Professional Skills

Developing food science skills: food microbiology and hygiene

This course covers basic aspects of food microbiology, including detrimental micro-organisms (pathogens and spoilage organisms), and beneficial micro-organisms (fermentation  and the use of micro-organisms to produce foods for health benefits). Parasites, viruses and fungi are explored, together with topical issues such as prion proteins and new strains of pathogenic micro-organisms. You’ll be introduced to microbiological analysis and the role microbiology and hygiene play in producing food that meets customer expectations. The impact of food hygiene on the industry is described in terms of premises and services, design of equipment, hygienic practices, cleaning and disinfection within the framework of HACCP, and hygiene monitoring.

What you will study

The course resources comprise of a learning guide, incorporating interactive exercises and video resources, together with two booklets from Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Association (CCFRA). These are Food Microbiology: An Introduction’ (Key Topics No. 12) and Introduction to Hygiene in Food Processing (Key Topics No. 4).

The course uses relevant chemical and technical terms. Although it is possible for you to achieve all the learning outcomes without prior knowledge of chemistry, some familiarity with the description of simple chemical structures would be an advantage.

You will learn

• how to describe the main types of micro-organisms that have either beneficial or detrimental effects on food
• examples of food-borne infectious diseases in order to illustrate the consequences of microbial food contamination
• how to introduce the main aspects of good practice in food hygiene so that the risks of ill-health problems are minimised
• how to discuss some issues in food safety that illustrate the application of knowledge gained in the course.

The strong link between course learning and your work practice creates relevant, enduring and transferable outcomes. The course will take 50 hours to study and includes web-based text, video material, self-assessment questions and activities in manageable bite-size chunks. Register online today and start tomorrow – no need to wait!

The course features the distinctive strengths of The Open University (OU) from its years of expertise in work-based learning:

• The convenience of accessing clearly-presented and sequenced materials, activities and support whenever it suits you and wherever you have access to a computer – the mix of web- and text-based materials enables you to work on or offline, whichever is most convenient to you.
• The support of an expert learning adviser who can clarify study materials, answer questions and help you relate the course to your specific needs.
• A work-based activity helping you to connect the course to your individual and organisational context and needs. At the end of the course you send this to the learning adviser, who provides personal feedback.
• Certification of completion from The Open University for those who complete the course. You can use this to demonstrate your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity to your employer and/or professional body. (N.B. The course does not carry academic credit points.)

Entry

Although there are no formal academic requirements to study any of our CPD courses, you are expected to have some experience in the field and the course assumes a familiarity with the subject.

For each course you can register and begin at any time during the life of the course. You can study at your own pace and submit your work-based activity at any date before the final submission date for the course. Information about the final submission date is available when you register for the course.

If you have a disability or additional requirement

The study materials are delivered via printed text and computer resources. Learners who use screen readers or who cannot use a mouse will not be able to access some materials or some activities without assistance. Electronic versions of the CCFRA booklets will be available to students who use screen readers. Written transcripts of the video materials are available on the website. If you are a new learner with the OU, make sure that you have our publication Meeting Your Needs.

Study materials

What's included

You will receive a DVD-ROM, two books and access to an online site containing all the other learning materials, exercises, study support and a work-based activity.

Computing requirements

You will need a computer with internet access to study this course which includes online activities. You can only access these using a web browser with Flash and Java.

• If you have purchased a new desktop or laptop computer since 2006 you should have no problems completing the online activities.
• If you’ve got a netbook, tablet or other mobile computing device check our Technical requirements section.
• If you use an Apple Mac you will need OS X 10.5 or later.

You can also visit the Technical requirements section for further computing information including the details of the support we provide.

Learner support

Expert, confidential learner support is available when you need it from a learning adviser, who will respond to you directly within 24 hours. Other support is available via the GST007 forum, library, StudentHome website and computing helpdesk.

Work-based activity

The work-based activity for this course is a written report that you submit at the end of your study. It will allow you to reflect on your learning and how to use it in your professional work.

Professional recognition

Successful completion of the course enables us to recognise your achievement of the course learning by issuing an OU certificate that you can use to document your commitment to continuing professional development in your personal portfolio, or to provide evidence to employers or a professional body.

Students also studied

Students who studied this course also studied at some time:

• Plants and people (S173)
• Understanding human nutrition (SK183)
• Practising science (SXR103)
• Management accounting (B292)
• The frozen planet (S175)

Distance learning

The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.

For more information about distance learning at the OU read Study explained.

Study explained

Special fee arrangements

- the OU has relationships with many professional bodies, and as part of those relationships members may be entitled to special fee arrangements.

Study explained

- all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.

Your questions

We may have already answered it in our frequently asked questions.

Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90 +44(0) 845 366 60 35

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