FST3711 - Food and industrial microbiology - 2018

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit




Organisational Unit

Malaysia School of Science

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Sunil Kumar Lal


Professor Sunil Kumar Lal

Unit guides



  • First semester 2018 (On-campus)


BTH2830 or MIC2011




This unit discusses food as a habitat, the principles involved in microbiological spoilage of foods, microorganisms of public health significance that cause foodborne illness, food safety and aspects of food preservation. Microbiological testing of foods is considered using current standard methods. The industrial microbiology section examines how microorganisms are obtained, handled and maintained in industry and discusses the application of genetically modified micro-organisms. Fermentation modes and kinetic models are discussed using batch and continuous growth. Scale up and downstream processes of industrial fermentations and the role of microorganisms in producing substances of industrial importance is discussed using antibiotics, hormones, membrane proteins and bioethanol as examples.


On completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Discuss food as a habitat for microorganisms;
  2. Describe micro-organisms characteristic to the food industry and their roles in food production, food spoilage, and food-borne illnesses;
  3. Explain principles involved in microbiological spoilage of food, microbial control, and methods of preserving foods;
  4. Recognise the importance of microbiological food criteria and HACCP systems for maintaining food safety in industry;
  5. Discuss the use of microorganisms in industrial processes, and providing examples representing the breadth of these applications;
  6. Describe the principles and applications of batch and continuous fermentation processes;
  7. Describe the application of industrial control systems such as SCADA for microbial fermentations.


Examination (2 hours): 50%

Laboratory reports: 30%

Mid-term test: 20%

Workload requirements

  • Three hours of lectures
  • 5-day block lab

See also Unit timetable information

Off-campus attendance requirements

OCL students will undertake a 5-day residential school (offered in even numbered years)

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study