Food Microbiology unit (KLA396)

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Unit year 2025

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Location: Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

This unit considers the role of microorganisms in the production, deterioration and safety of foods, from both ecological and physiological perspectives. It covers the effects of temperature, pH, water activity and other factors on the growth and decline of microbial populations in foods. Specific topics include: - microbial physiology and ecology relevant to foods - microbial spoilage processes and their inhibition - beneficial microbial fermentations (including other, non-food, biotechnological examples) - microbial hazards associated with foods and molecular physiology and ecology of food-borne pathogens - and a brief introduction to current approaches to food safety assurance including HACCP, detection methods, quantitative risk assessment and predictive microbiology (n.b., these topics are covered in greater detail in KLA394/602). The unit includes practical instruction in methods and approaches routinely used in food microbiology testing laboratories as well as research-oriented and novel methods (in a form of a small group project), including emerging methods that are not yet well established. An Excursion to at least one food processing plant or commercial laboratory is included to illustrate how the science of food microbiology is employed in industry, whether to preserve foods, produce foods or food ingredients, or to protect foods from harmful microorganisms.

Summary

Unit name Food Microbiology
Unit code KLA396
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Discipline Agriculture and Food Systems
Coordinator Doctor Jay Kocharunchitt
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Advanced

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 24/2/2025 25/3/2025 14/4/2025 1/6/2025

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Outline the importance of microorganisms and their role in the production, deterioration and safety of foods
  • Explain scientific information about food-borne microorganisms to minimise potential food safety risks and maintain the microbiology quality of foods
  • Perform appropriate microbiological methods for study, control and manipulation of food-borne microorganisms
  • Conduct a research project in food microbiology through the application of microbiological methods

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
010911 $1,164.00 $1,164.00 not applicable $2,726.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KLA200 OR KLA210 OR CJA214 OR JFA214 OR CXA241 OR KLA256

Teaching

AssessmentLaboratory Journal (10%)|Mid-term Test (15%)|Review Based on a Reading Topic (20%)|Small Research Project (25%)|Examination - take home (30%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.