This course will take place 23-26 June 2009 in Berlin, Germany (Seminaris Campus Hotel Berlin, Science and Conference Centre, Free University Berlin).
Purpose
To introduce PhD student working within BIOTRACER to all the key issues and important methods used in the BIOTRACER IP.
Credits
Four (4) ECTS points are available to PhD students upon completion of the course and assignments.
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:
Programme
In addition to an introductory meeting on the evening of 22 June 2009, the PhD students will take part in seven (7) training workshops and be assigned literature reading. 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'.
Duration of Course
The course will be four (4) days. The course does not follow the regular schedule for most university courses. It will begin with an introductory session on 22 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.