Study Guide

Objective

The student is able to present food microbes (pathogens, spoilage and beneficial microbes) and their living conditions (in common, in raw materials, in products, on production surfaces, in air and in utilities) and to use microbiological concepts and terms. The student knows the principles of own-checking and cleaning processes.

Content

Archaea, bacteria, yeasts, moulds, algae, protozoa and viruses
Microbial morphology and their reproduction, growth conditions, growth curves, specific growth rate and inhibition of microbial growth
Main food-contaminants and the common pathogens as well as common beneficial microbes used in food production
Aseptic and hygienic working methods and sterilization
Food hygiene regulations
Own-checking including support systems
Surface hygiene and cleaning procedures
Microbiological air quality
Microbiological quality of commodities

Materials

The course material is presented in the adjacent column.

Teaching methods

The course is implemented both with lectures and as group works in which the students actively participate in preparing a pathogen presentation and opposing another pathogen presentation. This course does not include laboratory works.

Exam schedules

The written exam in Finnish will be arranged in late spring with extra exams in June (2025) and August (2025).

Student workload

Total work load of the course: 108 h
- out of which approx. 40 hours are guided activities
- out of which approx. 68 hours are autonomous studies

Content scheduling

This course is arranged in spring 2025.

Further information

The course is conducted in Finnish.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student knows and understands the basic concepts and methods in microbiology and is able to apply them in solving common problems

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student is well acquainted with the basic concepts and methods in microbiology and is able to apply them in solving different types of challenges.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has praiseworthy knowledge on microbial concepts and methods and is able to apply them in different types of questions and challenges.

Assessment methods and criteria

The prerequisite for participating in the written exam is the successful completion of the presentation with opposition of another student presentation. The course grade is based on the result of the written exam.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student does not know the basic concepts and methods in microbiology. Another reason for the student not being approved is that he/she has not completed the above mentioned group works.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student knows and understands the basic concepts and methods in microbiology and is able to apply them in solving common problems.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student is well acquainted with the basic concepts and methods in microbiology and is able to apply them in solving different types of challenges. In addition, the student is able to follow instructions. He/she is able to present the results clearly and to combine new information with previously learned issues in microbiology.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student is very familiar with the concepts and methods in microbiology and is able to apply them in different types of questions and challenges. In addition, the student is able to present results clearly and draw conclusions. The student can also demonstrate the obtain knowledge in innovations.

Qualifications

No previous studies are required.