EDIBLE INSECTS, MYCOTOXINS AND FOOD PEST CONTROL

Module MONITORING AND CONTROL OF MYCOTOXIN CONTAMINATION IN PLANT-BASED PRODUCTS

The module will provide students with basic knowledge of the mycotoxin contamination.

Knowledge and understanding – (Dublin 1)

At the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main contents of the course.

ASSESSMENT METHOD: Oral examination.

Applying knowledge and understanding – (Dublin 2)

At the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the micotoxin topics. They should also be able to evaluate and interpret experimental and literature data.

ASSESSMENT METHOD: Oral examination.

Making judgements – (Dublin 3)

At the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to formulate reasoned interpretative judgements based on the knowledge acquired, with reference to research activities and findings reported in scientific publications.

ASSESSMENT METHOD: Oral examination.

Communication skills – (Dublin 4)

At the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to select and appropriately use technical terminology, adapting their oral and written communication to the required level and to specific purposes.

ASSESSMENT METHOD: Oral examination.

Lifelong learning skills – (Dublin 5)

At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to keep their knowledge and skills up to date, identifying the fundamental and relevant aspects of the course in relation to their professional context, within a legally, ethically, and scientifically sound framework.

ASSESSMENT METHOD: Oral examination.

The course consists of 7hours of lectures and 28 hours of practical activities, including classroom and laboratory activities.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

A basic knowledge of plant pathology and mycology is strongly recommended.

Mycotoxins:

Definitions
Fungal mycotoxins producers
Mycotoxins contamination
Type of contaminated food
Effects on human health
Contamination in pre-harvest
Management in pre-harvest
Main regulatory framework

The following course aims to contribute to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development:

Goal 2: Zero Hunger

Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.

Method: lectures and practical activities

Scientific or expository papers and pdf slides provided by the teacher and uploaded in studium.unict electronic platform.

The final assessment will consist of an oral examination.
The grading scale is based on the following criteria:

Fail

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Significant gaps in knowledge and major inaccuracies.
Analysis and synthesis skills: Inadequate. Frequent generalizations and inability to synthesize information.
Use of references: Completely inappropriate.

18–20

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Basic knowledge at the minimum threshold level, with evident shortcomings.
Analysis and synthesis skills: Barely sufficient.
Use of references: Barely appropriate.

21–23

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Adequate and routine knowledge.
Analysis and synthesis skills: Able to perform correct analysis and synthesis. Arguments are presented in a logical and coherent manner.
Use of references: Makes use of standard references.

24–26

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Good knowledge.
Analysis and synthesis skills: Good analytical and synthesis skills. Topics are presented coherently.
Use of references: Makes use of standard references.

27–29

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Very good knowledge.
Analysis and synthesis skills: Demonstrates strong analytical and synthesis skills.
Use of references: Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the topics.

30–30L

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Excellent knowledge.
Analysis and synthesis skills: Demonstrates excellent analytical and synthesis skills.
Use of references: Demonstrates substantial and in-depth study of the topics.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o DSA) through the referring professor within the department, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

Mycotoxigenic fungi
Main mycotoxins
Mycotoxin management in pre-harvest