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Course Description

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the scientific and technological principles of cheesemaking in this 4.5-day course. The course includes engaging presentations, hands-on practical exercises, and a thorough exploration of various cheesemaking techniques. 

Throughout the course, you have the opportunity to work in our provincially licensed pilot plant, where you will be guided in making 15 different varieties of cheese—including cheddar, feta, Camembert, ricotta, and Swiss, among others. These varieties are specifically chosen to illustrate a diverse range of technological families. Dr. Mary Ann Ferrer, the course instructor, presents complex chemical and technical concepts in an accessible manner that can be understood by everyone.

Our course is designed to cater to a diverse range of participants, including experienced cheesemakers, employees in the dairy industry, Government officials (e.g. regulatory inspectors), ingredient and equipment suppliers, chefs, and food enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned cheesemaker or a novice, this course requires no previous experience and offers an exceptional opportunity to learn and develop new skills.

What You'll Learn

Our goal is that at the end of this course every participant will be able to review cheese making procedures, understand their technological bases, and adapt them for manufacturing in their own facilities.

More specifically, upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Classify cheeses based on basic manufacturing technologies such as acid versus rennet coagulation 
  • Be able to describe and implement the preparation of milk for cheese making including cheese milk quality, composition, and microbial standardization.
  • Show a working knowledge of primary and secondary cultures and be able to intelligently discuss culture selection and applications for various cheeses.
  • Show a working knowledge of the principles of milk coagulation, and of the selection and use of coagulants.
  • Recognize and explain the role of different cheesemaking steps in different cheese varieties.
  • Identify the main safety hazards in cheesemaking.

Additional Requirements

Prerequisites: None. However, previous knowledge of basic microbiology principles and dairy chemistry are desired.

Note:

Resource:  Cheese Education e-Book

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

Technical Requirements

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*Course details are subject to change.

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Enrol Now - Select a section to enrol in

Section Title
Introduction to Cheese Making Technology
Type
In-Class Instruction
Days
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Time
8:00AM to 5:00PM
Dates
April 27, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Type
In-Class Instruction
Days
Friday
Time
8:00AM to 12:30PM
Dates
May 01, 2026
Schedule and Location
Contact Hours
28.0
Location
  • Guelph
Delivery Options
Classroom  
Course Fee(s)
Tuition Fee $2,350.00

Section Notes

Instructor: Mary Ann Ferrer

For any questions about the course, please contact fsevents@uoguelph.ca

For questions about the registration process, please contact register@uoguelph.ca

Course Cancellations and Postponements

Food Science reserves the right to change or cancel a course at any time. When it is necessary to cancel or postpone a course, Food Science will make every effort to notify all students. It is important that you provide your full contact information including an email address when registering. In such cases, the paid course fee(s) will be refunded.

Food Science’s liability is limited to the reimbursement of paid course fee(s). Food Science will not be responsible for travel or other related expenses incurred by the registrant.

Please note:

A full refund less a $75 Administration Fee will be issued provided a drop request is received prior to March 27, 2026.

No refunds available after March 27, 2026.

Registration closes April 20, 2026.

 

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