Food and Environmental Microbiology

In this module the student will be introduced through lectures, tutorials and problem based learning (PBL) to the underlying principles of microbiology in relation to Food and the Environment.

Students will explore the epidemiology of food borne disease, the problems associated with food spoilage and the novel preservation measures which can be taken to prevent spoilage.  The Food and Environmental Microbiology module (BIOL10025) will deal with the significance of specific microbial genera in environmental niches and environmental technologies.  This will include utilisation of microorganisms in processes such as bioremediation, wastewater treatment and “clean industries”.  The exploitation of diverse microbial capabilities will be discussed with an emphasis on novel and developing environmental technologies such as metal bioaccumulation in the treatment of e-wastes.

Through the use of tutorials and PBL students will be introduced to such areas as the analysis of contaminated sites and the design and implementation of bioremediation protocols, the challenges facing the development of biofuels as a viable alternative to fossil fuels and the potential applications of genetically modified microorganisms across both food and environmental sectors.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

• Have a clear understanding of the organisms associated with food and environmental samples
• Understand the role of specific microbial metabolic processes in food and the environment and how such processes may be optimised and/or prevented
• Demonstrate knowledge of emergent technologies in food and environmental microbiology
• Indicate the methods and requirements of the microbiological analysis of food and environmental samples
• Understand the impacts of food and environmental microbiology (beneficial and detrimental) on society

This is an SCQF Level 10 module and upon successful completion, participants will be awarded 20 credits.

To view the module descriptor, please visit Programme Specifications and Module Descriptors 

Delivery 

This module will be delivered on Lanarkshire campus.  Timetable to be confirmed. 

Course presenter

This module will be delivered by Dr Steven Kelly.

NOTE: This is a university module and upon approval of your application, you will be invited to register and then supported to complete enrolment. To enrol on the university system, the first step involves security set-up using the Microsoft Authenticator app; you will need to ensure that you have a compatible smartphone.

Further enrolment information is available at the Student Information Portal.

To access this module via the CPD route, individuals should be ordinarily resident in Scotland.