Microbiology
Learning outcomes of the course unit
The student will acquire the basic knowledge of the microbiology, concerning the structure and physiology of the microbial cell, which are essential for understanding the microbiological courses at a higher level. During the course the student will acquire extensive knowledge on biodiversity existing among the microorganisms and it should be able to understand the different cellular response to environmental factors. The student should be able to appropriately utilize the scientific language and the specific lexicon of the subject, showing the ability to describe and transfer in oral and written form the acquired concepts.
Course contents summary
The first part of the course will focus on cell biology, such as cellular structure and function in prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial organisms. The second part of the course will be about the microbial physiology in particular the microbial nutrition, different aspect of metabolism and the microbial growth. The third part of the course will focus on the basic microbial taxonomy. The course will conclude with the study of yeasts, molds and bacteriophages.
Course contents
INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY
Microbiology science; Microbiology History; microorganisms and their natural environments;
the impact of microorganism of humans; prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell.
CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS
The cytoplasme; Cell membranes; Cell walls; Microbial locomotion; Surface structures and inclusion of prokaryotes; Sporulation; Microscopy; Cell morphology.
NUTRITION AND METABOLISM OF MICROORGANISMS
Nutrition and the transport of nutrient in the cell; Bacteria metabolism: energetic and enzymes
major catabolic pathways
MICROBIAL GROWTH
Bacterial cell division; growth of bacterial population; environmental effects on microbial growth; stress response; Biofilm; Evaluation of microbial growth; laboratory cultures
CENNI DI TASSONOMIA MICROBICA
Filogenesi microbica: concetti di base; Tassonomia microbica: criteri di classificazione; I principali gruppi microbici dell’albero filogenetico del regno Bacteria
INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIAL TAXONOMY
An overview of the phylogenesis; Classical and molecular taxonomy; main bacterial groups
OTHER MICRORGANISM:
Fungi:characteristics, riproduction, metabolism; Virus and batteriofage
Recommended readings
MADIGAN M., MARTINKO J.M.,BROCK Biologia dei microrganismi. Volume 1. Microbiologia generale. Volume 2. Microbiologia ambientale e industriale. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
Educational material used during frontal lessons
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons will be carried out with the help of slides that represent educational material for students. Slides will be available on line.
Assessment methods and criteria
Specific lessons aimed to assessing the state of learning will be carried out at the end of each part of the course. Final examination will be carried out by a written examination with open questions. The student should be able to appropriately utilize the scientific language and the specific lexicon of the subject to explain the acquired concepts. Each questions will be evaluated in arrange between 18 and 30. The final vote will be obtained from the average achieved. The average achieved will be the same or more than eighteen in order to pass the exam
