Universities change courses to better reflect nation's needs

The coffee flavor chemistry course teaches students how to address common issues like caffeine sensitivity. By studying the use of solvents such as acetic acid and ethyl acetate in the decaffeination process, students learn how to reduce the caffeine content, enabling drinkers to enjoy a coffee without losing sleep.

The program emphasizes hands-on learning with courses in engineering and professional skills development. "It not only cultivates talent in certain subjects, but also nurtures students to meet the needs of the entire coffee industrial chain, ensuring them a promising career," Yang said.

In recent years, the demand for high-quality specialty beans from Yunnan has grown steadily, however, the industry has faced a shortage of skilled workers and a lack of planning.

Zhang Jing, general manager of Nujiang Yunli Agriculture Corporation in Nujiang Lisu autonomous prefecture, said the new program is expected to address these problems by training students in coffee cultivation, processing, and marketing.

"Currently, there is a great shortage of experienced professionals, especially those who have been engaged in the coffee industry for more than a decade," Zhang said.