FHM-22306 Advanced Food Microbiology

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

FHM-20306 Food Microbiology.

Continuation courses:

FHM-30306 Food Safety Risk Assessment or thesis FHM.

Contents:

This course aims to provide insight in the ecology and physiology of food and Gastro-intestinal-tract microbes. Ecology and physiology of food-associated spoilage microbes and food-borne human pathogens is discussed in relation to behaviour in the food chain with a focus on performance in food processing environments. Microbial stress response in (minimal) processing is discussed including mechanisms of action of (novel) processing strategies, their cellular targets and corresponding microbial defence systems that support survival and thus could affect efficacies of processing technologies and preservation regimes. Ecology in the food chain addresses classical and novel microbial detection and identification methods including whole genome sequencing approaches and their application in practice. Design and implementation of sampling strategies and plans are discussed and linked to other tools for the production of safe foods including food safety objectives (FSOs) and risk analysis. The composition and putative functions of prebiotics and probiotics is explained, together with an overview of the ecology and functionality of GI tract microbiota. In addition, during the practical course experience with a range of techniques will be obtained to collect microbiological data from (model) foods and faecal samples, to perform data analysis, to present results, and to prepare reports on the food microbiology experiments.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- discuss the contribution of viruses, bacteria and fungi to food-borne diseases;
- illustrate novel minimal processing methods used in food industries;
- compare effects of preservation factors and techniques on microbes;
- explain survival strategies employed by bacteria;
- dissect key parameters in biofilm development;
- select and categorize methods for detection and identification of microbes for assessment of food quality and safety;
- design microbiological sampling plans to control the microbiological quality and safety of food products;
- explain the ecology and functionality of GI tract microbes;
- select and apply methods to characterize the microbial composition and activity of GI tract and faecal samples;
- explain FSOs and risk analysis for the production of safe Foods;
- collect microbiological data, perform data analysis, present results, and prepare a report on food microbiology experiments.

Activities:

The activities consist of:
- formal lectures;
- laboratory classes;
- written and oral presentations.

Examination:

The final mark is composed of:
- a mark for the practical work and report (30%);
- exam (70%), with both marks at least 5.5.

Literature:

Combined hand outs covering the seminars and a guide book for laboratory work will be available at the WUR-shop.