MVI322 Pathogenic Microorganisms

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:Morten Kjos

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk, norsk

Limits of class size:48

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Letter grades
  • Special requirements in Science