School of Health Sciences

Environmental Health (Food Safety & Inspection)

Program

Food Inspectors play a vital role in ensuring the safety and integrity of the public food supply in the country. Food Inspectors inspect and assess facilities involved in all aspects of food production and retail sale with the goal of preventing foodborne illness in the community. Graduates are trained in the application and enforcement of State legislation and in the use of education as a means to promote safe food handling. Food Inspectors need strong investigative skills, good technical knowledge of safe food production and preparation, as well as good interpersonal skills.

Objectives

1. To equip the student with the knowledge and skills to effectively inspect and assess food processing and retail food facilities for potential health hazards.

2. To prepare the student to interpret and effectively apply government legislation and policies with the goal of correcting existing or potential health hazards.

3. To develop the ability to prepare and implement educational programs designed to reduce the risk of foodborne illness in the community.

4. To develop in the student an attitude of professionalism and responsibility.

Career opportunties

Graduates of this program are expected to find employment primarily with government agencies. However employment opportunities potentially exist with health educational institutes, private consulting firms and the food industry. In addition this program provides a solid foundation should students wish to pursue further education in Food Sciences or Environmental Health and expand their employment opportunities.

Curriculum

The curriculum is multidisciplinary, emphasizing both academic and theoretical training. General and specialized subject matter are integrated as much as possible. Didactic training is supplemented with practical laboratory sessions and supervised field trips. Students are required to spend one semester in an approved clinical setting, working closely with a qualified Public Health Inspector.

Entrance Requirements

1. High School completion with an overall 60% average in:

  • English Language - Grade 12 level
  • Academic Mathematics - Grade 12 level or Advanced Math - Grade 12 level
  • Two Grade 12 level Science courses selected from: Biology, Chemistry, Geology, or Physics.

Applicants who do not meet the Science requirement may be admitted to the Pre-Health Sciences curriculum, designed to provide upgrading in the basic skills required for successful completion of allied health training programs.

OR

Applicants who do not meet the entrance requirements and are 19 years of age or older, may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Clause.

2. Successful completion of the Skills Placement Assessment

Important Note

All students must have a medical assessment completed. Any student not deemed to be medically fit to complete the program will be required to withdraw. Any costs associated with completing the medical assessment will be the student's responsibility. Students sponsored by Hamad Medical Corporation will have the medical completed as part of their contract obligations with HMC. The College will assist other students to complete the process during the first semester.

Students must possess a valid Standard First Aid certificate and Cardiopulmonary (Level C) certificate to be eligible for a Diploma from the School of Health Sciences.

Course Requirements

Level 1 Environmental Health Food Safety & Inspection

Credits Lecture Hours
Per Week
Lab Hours
Per Week
CH1200 Chemistry 4 3 3
BL1500 Biology 4 3 3
MA1700 Mathematics 4 3 2
CM1400 Technical Reporting I 3 3 0
HL1100 Principles of Environmental Health 4 4 0
MC1220 Productivity Tools 2 1 2
BL1130 Microbiology 4 3 3
BL1380 Anatomy & Physiology 4 3 3
MA1670 Statistics 4 4 1
CM1401 Technical Reporting II 3 3 0
CH1210 Chemistry 4 3 3
FH1380 Health and Wellness 3 3 1
HM1300 Food Safety 3 3 1
OJ1730 Work Place Exposure Pass/Fail 84 Hours

Level 2 Environmental Health Food Safety & Inspection

Credits Lecture Hours
Per Week
Lab Hours
Per Week
EN1400 Environmental Sanitation 4 3 2
HL1310 Communicable Disease Control I 5 4 3
HM1301 Food Safety II 4 3 3
EN1350 Environmental Law 3 3 0
SE1420 Occupational Health & Safety I 3 2 2
CM2200 Oral Communications 2 2 0
HM2310 Food Equipment and Processing 4 3 2
HL1400 Environmental Health Inspection & Investigation 4 3 4
SD1370 Applied Ethics 3 3 0
HL1650 Health Education & Promotion 3 3 0
SE1401 Occupational Health & Safety II 4 3 2
OJ1760 Work Term Pass/Fail 7 weeks in duration
Students must possess a valid Standard First Aid certificate and Cardiopulmonary (Level C) certificate to be eligible for a Diploma from the School of Health Sciences.