MICROBIOLOGIA E TECNOLOGIE AGROALIMENTARI

Module MICROBIOLOGIA AGROALIMENTARE

Knowledge and understanding abilities: At the end of the course, students will be able to describe the cytological and physiological characteristics of microbial cells, understanding the role and potential uses of microorganisms in agri-food biotechnology.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding abilities: The knowledge acquired will enable students to understand, interpret, and manage the factors that influence the development of microorganisms in complex matrices.

Making judgments: Students will be able to make judgments and will acquire critical thinking through the adoption of diversified teaching methods, including, in addition to lectures, seminars with experts, classroom discussions, technical visits, and the preparation of scientific or laboratory reports, offering students multiple learning paths.

Communication skills: Students will acquire and be able to use appropriate terminology to address the fundamental topics of agri-food microbiology.

Learning skills: the course aims to provide students with useful tools to continue their studies independently and ideas for connections with other subjects in the program.

The course includes lectures, exercises, and field trips. Group work will also be included, which will be presented in PowerPoint format. The exam format is ORAL (O). Assessment will include: the relevance of answers to the questions asked, the quality of content, the ability to connect them to other topics covered in the program, the ability to provide examples, the student's command of technical language, and the student's overall ability to express themselves during group work presentations.

Lectures and exercises (in the classroom and at a company)

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with applicable laws, interested students may request a personal interview to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their learning objectives and specific needs. Students may also contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Inclusion - Services for Disabilities and/or DSA) to contact teachers in our Department.

Should conditions require blended or distance learning, any necessary changes to what was previously stated may be made in order to comply with the planned program reported in the syllabus.

Attending the classes is not mandatory, though strongly advised

 Morphology and cytology of microorganisms (cell shapes, cell structure). Introduction to microbial taxonomy. Microbial metabolism (respiration and fermentation). Microorganisms as agents in food transformation and production (dairy products, baked goods, alcoholic beverages). Microorganisms as agents for increasing soil fertility and as agents in the biological treatment of wastewater.

1.     “Microbiologia generale e agraria” seconda edizione. Biavati B., Sorlini C. CEA Casa Editrice Ambrosiana (ISBN 978-88-08-18113-8)

2.     “Microbiologia agroambientale” Biavati B., Sorlini C. CEA Casa Editrice Ambrosiana (ISBN 978-88-408-1383-7)

Other teaching materials for students, available on the STUDIUM platform, include:

- Copies of PowerPoint presentations presented during lectures and seminars.

- Scientific articles and other teaching materials, including links and/or scientific articles for consultation.

The student must respond fully, coherently, and comprehensively to the topics asked during the exam.

Project Evaluation: Group PowerPoint presentation: Each group will present a PowerPoint presentation on a topic of their choice, and their organizational and presentation skills will be assessed.

Oral Exam: The oral exam is individual and will test the student's reasoning and ability to connect the acquired knowledge.

Grading is as follows:

Failed:

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Significant deficiencies. Significant inaccuracies.

Analysis and synthesis skills: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize.

Use of references: Completely inappropriate.

18-20:

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: At threshold level. Obvious Imperfections

Analysis and Synthesis Skills: Barely adequate

Use of References: Barely appropriate

21-23

Knowledge and Understanding of the Topic: Routine knowledge

Analysis and Synthesis Skills: Capable of correct analysis and synthesis. Arguments are logical and coherent.

Use of References: Uses standard references.

24-26

Knowledge and Understanding of the Topic: Good knowledge

Analysis and Synthesis Skills: Has good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments are coherently expressed.

Use of References: Uses standard references.

27-29

Knowledge and Understanding of the Topic: More than good knowledge

Analysis and Synthesis Skills: Has remarkable analysis and synthesis skills.

Use of References: Has studied the topics in depth.

30-30 cum laude

Knowledge and Understanding of the Topic: Excellent knowledge

Analysis and Synthesis Skills: Has remarkable analysis and synthesis skills.

Using References: Important Insights.

Comparison between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellular structures

Functions of cellular structures

Taxonomy 

Main microbial groups of food interest

Organic matter cycle