Environmental Science, Microbial Diversity in Food and Environment, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

Knowledge and comprehension
After completing the course the student should have

• knowledge and understanding of the different groups of microorganisms, and
• basic understanding of how microbes influence man and society with focus on selected beneficial and detrimental aspects in food production and spoilage, the environment and agriculture.

Proficiency and ability
After completing the course the student should be able to

• demonstrate practical skills in working with microorganisms, and
• communicate the subject matter to the public, the authorities and industry.

Values and attitude
After completing the course the student should have

• the ability to search for and evaluate relevant scientific information in the field, and
• increased autonomy in the search for knowledge and her/his ability to problematize around central question of microbial impact on sustainable food production.

Main content of the course

This course focuses on relevant microbial groups that influence food processes, agriculture and environment. It addresses both beneficial and negative aspects of microorganisms with special focus on sustainable food processes, agriculture and environment. The practical aspect in the course will include laboratory safety, basic culturing methods, current techniques in testing of food and water quality. The students will mainly work with thematically and problem-based issues of microbes in food and the environment.

Teaching methods

Teaching is done in the form of lectures, seminars, study visit, presentations and laboratory classes.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Theory, 4 credits (Code: A001)
Written examination

Practical Parts, 3.5 credits (Code: A002)
Oral presentations, written synopsis and laboratory reports in Groups.

Seminars, Study Visit, Presentations and Laboratory Work (Code: A003)
Participation in compulsory Components.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on examination methods

Absence from Compulsory Component
On absence from compulsory components, the examiner determines if the component can be taken again during another scheduled class of the same kind. Otherwise they will refer the student to the next course. Under exceptional circumstances, the examiner can decide to have an alternative task. These shall then be conducted before or close to the end of the course.

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Theory
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Practical Parts
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Seminars, Study Visit, Presentations and Laboratory Work
Grades used are Participated (DT).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

To obtain a passing grade for the course as a whole, a minimum of grade E is required for the
theoretical part on the course as well as Pass (G) on the practical part, which includes
participation in laboratory work, oral presentations and obligatory seminars. The final course
grade is based on the result of the theoretical part.

Specific entry requirements

Environmental Science, Agroecology, 15 Credits. Or Prokaryotic Cell Biology, 7.5 Credits and Eukaryotic Cell Biology, 7.5 Credits.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

Some parts of the course may be located in a place other than the place of study and be associated with additional costs for the student.

The language of instruction is English.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Tortora, Gerard J., Funke, Berdell R. & Case, Christine L. (2015 or 2016, Global or New International edition)
Microbiology: An Introduction
San Francisco: Pearson Education Limited, Approximately 400 pages (of 960)

Additions and Comments on the Reading List
Lab instructions and other handouts will be added.