Aydın Adnan Menderes University Koçarlı Vocational School Laboratory Technology Program; is an industry-focused associate degree program aimed at training qualified technicians who possess technical knowledge in the fields of chemistry, biology, food, and agriculture, and are capable of effectively managing laboratory processes. The program offers theoretical and practical training in chemistry, biology, food, and agriculture, as well as biotechnological methods, plant protection and production practices, pesticide and seed controls, quality control processes, and occupational health and safety. Through laboratory and field applications, students gain the competence to collect, prepare, and analyze samples, evaluate results, and contribute to quality control processes. During the educational process, students also acquire foundational knowledge in digital laboratory technologies and data-driven analytical approaches, preparing them to adapt to professional practices. In line with principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility, awareness is fostered regarding the efficient use of resources and waste management. The 3+1 Workplace-Based Education model, implemented within a practice-oriented educational framework, enables students to gain hands-on experience in industry laboratories for one semester. During this process, students have the opportunity to develop their professional skills through laboratory applications across various disciplines and adapt to the professional workplace.

Adnan Menderes University, Koçarlı Vocational Scholl has been established by the statute of the 7/d-2 and 7/h items of the law no 2547 which changed with the law no 2880 at Higher Education General assembly in 10.03.2006, and by the law no of 2006/01 in which “Establishing of Koçarlı Vocational Scholl in Aydın, Koçarlı” with University Senate in 18.01.2006. Laboratory Technology Program in Chemistry and Chemical Process Department which was proposed and established in 2016 was permitted for student recruitment in 2017.

The program aims to train qualified laboratory technicians who are well-versed in the fields of food, agriculture, chemistry, and biology; capable of effectively using laboratory equipment and analytical techniques; proficient in quality control processes; adaptable to digital laboratory technologies; and committed to ethical values. The program also aims to develop a workforce that will contribute to the sector in line with sustainable production and environmental awareness.

To be the most preferred vocational college, embracing a transparent and innovative approach to management and education, with a strong global perspective, and offering programs and graduates that meet Turkey’s needs.

• To train technical personnel capable of conducting analyses in the fields of chemistry, food science, biology, and agriculture. • To provide the necessary skills to carry out the processes of collecting, preparing, and analyzing chemical and biological samples. • To develop the ability to work in accordance with quality control and quality assurance systems. • To train graduates who can effectively use laboratory equipment and instrumental analysis devices. • To provide the professional skills necessary to work in environmental, food, biotechnology, and agricultural analysis laboratories. • To foster an understanding of occupational health and safety, environmental awareness, sustainability, and professional ethics. • To provide basic awareness of digital technologies and artificial intelligence applications used in laboratory practices. • To train technical personnel with the practical skills required by the industry. • To train technical staff capable of evaluating, documenting, and reporting analysis results. • To cultivate individuals who are open to professional development, keep pace with scientific and technological innovations, and possess a commitment to lifelong learning.

The initial facilities of Koçarlı Vocational School consisted of two administrative buildings transferred from the Faculty of Agriculture, along with three prefabricated classroom blocks housing 15 classrooms, one computer lab, and 10 different laboratories. As these buildings had reached the end of their useful life, the A1 and A2 blocks, where educational services were conducted, were allocated to our Vocational School in 2016. Since the B1 block had not yet been vacated during the allocation process, educational services are currently being conducted in the B block. The total enclosed area of the transferred blocks is 8,500 m², and the section handed over to our College includes 11 classrooms, 1 computer lab, 1 microscopy lab, 1 chemistry lab, and 23 offices. The student cafeteria and dining hall, as well as the staff dining hall, are shared by the Faculty of Agriculture and our College across the South Campus. The College has 10,000 m² of open space and a 2,500 m² practical training area. The practical training area includes a polycarbonate greenhouse with a 100 m² enclosed space, two nylon greenhouses each covering 50 m², a nethouse covering 50 m², and two poultry production areas—one measuring 60 m² and the other 250 m². There is also a beekeeping unit. For sports activities, there is a 500 m² sports field that includes basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts.

The unit has 44 computers, 2 plotters, 1 laser scanner, 1 digital tablet, 1 netbook, 1 laptop, 12 printers, 2 scanners, 1 camera, 16 projectors, 1 overhead projector, 1 slide projector, 6 laser pointers, 1 DVD player, 1 video camera, 2 3D printers, 1 3D scanner, 1 lathe, 1 milling machine, 1 bench drill, 1 portable welding machine, 1 CNC router, 1 cordless drill, 1 universal testing machine, and 2 imaging systems. Laboratory Equipment: Microscopes, Oven, Incubator, Ash Furnace, Distilled Water System, Precision Balance, Vortex Mixer, Fume Hood, Water Bath, Homogenizer, Refractometer, pH Meter, Hot Plate, Flask Heater, Bunsen Burner, Shaker, Magnetic Stirrer