Food microbiology and process hygiene (7cr)

Evaluation scale

1-5

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
Basic methods in laboratory work
Sampling and handling of samples

Materials

Book: Sojakka, K. & Välimäki, M.-L., 2011. Ammatillinen Mikrobiologia, Juvenes Print: Tampere, 306 s. ISBN 978-952-13-4723-8. (2. painos on julkaistu 2020)
Lecture handouts

Teaching methods

Lectures, making a presentation and critical review of another presentation as group works, laboratory exercises with reports
Theory lessons and exam as F2F teaching. Group presentations are given online (Moodle channel).

Student workload

Total work load of the course: 189 h
- of which scheduled studies: 74 h (theory 44 h ja laboratory work 30 h)
- of which autonomous studies: 115 h

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. In addition, the student is able to follow the instructions and work safely in the laboratory.

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. In addition, the student is able to follow the instructions and work safely in the laboratory and is able to present the results clearly. He/she is able to combine this information with previously learned microbial issues.

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. In addition, the student is able to follow the instructions and work safely in the laboratory and is able to present results clearly and draw conclusions. The student also demonstrates innovation by applying what he/she has learned.

Qualifications

No previous studies are required.