in industry-standard software tools such as CAD for plant layout and equipment design (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and process simulation software (e.g., ASPEN HYSYS). Seek university workshops or online tutorials to build these skills.
Tools & Resources
AutoCAD, SolidWorks, ASPEN HYSYS, NPTEL/Coursera for software tutorials
Career Connection
Highly valued skill for roles in dairy plant design, engineering consultancy, and R&D within modern Indian dairy companies.
Engage in Applied Project-Based Learning- (Semester 2-3)
Actively participate in mini-projects focusing on practical dairy engineering problems, such as designing an energy-efficient pasteurizer, optimizing a chilling unit, or developing a waste treatment model. Collaborate with peers and seek faculty mentorship.
Tools & Resources
Departmental project resources, Faculty expertise, Industry problem statements
Career Connection
Enhances problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and teamwork, preparing you for engineering challenges in the industry.
Strategic Networking and Internships- (Semester 2-3)
Attend national and regional dairy conferences (e.g., IDA events) to network with professionals and explore internship opportunities. Secure an internship at a reputable Indian dairy company like Amul, Mother Dairy, or a leading equipment manufacturer to gain practical industry experience.
Tools & Resources
Indian Dairy Association (IDA) events, University placement cell, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Builds professional connections, provides real-world experience, and often serves as a pathway to full-time employment after graduation.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Impact Research and Thesis- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your Master''''s research (DEN-599), aiming to address a relevant industry problem or a scientific gap. Strive for quality research that could lead to publications in peer-reviewed journals, which enhances your academic and professional profile.
Tools & Resources
GADVASU research labs, Statistical software (SPSS, R), Academic databases
Career Connection
Develops advanced research skills, critical analysis, and scientific communication, essential for R&D roles, academic careers, or pursuing a Ph.D.
Intensive Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in career development workshops offered by the university. Refine your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. Practice technical and HR interview questions specific to dairy and food engineering roles, including mock interview sessions.
Tools & Resources
GADVASU Placement Cell, Online interview platforms (e.g., InterviewBit), Resume builders
Career Connection
Maximizes your chances of securing desirable placements in leading dairy and food processing companies across India.
Pursue Relevant Professional Certifications- (Semester 4)
Explore and obtain certifications in areas like Food Safety Management Systems (HACCP), Quality Management (ISO 9001/22000), or specific software tools. These certifications demonstrate specialized knowledge and significantly boost employability in the competitive Indian job market.
Tools & Resources
FSSAI-approved training centers, ISO certification bodies, Online certification platforms
Career Connection
Enhances credibility and demonstrates commitment to professional development, making you a more attractive candidate for specialized roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) or B.Tech./B.Sc. (Dairy Technology/ Food Technology/ Food Science/ Biotechnology) or B.Sc. (Honours) Agriculture with an Overall Grade Point Average (OGPA) of 6.00/10.00 or 60% marks in aggregate. For in-service candidates, a minimum of 5 years of service is required.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 60 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEN-501 | Theory of Heat & Mass Transfer | Core (Major Field) | 3 | Heat Conduction (steady, unsteady, composite walls), Convection (natural, forced, heat exchangers), Radiation (laws, black body, view factors), Mass Transfer (diffusion, Fick''''s law, convective mass transfer), Applications in dairy processes |
| DEN-502 | Dairy Process Engineering | Core (Major Field) | 3 | Fluid flow principles and pumping systems, Size reduction, mixing, and agitation, Centrifugal and membrane separation techniques, Evaporation and drying processes, Thermal processing of milk and dairy products |
| PGS-501 | Basic Statistics | Common Compulsory Course | 2 | Data collection and presentation, Measures of central tendency and dispersion, Probability and probability distributions, Hypothesis testing (t-test, ANOVA), Correlation and regression analysis |
| PGS-504 | Computer Application | Common Compulsory Course | 2 | Operating systems fundamentals, MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet, email, and academic resources, Data analysis tools and software, Basic programming concepts and algorithms |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEN-503 | Storage & Material Handling Systems in Dairy Plants | Core (Major Field) | 3 | Principles of material handling and conveying equipment, Design and operation of storage systems (tanks, silos), Packaging materials and aseptic packaging, Refrigeration principles, cycles, and components, Freezing methods and equipment for dairy products |
| DEN-504 | Dairy Plant Design & Layout | Core (Major Field) | 3 | Principles of plant design and site selection, Optimizing plant layout and space utilization, Utility services (water, steam, compressed air, electricity), Building design, materials, and sanitation, Project management, cost estimation, and feasibility studies |
| PGS-502 | Library and Information Services | Common Compulsory Course | 1 | Types of library resources and catalogues, Information retrieval strategies and databases, Referencing styles and citation management, Ethical use of information and plagiarism prevention, Digital resources and academic search engines |
| PGS-503 | Technical Writing and Communications Skill | Common Compulsory Course | 1 | Principles of effective technical communication, Structure and elements of scientific writing, Effective presentation and public speaking skills, Report writing and academic manuscript preparation, Professional correspondence and etiquette |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEN-505 | Dairy Waste Management | Core (Major Field) | 3 | Characterization of dairy effluents and waste streams, Pre-treatment methods for dairy waste, Biological treatment technologies (aerobic, anaerobic), Physico-chemical treatment processes, Waste utilization and byproduct recovery |
| DEN-506 | Instrumentation & Process Control | Core (Major Field) | 3 | Measurement of process variables (temperature, pressure, flow), Sensors, transducers, and their characteristics, Principles of open and closed-loop control systems, PID controllers and tuning techniques, Automation using PLC and SCADA in dairy operations |
| PGS-505 | Research Ethics and IPR | Common Compulsory Course | 1 | Ethical principles in research and scientific integrity, Understanding and avoiding plagiarism, Intellectual Property Rights (patents, copyrights, trademarks), Process of patent application and protection, Technology transfer and commercialization of research |
| PGS-506 | Entrepreneurship Development | Common Compulsory Course | 1 | Concept of entrepreneurship and innovation, Developing a business plan and market analysis, Sources of funding and financial management, Startup ecosystem and government support schemes, Marketing strategies for new ventures |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEN-599 | Master''''s Research | Project/Research | 20 | Problem identification and literature review, Research methodology and experimental design, Data collection, analysis, and interpretation, Scientific writing and thesis preparation, Research presentation and defense |
| PGS-691 | Seminar | Seminar | 1 | Literature review on a chosen topic, Critical analysis and synthesis of information, Preparation of a scientific presentation, Effective oral communication skills, Responding to questions and academic discussion |




