OVERVIEW

Introduction to Clinical Microbiology, particularly to etiopathogenic and diagnostic significance, in the field of Human Medicine.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge about different aspects of basic Microbiology to enable the graduate in Biotecnology to explore or expand any field connected to this topic.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of the Microbiology module is that the participants acquire knowledge about: the fundamental and accessory bacterial structures; the pathways of bacterial damage to cells and the human body; the structure and pathogenicity of human viruses; the fundamental structures of eukaryotic microorganisms, protozoa and yeasts and mechanisms of pathogenicity; the mechanisms of action of drugs with antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic activity, and the related resistance mechanisms; the main principles of microbiological diagnostics. Knowledge will also be acquired on the existence, nomenclature and role of bacteria belonging to the normal human microbial population and the existence, nomenclature and role of the most important bacteria, viruses, fungi, pathogenic parasites of medical interest.

Specifically, attendance and active participation in the proposed training activities (lectures and laboratory activities) and individual study will allow the student to:
• know the main classes of microorganisms;
• understand the mechanisms underlying microorganism-host interactions;
• understand the mechanisms of pathogenicity and the virulence factors;
• critically analyze the factors involved in the infection and disease processes;
• understand the main mechanisms of action of antimicrobial agents;
• know how to apply the knowledge acquired to other disciplines in the biological, biotechnological, biomedical fields;
• have developed learning skills that will allow him to independently investigate the main issues addressed according to the essential need for continuous updating that the discipline requires.

TEACHING METHODS

Frontal lessons and laboratory practice.

Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, shall reach out to the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to liase and arrange the specific teaching methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Introduction to Microbiology for Biotechnology
• Fundamental differences between multicellular organisms and microorganisms and between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell
• Structure of the bacterial cell
• Notions of bacterial genetics.
• Bacterial metabolism: growth, replication, biofilm
• Bacterial spores
• Host-microorganism interactions: definitions of colonization, infection and infectious disease, of opportunistic microorganisms and pathogens.
• The human microbiota
• Bacterial pathogenic mechanisms
• Elements of general microbiological and bacteriological diagnostics
• Virus structure and replication strategies
• Pathogenic mechanisms of viruses and elements of virological diagnostics.
• Structure and classification of the main fungi and protozoa of medical interest
• Mechanisms of action of drugs with antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic activity, and related resistance mechanisms.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Antonelli G., Clementi M., Pozzi G., Rossolini G.M. (2017) - Principi di microbiologia medica. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

VINCENZO DI PILATO (President)

GUIDO FERLAZZO (President)

ROBERTA RICCIARELLI (President)

CHIARA VITALE (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Second semester.

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam takes place orally.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam takes place in oral form, allowing to accurately assess the achievement of the expected learning outcomes.

The evaluation parameters include:

• competence in the subject;
• ability to critically discuss the requested topics;
• the quality of the exposure and the correct use of the proper scientific terminology.

Failure to achieve the expected objectives requires the student to deepen the exam subject in a more suitable way.