MICROBIOLOGY
Learning outcomes of the course unit
The objectives of the Microbiology course are to enable the acquisition of knowledge and understanding about the basics of microbiology (bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses; host-pathogen interactions and pathogenesis of infectious diseases; mechanisms of action and use of common antimicrobial and antiviral agents; host immune response to infectious agents; prevention of infectious diseases), and provide the ability to apply in occupational contexts the knowledge and understanding acquired in the field of Microbiology.
Prerequisites
Getting through Fisiologia Generale and Biochimica/Biochimica Applicata
Course contents summary
Origins and evolution of microorganisms and Microbiology
The different fields of microbiology
Microscopic observation of microorganisms and viruses
Classification of microorganisms and viruses
Structure and functions of prokaryotic cell
Microbial growth and metabolism
Microbial cultivation
Methods for microbial count
Microbial genetics
Host-pathogen interactions
Normal flora of humans
Microbial pathogenicity and potential virulence factors
Fungi
Protozoa
Parasitic worms (helminths)
Viruses
Viroids and prions
Infection and immunity
Microbial and viral strategies to escape host immune system
Laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases
Antibiotics and synthetic antimicrobial and antiviral agents
Common infectious diseases
Mode of transmission of infectious diseases
Food-borne infections, food poisoning
Parenterally transmitted diseases
Prevention of infectious diseases
Direct Prophylaxis of infectious diseases
Active immune prevention: vaccines, immunization schedule
Passive immune prophylaxis
Chemoprophylaxis
Pharmaceutical microbiology
Pharmaceutical biotechnology: pharmaceutical products and recombinant DNA technology
Recommended readings
Visual aids made available online;
N. CARLONE. "Microbiologia Farmaceutica", Società Editrice EdiSES, Napoli.
M. LA PLACA. "Principi di Microbiologia Medica", Società Editrice Esculapio, Bologna.
Teaching methods
The topics concerning the course contents will be illustrated by lectures, with the help of iconographic material that will be made available to the students. During the lessons the main concepts will be exposed, emphasizing the links between the various topics and encouraging the active participation of the students.
Assessment methods and criteria
Learning outcomes will be verified through an oral examination. No interim evaluation is programmed. Questions on the topics relating to the course content will be used to test the student’s knowledge and understanding in the field, and her/his ability to apply the knowledge and understanding in occupational contexts. Failure to answer to one question, or proven inability to demonstrate at least a basic knowledge on the subject, will prevent the successful completion of the exam. Upon successful completion of the examination, a grade will be attributed according to the degree of achievement of the objectives (excellent, good, fair, fully sufficient, barely sufficient, in the range between 30/30 and 18/30). Honors will be reserved to students demonstrating particular communication skills and independent learning ability.
