Modeling for Produce Safety
- Modeling for Produce Safety is a series of two free short videos that were developed for undergraduate students and industry professionals who are new to modeling and are interested in learning about basic modeling principles and the various types of models that can be used to aid in decision-making in the produce industry. Viewers will learn the critical skills needed to evaluate, interpret, and critically evaluate several types of models in the context of real-world applications, including primary and secondary growth models, Monte Carlo simulation models, and quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) models.
- Lecture 1: Introduction to Modeling
- This lecture introduces the concepts of modeling, and provides a description of the characteristics of various types of models (including primary and secondary growth models, Monte Carlo simulation models, and QMRA models), as well as examples of how they can be used for produce safety applications. Viewers will also learn how to use an online tool to fit specific simulation models with self-generated data, and communicate key findings effectively to different audiences.
- Lecture 2: Introduction to Risk Analysis
- This lecture introduces the concepts of risks and hazards, and provides an overview of the key components of risk analysis, which includes risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication. Viewers will learn the general principles for developing a risk assessment model (i.e., hazard identification, exposure assessment, hazard characterization, and risk characterization), how to differentiate between qualitative vs. quantitative risk assessments, and how to interpret uncertainty vs. variability of model outcomes.
- Once you have watched both videos, please complete this knowledge check.