MVI322 Pathogenic Microorganisms
Credits (ECTS):10
Course responsible:Morten Kjos
Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås
Teaching language:Engelsk, norsk
Limits of class size:80
Course frequency:Annually
Nominal workload:Lectures/discussion groups/exercises: 42 hours. Literature paper: 40 hours. Self-study: 168 hours.
Teaching and exam period:Spring parallel.
About this course
The course is being revised and changes might occur for spring 2024
Pathogenic microbes cause substantial disease and economic losses worldwide. Knowledge about these microbes and how to avoid them in food is instrumental to reduce foodborne disease in agreement with UN Sustainable Development Goals. The course will give an overview of different pathogens with emphasis food- and waterborne organism: Biology and pathogenesis. Preventive measures. Routes of infection. Toxins. Epidemiology. Detection and tracing of pathogens by modern molecular tools.
Learning outcome
KNOWLEDGE. The candidate shall:
- Know the important pathogenic bacteria, virus and parasites (with emphasis on foodborne pathogens), their reservoirs and the symptoms they cause.
- Have knowledge about how pathogens cause disease.
- Know important toxins of microbiological origin.
SKILLS. The candidate will:
- Be able to isolate and identify pathogenic bacteria from food.
- Be able to generate hypotheses about likely sources of microbial contamination of food and water.
- Be able to contribute in investigation of pathogen transmission routes.
GENERAL COMPETENCE. The candidate will:
- Be able to inform non-professional about pathogens and their transmission routes.
- Be able to contribute to measures aiming at reducing risks for the spread of pathogens from food, water, animals and humans.
- The teaching will be given as lectures and excercises. Each student will write a report based on scientific literature on a relevant topic. The students will present the report.
- Canvas.
- Microbiology corresponding to BIO130. Biochemistry corresponding to KJB100/KJB200.
- Food microbiology. Some knowledge of immunology is beneficial.
- Combined assessment of assignment and written examination. The assignment paper counts 25 % and must be handed in within a given deadline. The written exam counts 75 %. To pass the course, all evaluations needs to be passed.
Literature assignment Grading: Letter grades Written exam Grading: Letter grades Permitted aids: A1 No calculator, no other aids - An external examiner approves the examination questions and marks 25 randomly selected examination papers. An internal examinar approves the literature assignment.
- Excercises and literature assignment with oral presentation.
- Lectures and excercise: 3 hours per week.
- Special requirements in Science