PhD Module title:  Biotraceability in food and feed chains

This course took place 23-26 June 2009 in Berlin, Germany (Seminaris Campus Hotel Berlin, Science and Conference Centre, Free University Berlin). 

This course was attended by 12 PhD students. 

Purpose
To introduce PhD students working within BIOTRACER to all the key issues and important methods used in BIOTRACER.

Credits
Four (4) ECTS points are available to PhD students upon completion of the course and assignments.

Schedule
23 June 2009
     15:30--17:30     PhD Introduction Session (Introduction to Biotraceability)
24 June 2009
     09:00--12:00     Learning from Data
     13:30--16:30     How do we reduce Campylobacter in the poultry chain?
     13:30--16:30     A technical workshop on molecular biology methods used, or possible to use, in biotraceability
25 June 2009
     09:00--12:00     Molecular methods for Salmonella
     13:30--16:30     How can food microbiologists model their data?
     13:30--16:30     Molecular detection and biotraceability of Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium botulinum
     16:30--18:30     PhD Closing Session

Required for course and to receive points: Attendance at workshops, pre-workshop reading, positive evaluation of a submitted manuscript assigned during course.

Background
Traceability of microorganisms and their toxins along the entire food chain and the use of advanced mathematical models to trace and track these are essential to ensure the safety/security of the food chain. This module will provide a thorough introduction to all the key issues and important methods used in the BIOTRACER IP, i.e. present a structured and detailed description of biotraceability from sampling through sample pre-treatment, analysis and modelling. It includes aspects of inadvertent and deliberate adulteration of the food chain. Theoretical aspects will be supported by practicals in both microbiology and modelling. 

Expected Outcome
On completion of the module the students should be able to:

  • Design appropriate sampling methods and sample treatments.
  • Apply appropriate modern diagnostic methods for rapid detection.
  • Analyse data with on-line model software databases.
  • Overview the elements of the whole chain approach to biotraceability for improved food safety.

Programme
In addition to an introductory meeting on the evening of 23 June 2009, the PhD students will take part in 4 out of 6 training workshops and be assigned literature reading before the workshops. Teaching will be conducted by scientists from organisations which are partners in BIOTRACER. The final evaluation will be done through a joint manuscript on 'Biotraceability' (participants will be paired to write a manuscript).

Duration of Course
The actual courses will be over two days (24 and 25 June, with pre and post meetings on 23  and 25 June). The course does not follow the regular schedule for most university courses. It will begin with an introductory session on 23 June. The students will prepare a publication report about the new concept 'Biotraceability' for peer-review publication. All students will receive relevant material for reading well in advance.

  • Class contact (lecture)      8 hours
  • Class contact (practical)   16 hours
  • Specified learning            20 hours
  • Autonomous learning       65 hours

Costs
There are no additional costs for attending the course as a PhD student, however, participants will be subject to the meeting fee (appr. €280) associated with the BIOTRACER General Meeting (the meeting fee covers the costs of the meetings rooms, lunches, etc.).

If you have any questions, you can email Skib (jeesk@food.dtu.dk).