AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Knowledge of the fundamental differences between multicellular organisms and microorganisms and between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, the fundamental and accessory structures of the bacterial cell, the genetics and metabolism peculiar to the bacterial cell, bacterial spores in general and sporulating bacteria causing human diseases. Knowledge of the difference between saprophytic and parasitic bacteria and the existence of exogenous and endogenous infections, mechanisms of direct and indirect bacterial pathogenicity.
• Knowledge of general, direct and indirect serological microbiological diagnostics, and bacteriological diagnostics, antibacterial drugs, bacterial drug resistance, genetic mechanisms of occurrence and their phenotype.
• Knowledge of the structure of viruses in general and DNA and RNA viruses in particular, viral replication and pathogenicity. Knowledge of virological diagnostics, direct and indirect.
• Knowledge of fungal cell structure and mechanisms of action of antifungal drugs.

TEACHING METHODS

In-person classes.

Via computer support, students are provided with handouts prepared by the lecturer, summarizing the lectures delivered.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the facuklty and the School/Department's disability liaison at the beginning of the course to agree on possible teaching arrangements that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning patterns.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Fundamental differences between multicellular organisms and microorganisms and between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
• Structure of the bacterial cell
• Bacterial genetics and metabolism
• Bacterial spores
• Microbial ecology, microorganism-host interactions, microbiota
• Direct and indirect bacterial pathogenicity
• General microbiological diagnostics
• Antibacterial drugs and antimicrobial resistance
• Structure of viruses
• Viral replication
• Viral pathogenicity and virological diagnostics

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Simona De Grazia, Donatella Ferraro, Giovanni Giammanco. Microbiologia e Microbiologia Clinica per Infermieri. Pearson Editore.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

First semester.

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is conducted at the integrated course level, in written and oral mode, as detailed below:

• The Pathological Anatomy test is a multiple-choice quiz, consisting of 15 questions.
• The Microbiology test is a multiple-choice quiz, consisting of 15 questions.
• The General Pathology test is oral.

The student must identify the correct answer among the 3 proposed answers.
For the written tests, the APL (Acceptable Performance Level) is 9 (the student must have correctly answered to 9 out of 15 questions, at least).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Verification of learning is through the final exam only, which aims to ascertain the student's actual acquisition of the expected learning outcomes. In order to pass the exam, the student must demonstrate:

• knowledge of the main characteristics of prokaryotes, eukaryotes and viruses and their classification;
• knowledge of the relationships of microorganisms to the human host;
• understanding of the mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity and knowledge of the virulence factors;
• knowledge of the main classes of chemotherapeutics and antibiotics;
• knowledge of the general characteristics and of viruses;
• understanding of the mechanisms of pathogenesis of viral infections;

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further infromation, please contact the faculty