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 Ratings
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| Reviewed: |
Apr 16, 2001 by Biology Editorial Board |
| Overview: |
This virtual textbook provides basic facts regarding the epidemiology, symptoms and treatment of foodborne pathogenic microorganisms and natural toxins. There are 45 links to organisms and toxins and three appendices dealing with concept of infective dose, factors affecting microbial growth in foods, and a summary table of foodborne illnesses. This site brings together in one place information from the Food & Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service, and the National Institutes of Health. Links to the National Library of Medicine's Entrez glossary and Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports provide information on later outbreaks or incidents of foodborne disease. Links are included to relevant Entrez abstracts and GenBank genetic loci on some pathogenic microorganisms. |
| Learning Goals: |
None |
| Target Student Population: |
Microbiology students or college students with special assignments related to foodborne diseases |
| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
Basic microbiology |
| Type of Material: |
Virtual Textbook |
| Technical Requirements: |
HTML |
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| Strengths: |
Quality of Content: (5.0) (4.0) = (4.5)
- Site is clearly and concisely laid out and consistent
presentation for all entries
- Background material is accurate but last update in March 2000
and references to outbreaks rarely are post 1997
- Graphics are limited to a small electron micrograph in the
heading and an occasional graph of epidemiological data
- Site does allow for a search through CDC and/or PubMed for
more recent information
- Vocabulary is appropriate and linked to a glossary
- Well designed with complete and accurate material explained
very concisely.
- Extremely current and an invaluable reference for information
on foodborne pathogenic microorganisms and natural toxins.
- Links to other sites are excellent.
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| Concerns: |
- May be a bit too much information for some undergraduates.
- More images and diagrams would be helpful for students.
- Update some of the direct MMWR links and perhaps include other
appropriate graphics
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
Rating:  |
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| Strengths: |
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool: (5.00) (4.90) = 5.0
- Provides basic resource information on diseases.
- Appendices promote understanding of infective dose and affect
of temperature, pH, and water activity on microbial growth in
foods.
- Search options provide access to current information.
- Not designed primarily as a comprehensive text, but this is
clearly stated. A good reference with links to current Morbidity
and Mortality statistics and genetic information through ENTREZ.
- Does not necessarily promote conceptual understanding of the
mechanism of disease action,
but rather describes the
epidemiology, symptoms and treatment of the disease.
- Well written, but may be a bit technical for many
undergraduates. More diagrams and images would help.
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| Concerns: |
- Does not necessarily promote conceptual understanding of the
mechanism of disease action, but rather describes the
epidemiology, symptoms and treatment of the disease.
- Well written, but may be a bit technical for many
undergraduates. More diagrams and images would help.
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
| Rating: |
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| Strengths: |
Usability: (5.0) (5.0) = (5.0)
- Site is easy to navigate and does not require special
instructions
- Each entry is clearly written
- Limited graphics assures speed in loading
- All links worked including access to CDC and PubMed
- Easy to navigate and quick, without any defective links or
bugs.
- Contains a searchable index.
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| Concerns: |
None
Overall rating: (4.8) (4.3) = (4.5) |
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