FOOD MICROBIOLOGY

1) Knowledge and understanding: teaching aims to provide students with basic knowledge of the biology of microorganisms in order to understand the interactions between contaminating microorganisms and process parameters of food preparations, and the role of microorganisms in food production/preservation/feeding; 2) applying knowledge and understanding: the knowledge acquired will enable students to predict the development of different microbial groups in food matrices on the basis of intrinsic, extrinsic and implicit parameters; 3) making judgments. the teaching aims to provide critical and judgmental skills through practical laboratory tests and interpretation of results; 4) communication skills: the teaching activities carried out both in the classroom and in the laboratory will stimulate students to communicate what they have gradually learned through interventions stimulated by the lecturer; and 5) learning skills: the teaching aims to provide useful tools for students to pursue their study independently and cues to connect with other disciplines in the course of study.

Face-to-face or distance lectures (42 hours) and exercise sessions (individual or group activity; 42 hours).  Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the Syllabus.

Information for students with disabilities and/or DSA. As a guarantee of equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their specific needs and on teaching objectives of the discipline. It is also possible to ask the departmental contacts of CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Inclusion- Services for Disabilities and/or DSAs), in the persons of professors Giovanna Tropea Garzia and Anna De Angelis.

The course consists of an introductive section, which provides a general overview of prokaryotic (bacteria) and eukaryotic (yeasts and molds) microorganisms, and of a section focused on microbiological issues of food sector, with particular attention paid to the role of microorganisms in food products. Topics covered will be the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters capable of constraining the growth of microorganisms in foodstuffs, the determination of microorganisms in foodstuffs, the application and management of tools for controlling the microbial growth. In addition, the role of microorganisms in fermented foods and beverages will be addressed, considering as case studies the dairy products, leavened bakery products, table olives, salami. 

1. Biavati B., Sorlini C. Microbiologia generale e agraria. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.Seconda edizione

2. Farris G.A., Gobbetti M., Neviani E., Vincenzini M. Microbiologia dei prodotti alimentari. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

3.Cocolin L., Gobbetti M., Neviani E. Microbiologia alimentare applicata. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

Verification of learning is through oral examination. Evaluation of the student's preparation will be based on the following criteria: ability to learn and level of depth of the topics covered, properties of synthesis and exposition, and ability to reason. 

Grading will follow the following pattern: 

Ineligible

Subject knowledge and understanding: Significant deficiencies. Significant inaccuracies

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize

Use of references: Completely inappropriate. 

18-20

Subject knowledge and understanding: At threshold level. Obvious imperfections

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Barely sufficient ability

Use of references: Barely appropriate. 

21-23

Knowledge and understanding topic: Routine knowledge

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Is able to analyze and synthesize correctly. Argues logically and coherently

Use of references: Uses standard references. 

24-26

Subject knowledge and understanding: Good knowledge

Analysis and synthesis skills: Has good analysis and synthesis skills. Topics are expressed consistently

Use of references: Uses standard references. 

27-29

Knowledge and understanding topic: Knowledge more than good

Analytical and synthesis skills: Has considerable analytical and synthesis skills

Use of references: Has deepened understanding of topics. 

30-30L

Knowledge and understanding topic: Knowledge very good

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Has considerable ability to analyze and synthesize.

Use of references: Important insights.

Comparison of cell structures of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Functions of cell structures.

Nutritional requirements of various microbial groups.

Principles and applications of microbial growth control methods.

Stages of microbial growth.

Effects of different parameters on microbial growth.

Main microbial groups of food interest.

Starter cultures for the production of major fermented foods and beverages.