Learning objectives
The first objective of the Microbiology course is 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 and host immune response to infectious agents). A further objective is to provide the ability to apply in occupational contexts the knowledge and understanding acquired in the field of Microbiology and the required communication skills.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
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
Pharmaceutical microbiology
Pharmaceutical biotechnology: pharmaceutical products and recombinant DNA technology
Full programme
Introduction to Microbiology. Evolution of microorganisms and microbiology. Observation of microorganisms and viruses. Structure and functions of prokaryotic cell. Bacteria: cell structure, classification, reproduction, sporogenesis and germination. Human pathogenic fungi: yeasts, molds. Human pathogenic parasites: protozoa, metazoa. Viruses: chemical composition and structure, classification, replication, viral interference. Viroids and prions. Growth and metabolism of microorganisms. Cultivation, titration and classification of microorganisms and viruses. Genetics of microorganisms and viruses: genetic recombination. Host-parasite relationships in infection and infectious disease. Microbial population of the human body. Microbial pathogens and their mechanisms of pathogenicity and virulence. Mechanisms of pathogenicity of the virus. General outlines of infectious diseases: endogenous and exogenous infections, healthcare-associated infections. Major infectious diseases. Infection and Immunity: nonspecific and specific defenses against infection. Strategies of microorganisms and viruses to escape the immune system. Antimicrobial and antiviral drugs, mechanisms of action and resistance. Spread of drug resistance and its consequences. Pharmaceutical Microbiology: microorganisms in chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Probiotics and prebiotics. Assessment of genotoxicity: Ames’s test. Biotechnology: Recombinant DNA and pharmaceutical products.
Bibliography
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
Lectures accompanied by visual aids will be used to convey critical information on the topics relating to the course content.
Assessment methods and criteria
Learning outcomes will be verified through an oral examination. It will be possible for the student to address the part of Microbiology as a partial examination. 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 (maximum 30, minimim 18) will be attributed according to the degree of achievement of the objectives (excellent, good, fair, fully sufficient, barely sufficient). Honours will be reserved to students demonstrating particular communication skills and independent learning ability. Students with Learning Disabilities/Special Educational Needs must first contact the "Centro di Accoglienza e Inclusione" of the University of Parma (cai@unipr.it).
Other information
The teacher is available for further explanations in office or by distance via Teams after e-mail appointment, or via chat on Elly platform.
