BTH3776

Food and industrial microbiology

(SCI)

Mr Chris Panter

6 points + First semester + three hours of lectures and three hours of laboratory per week + Distance education students will spend 12 hr/week which includes 39 hours laboratory in residential school + Gippsland/Malaysia/Distance + Prerequisites: BTH2766 and BTH2787 or BTH2757 + Prohibitions: GAS3121, ASC2697, ASC3676

Synopsis: This subject begins with aspects of food microbiology. It discusses food as a habitat, the microorganisms important in food (including food pathogens), the principles involved in microbiological spoilage of foods, food safety and aspects of food preservation. Microbiological testing of foods is then considered. The industrial microbiology section examines how microorganisms are obtained, handled and maintained in industry and discusses the role of genetically modified microorganisms. Batch and continuous fermenters are considered and finally the role of microorganisms in modifying chemicals and as biological control agents is discussed.

Assessment: Mid-semester written examination (1 hour): 20% + Final written examination (2 hours): 50% + Laboratory reports: 30%