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
Basic methods in laboratory work
Sampling and handling of samples

Location and time

The course is held in the spring 2025.

Materials

Literature and theory presented in the lecturing material.+ course book, which is available through the e-library.
Furthermore, the exam material includes the articles and the book mentioned below:
- Importance of Yeasts and Lactic Acid Bacteria in Food Processing kirjasta Food Processing: Strategies for Quality Assessment (löytyy kurssisivulla; täydelliset viitetiedot: Erten, H., A?irman, B., Gündüz, C., Çar?anba, E., Sert, S., Bircan, S. & Tangüler, H. 2014. Importance … food processing. In: Malik, A., Erginkaya, Z., Ahmad, S. & Erten, H. (Eds). Food processing: strategies for quality assessment. New York: Springer. p. 351–378. DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1378-7_14)
- Wirtanen, G. 2017. Biofilm formation on process surfaces. Renhetsteknik 46:1, 20-21.
- Wirtanen, G. 2017. Prevention and control of biofilm formation. Renhetsteknik 46:2, 7-11.
- Wirtanen, G. 2017. Common pathogens in biofilms. Renhetsteknik 46:3, 6-11.
... or other similar literature, which will be mentioned in the Welcome letter, in the introductory lecture held in January 2025 as well as on the Moodle page of the course (available when the course is running).

Teaching methods

Lectures, preparing a presentation and critical review of another presentation as group works, laboratory exercises with reports.

Contact teaching i.e., lectures and laboratory work are conducted in attendance.

Employer connections

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Exam schedules

The exam in English will be held in the EXAM classroom in mid-May are given (2025). Exact dates in the Welcome letter, in the introductory lecture held in January 2025 as well as on the Moodle page of the course (available when the course is running).

International connections

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Completion alternatives

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Student workload

Total work load of the course: 135 h
- of which scheduled studies: 50 h (theory approx. 30 h ja laboratory work 20 h)
- of which autonomous studies: 85 h

Content scheduling

Teaching is held in spring 2025.

Further information

The course is conducted in English. The course is completed in a written exam and by reporting laboratory work
The prerequisite for the exam is successful completion of the pathogen work, i.e. the completion of the course requires active participation in the pathogen group work. After the above-mentioned task, the student can take part in a written exam. The microbiological laboratory work (2 ECTS) is part of this course.
The end results in this course is both the written exam and the laboratory report.

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. 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.

Assessment methods and criteria

The course grade is based on the result in the written exam (60%) and laboratory work including reporting (40%).

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.