Food Microbiology unit (KLA609)

Hobart

Introduction

This unit aims to provide Master of Agriculture and Food Science students with knowledge of the role of microorganisms in the production, deterioration and safety of foods, from both ecological and physiological perspectives. Specifically, the unit covers the effect of temperature, pH, water activity and other factors affecting the growth and decline of microbial cells and populations in foods. Underlying microbiological science will be discussed as well how the food industry uses that information in technologies and strategies for provision of safe, wholesome and enhanced foods that match consumer expectations. Specific topics include: microbial fermentations and biotechnological applications in foods; spoilage processes and food processing technologies; microbial hazards associated with foods and their physiology and mechanisms of virulence; and current approaches to food safety assurance including HACCP, risk assessment and predictive microbiology. Students will expected to undertake additional reading on relevant aspects of food microbiology that complement and extend the lecture content and will be assessed on their understanding of that material via examination and an essay on a relevant topic. The practical component includes basic food microbiology techniques, and supervised small group research projects, and participation in food factory visits.

Summary

Unit name	Food Microbiology
Unit code	KLA609
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Discipline	Agriculture and Food Systems
Coordinator	Doctor Jay Kocharunchitt
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	24/02/2025	25/03/2025	14/04/2025	01/06/2025

* 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

• Explain the importance of microorganisms and their role in the production, deterioration and safety of foods, from both ecological and physiological perspectives.
• Analyse scientific information about food-borne microorganisms to minimise potential food safety risks and maintain the microbiology quality of foods.
• Evaluate appropriate microbiological methods and the data they generate for studying and controlling of food-borne microorganisms to enable informed decision-making regarding food safety and quality
• 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.

Teaching

Assessment	Write-up on Nominated Set Practical (10%)|Mid-term Test (15%)|Review Based on Reading Topic (20%)|Small Research Project (25%)|Examination - take home (30%)
Timetable	View 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.

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