Learning objectives
Acquisition of essential knowledge about: 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.
Prerequisites
Getting through Fisiologia Generale and Biochimica/Biochimica Applicata
Course unit content
<br />
Origins and evolution of microorganisms and Microbiology<br />
Microscopic observation of microorganisms and viruses <br />
Classification of microorganisms and viruses<br />
Structure and functions of prokaryotic cell<br />
Fungi<br />
Protozoa<br />
Viruses<br />
Viroids and prions <br />
Microbial growth and metabolism<br />
Microbial and viral cultivation<br />
Methods for microbial count<br />
Microbial genetics <br />
- Exchange of genetic information among bacteria<br />
Host-pathogen interactions<br />
Normal flora of humans<br />
Microbial pathogenicity and potential virulence factors<br />
Viral pathogenesis<br />
Common infectious diseases<br />
Infection and immunity <br />
- Innate defenses and specific immunity<br />
Microbial strategies to escape host immune system<br />
Antibiotics and synthetic antimicrobial and antiviral agents<br />
Pharmaceutical microbiology <br />
- Applications of microorganisms in chemical and pharmaceutical industry<br />
- Evaluation of mutagenic potency of chemical compounds: the Ames test <br />
Pharmaceutical biotechnology: pharmaceutical products and recombinant DNA technology<br />
Full programme
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Bibliography
<p>N. CARLONE. "Microbiologia Farmaceutica", Società Editrice EdiSES, Napoli.</p>
<p>M. LA PLACA. "Principi di Microbiologia Medica", Società Editrice Esculapio, Bologna.</p>
Teaching methods
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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