Course Descriptions

This course provides a detailed examination of microorganisms and their relationship to the food supply and public safety. Theoretical coverage of how intrinsic and extrinsic factors, which govern microbial proliferation in foods, affect food spoilage, food preservation and disease. Laboratories (with permission) emphasize methods and techniques for isolating, enumerating, and identifying important food-borne microbes.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): FABS 212.3 or BMSC 210.3 or permission of the instructor.
Note(s): Offered in alternate years. This course is mutually exclusive with FABS 325.3.This course cannot be taken for credit after previously taking FABS 325.3.

Introduction to the diversity of microorganisms and the dynamics of microbial interactions. Microbial biogeochemistry of specific aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Selective microbial enrichment and isolation. In situ quantitation of microbial activity.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite(s): FABS 212 or BMSC 210 or permission of the instructor.

This course covers principles of quality assurance and food safety systems as applied to the food industry. Theory and in-class workshops examine microbiological agents, food regulations, global standards and trade agreements, analytical methods, statistical quality control, sanitation, as well as implementation and auditing of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and quality assurance systems.

Prerequisite(s): Permission from instructor.
Note(s): Offered in alternate years. This course is mutually exclusive with FABS 452.3. This course cannot be taken for credit after previously taking FABS 452.3.

Reading assignments, tutorials and laboratory projects in selected areas related to the student's major field of study. A series of term papers, reviews or laboratory reports will be required.

Seminars are held weekly throughout the year. Current literature in the field of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology is reviewed and discussed, and papers on current research topics are presented. Graduate students are required to attend and to participate.

Students writing a Master's thesis must register for this course.

Students writing a Ph.D. thesis must register for this course.