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Starter and functional microbes for innovation, authenticity and healthy status

Semester 2 · 44761 · Master in Food Sciences for Innovation and Authenticity · 12CP · EN


The natural microbial starters for innovation and authenticity: criteria and tools for selecting and use microbial starters in food fermentations; examples of spontaneous fermentation and drivers affecting the fermentation; type of natural and commercial starters; examples of uses of selected microbial starters in cheeses, baked goods, fermented fruits/vegetables and functional foods.

Computational analysis in food microbiomes: the module provides an introduction to the use of sequencing and data integration to study microbial ecosystems in food fermentations. The course covers the principles of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and shotgun metagenomics, alongside physicochemical measurements such as pH, acidity, and metabolite content. Using accessible platforms like MicrobiomeAnalyst, students will gain hands-on experience in microbiome profiling, diversity analysis, functional annotation, and integration of multi-source data. By the end of the course, they will be able to interpret and communicate results linking microbial communities to fermentation quality and functionality.

The food: human axis for driving the gut microbiome: principles on the digestive system; gut microbiota composition and functionality; omics for investigating the gut microbiota/microbiome; observational and intervention studies on the effect of diet, fibres, polyphenols and food intolerances on the gut microbiota composition and functionality; gut-brain axis and cases of study on autism; how to carry out an intervention study on the gut microbiota/microbiome.

Lecturers: Marco Gobbetti, Andrea Polo, Raffaella Di Cagno, Olga Nikoloudaki

Teaching Hours: 72
Lab Hours: 48
Mandatory Attendance: No

Course Topics
The topics of the modules are described in the section of each module

Propaedeutic courses
None

Teaching format
Traditional teaching in classroom; discussion and analyses of cases of study (scientific articles). Lab exercises will be in didactic laboratories and include the use of advanced analytical methods, and group activities among participants with collaborative solving of experimental questions.

Educational objectives
Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge of analytical methods for determining the authenticity, functionality, and microbiological safety of food products, as well as the related methodological tools for risk assessment. These knowledge areas will be developed through an educational program that integrates theoretical teaching activities with practical activities, such as laboratory exercises, computer simulations, simulations of food processes using pilot plants, and company visits. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Ability to manage the technological, microbiological, biochemical, chemical, and physical processes that drive food transformation and the main issues related to the stability and shelf life of food products. Ability to plan and develop analytical techniques, innovative products, and processes using a multidisciplinary approach, with particular attention to local food productions. Making judgements: Independent judgement is developed through a training programme designed to stimulate critical analysis in students. This includes the use of case studies, simulations using spreadsheets and videos, the reading and critical discussion of scientific articles, as well as specialist seminars held by experts in the food sector. The assessment of the independent judgement acquired by students is entrusted to the individual teachers responsible for the training activities, who will assess it through oral and/or written reports on specific topics and/or through exams. Communication skills: Use of the English language, both written and spoken, at a B2 level, with a command of technical and scientific vocabulary related to food science. Structure and draft scientific and technical documentation describing project activities. Learning skills: The degree course provides graduates with the cognitive skills, logical tools and familiarity with new information technologies necessary to ensure continuous updating of knowledge, both in their specific professional field and in the field of scientific research.

Assessment
The assessment of the student preparation is through an oral exam. The oral assessment includes questions to assess the knowledge and understanding of the course topics and questions designed to assess the ability to transfer these skills to case studies and practical applications. Questions on practical applications also assess the ability of the student to apply the knowledge and understanding of the course topics, the ability to make judgments and finally, the student communication skills.

Evaluation criteria
The evaluation criteria are described in the section of each module

Required readings

The required readings are indicated in the section of each module




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Sustainable Development Goals
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals.

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Modules

Semester 2 · 44761A · Master in Food Sciences for Innovation and Authenticity · 3CP · EN

Module A — The natural microbial starters for innovation and authenticity

The natural microbial starters for innovation and authenticity: criteria and tools for selecting and use microbial starters in food fermentations; examples of spontaneous fermentation and drivers affecting the fermentation; type of natural and commercial starters; examples of uses of selected microbial starters in cheeses, baked goods, fermented fruits/vegetables and functional foods.

Lecturers: Raffaella Di Cagno

Teaching Hours: 18
Lab Hours: 12

Course Topics
The course will cover the following topics: - General criteria for starter selection and tools for selecting microbial starters (e.g., phenomics) - Spontaneous fermentation (sauerkrauts): advantages and limits - Natural starter (milk kefir), commercial and autochthonous starters - Case studies dealing with the use of starters in cheeses, fermented vegetables, functional foods, probiotics, and recycling of food by-products

Teaching format
Traditional teaching in classroom; discussion and analysis of cases of study (scientific articles); lab activities and one external visit. Lab exercises will be in didactic laboratories and include the use of advanced analytical methods, and group activities among participants with collaborative solving of experimental questions.

Required readings

Slides of lesson provided by the lecturer and scientific articles



Semester 2 · 44761B · Master in Food Sciences for Innovation and Authenticity · 3CP · EN

Module B — Computational analysis in food microbiomes

Computational analysis in food microbiomes: the module provides an introduction to the use of sequencing and data integration to study microbial ecosystems in food fermentations. The course covers the principles of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and shotgun metagenomics, alongside physicochemical measurements such as pH, acidity, and metabolite content. Using accessible platforms like MicrobiomeAnalyst, students will gain hands-on experience in microbiome profiling, diversity analysis, functional annotation, and integration of multi-source data. By the end of the course, they will be able to interpret and communicate results linking microbial communities to fermentation quality and functionality.

Lecturers: Olga Nikoloudaki

Teaching Hours: 18
Lab Hours: 12

Semester 2 · 44761C · Master in Food Sciences for Innovation and Authenticity · 6CP · EN

Module C — The food - human axis for driving the gut microbiome

The Food – Human Axis for Driving the Gut Microbiome: principles on the digestive system; gut microbiota composition and functionality; omics for investigating the gut microbiota/microbiome; observational and intervention studies on the effect of diet, fibres, polyphenols and food intolerances on the gut microbiota composition and functionality; gut-brain axis and cases of study on autism; how to carry out an intervention study on the gut microbiota/microbiome.

Lecturers: Marco Gobbetti, Andrea Polo

Teaching Hours: 36
Lab Hours: 24

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