Simulation of Microbiological Growth and Inactivation

This module will help undergraduate food science students to quantify and graphically visualize microbial behavior in food. It is designed to be easily integrated into introductory or advanced food microbiology/safety courses. The module will 1) describe the behavior of microorganisms as a function of food properties and environment, and 2) quantify this behavior (i.e., the kinetics of growth and death).

Learning Outcomes

1) Calculate growth and death rates using idealistic growth and death behavior (i.e., linear growth and death)

2) Analyze the complexities resulting from microbial growth and death in a food system (i.e., the non-linear behavior)

3) Use simulation (PMP) to determine the response of microorganisms to changes in food properties (e.g., water activity) and environment (e.g., temperature)

4) Use PMP to evaluate potential food quality deterioration by spoilage microorganisms