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Freie Universität Bozen

Biologie der Mikroorganismen und sekundäre Metaboliten

Semester 2 · 40455 · Bachelor in Lebensmittelwissenschaften, Önologie und Gastronomie · 8KP · IT


Biology and Biotechnology of Food Microorganisms (6 credits EN):
The part of the course dealing with the biology of food related microorganisms covers the elements of biology, cytology and biochemistry of microorganisms, the more technical aspects of cultivation, growth, isolation and identification of microorganisms and their taxonomic classification;
The part of the course dealing with the biotechnology of food microorganisms covers aspects of microbial ecophysiology, the determination and control of microorganisms in food, as well as the distribution of microorganisms in food as well as the distribution of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms in plant- and animal based food.

Secondary metabolites (2 credits EN):
This course deals with the definition and role of secondary metabolites in food, considering, mainly focusing on their functions in terms of health benefits. Emphasis will be placed on understanding key classes of metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, glucosinolates, and tannins, with examples from plant and fungal sources. Case studies will illustrate how these metabolites enhance product quality and offer functional health benefits.

Lehrende: Raffaella Di Cagno, Youry Pii

Vorlesungsstunden: 48
Laboratoriumsstunden: 32
Anwesenheitpflicht: No

Themen der Lehrveranstaltung
Biology of Microorganisms 1. Principles of prokaryotic cell biology: morphology, genome organization and expression, cytology, chemotaxis. Cell structure of eukaryotes. 2. Viruses, in particular bacteriophages. 3. Biochemical and bioenergetic bases of microbial metabolism. Primary and secondary metabolic processes. Respiration, fermentation and regulation of microbial metabolism. 4. Basic methods in microbiology. Microbial growth kinetics. 5. Principles of microbial taxonomy. Biotechnology of Microorganisms 1. Ecophysiology of microorganisms: intrinsic and extrinsic factors in food that influence microbial growth. 2. Microorganisms in food (e.g. meat and poultry, eggs, milk, fresh plant products) 3. Basic methods for determining microorganisms in food. 4. Control of microorganisms in food: (e.g. use of chemicals, low and high temperatures)

Propädeutische Lehrveranstaltungen
None

Unterrichtsform
Lectures and laboratory activities. Recording of lectures. Group activities among participants (collaborative problem solving).

Bildungsziele
Knowledge and understanding: Upon completion of their studies, graduates with a bachelor's degree in Food and Enogastronomy Sciences will have acquired a solid foundation of scientific knowledge in disciplines such as chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, computer science, and law, specifically applied to the food and gastronomic sector. They will gain technological skills for managing production and transformation processes, along with an integrated view of the quality, safety, and sustainability of food supply chains and systems. In addition, graduates will understand the principles related to waste reduction, resource optimization, and the reconciliation of economics and ethics, which are central elements for addressing the modern challenges of the agri-food system. The knowledge and understanding skills mentioned above are acquired through participation in lectures, practical exercises, seminars, and through guided personal study and individual study as provided by the activated educational activities. The verification of the achievement of learning outcomes is mainly carried out through exams and any interim tests. The tests may be written and/or oral, and may also consist of reports and oral presentations of projects or seminars. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Students will be able to practically apply the knowledge they have acquired, developing the ability to solve complex problems in the food and gastronomic sector. Thanks to a wide range of practical activities, such as laboratories, internships, workshops, and seminars, they will be able to use chemical, physical, sensory, and microbiological analysis methods to evaluate the quality and safety of food and production processes. The achievement of the ability to apply knowledge is accomplished through critical reflection on the texts proposed for individual study, stimulated by classroom activities, the study of research and application cases presented by the professors, the performance of practical laboratory exercises, fieldwork, bibliographic research, the completion of individual and/or group projects included in the core and elective courses of the curriculum, as well as during internships and the preparation of the final exam. The assessments, carried out through written and/or oral exams, reports, and exercises, involve the completion of specific tasks in which the student demonstrates mastery of tools, methodologies, and critical autonomy. During internships, the assessment is conducted through the presentation of a report by the student to the supervising professor. Making judgements: Evaluate and critically analyze the quality, safety, and sustainability of production processes and food products, considering scientific, technological, economic, and cultural aspects. Students will be able to make informed decisions based on scientific data and the analysis of production contexts to ensure the excellence of the final product. Apply ethical and sustainable approaches, reconciling economic needs with environmental and social requirements. Graduates will be able to identify solutions to reduce waste, enhance by-products, and optimize resource use, proposing food production models in line with the principles of the circular economy. Communication skills: Communicate effectively and appropriately with both technical and non-technical interlocutors, including professionals in the food and gastronomic sector, public and private institutions, and the general public. This includes the ability to adapt the communication style based on the audience, using the specific technical language of the food and gastronomic sector when necessary. Present and discuss the results of their analyses and research in both written and oral form, using technological and multimedia tools. Graduates will be able to draft technical reports, research papers, and scientific documents, as well as present their results clearly and structured, for example during conferences, seminars, or business meetings. Actively participate in discussions and group work in multidisciplinary and international contexts, demonstrating active listening, negotiation, and collaboration skills. Practical experiences and internships will provide students with the abilities to work effectively in teams and contribute to solving complex problems in the sector. Use the three languages of instruction of the course (Italian, German, and English) fluently and confidently, both for written and oral communication. Thanks to the trilingual approach of the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, graduates will be able to face international work contexts, participate in global networks, and contribute to the development of international cooperation projects to address the challenges of the food and gastronomic sector. Learning skills: At the end of the degree program, graduates will have developed strong learning skills, essential for successfully continuing academic studies and entering the workforce. In particular, they will be able to: Learn autonomously and continuously, keeping up to date with scientific and technological advancements in the food and gastronomic sector. Graduates will have acquired study methods and research tools that will allow them to independently update their skills, critically interpreting new knowledge. Effectively manage the learning of complex concepts by integrating the various scientific and technical disciplines covered in the degree program, such as chemistry, biology, food technologies, economics, and law. They will be able to identify the most relevant sources, understand and apply new methodologies, and adapt to sector developments. Develop collaborative learning strategies, thanks to the experience gained through group work, internships, and laboratory activities. Graduates will be able to share their knowledge and learn from others, demonstrating adaptability and teamwork skills. Continue their studies independently in Master's degree programs (such as the LM-70 class, Food Science and Technology, currently offered at the same university) or in other related fields, using the skills and methods acquired during the bachelor's degree to tackle new learning challenges, even in high-level academic and professional contexts.

Art der Prüfung
The exam consists of a written test, including questions to assess the knowledge and skills acquired during the course, including laboratory experience.

Bewertungskriterien
Clarity of responses and appropriate vocabulary, ability to summarize, relevance of topics covered and ability to elaborate.

Pflichtliteratur

The lecturer will provide specific material (PowerPoint presentations) for each topic covered in the course. Lecture notes are strongly recommended as study material.



Weiterführende Literatur

BROCK, Biologia dei Microrganismi - Microbiologia generale, ambientale e industriale. XIV edizione (Eds. M.T. Madigan, J.M. Martinko, K.S. Bender, D. H., Buckley, D. A. Stahl). Microbiologia dei Prodotti Alimentari. G.A. Farris, M. Gobbetti, E. Neviani e M. Vincenzini, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana (2012). 




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Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung
Diese Lehrtätigkeit trägt zur Erreichung der folgenden Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung bei.

3 12

Modules

Semester 2 · 40455A · Bachelor in Lebensmittelwissenschaften, Önologie und Gastronomie · 6KP · IT

Module A — Biologie und Biotechnologie der Lebensmittelmikroorganismen

The part of the course dealing with the biology of food related microorganisms covers the elements of biology, cytology and biochemistry of microorganisms, the more technical aspects of cultivation, growth, isolation and identification of microorganisms and their taxonomic classification.
The part of the course dealing with the biotechnology of food microorganisms covers aspects of microbial ecophysiology, the determination and control of microorganisms in food, as well as the distribution of microorganisms in food as well as the distribution of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms in plant- and animalbased food.

Lehrende: Raffaella Di Cagno

Vorlesungsstunden: 36
Laboratoriumsstunden: 24

Unterrichtsform
As reported in general course description

Pflichtliteratur

As reported in general course description 



Semester 2 · 40455B · Bachelor in Lebensmittelwissenschaften, Önologie und Gastronomie · 2KP · IT

Module B — Sekundäre Metaboliten

This course deals with the definition and role of secondary metabolites in food, considering, mainly focusing on their functions in terms of health benefits. Emphasis will be placed on understanding key classes of metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, glucosinolates, and tannins, with examples from plant and fungal sources. Case studies will illustrate how these metabolites enhance product quality and offer functional health benefits.

Lehrende: Youry Pii

Vorlesungsstunden: 12
Laboratoriumsstunden: 8

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