Learning objectives
The objectives of the Microbiology course are to enable the acquisition of knowledge and understanding about basic microbiology (morphology, structural organization, genetics and classification of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses; host-pathogen interactions and pathogenesis of infectious diseases; mode of action and use of the major antimicrobial and antiviral agents and their mechanisms of resistance; host immune response to infectious agents and prevention of infectious diseases; recombinant DNA and pharmaceuticals), and provide the ability to apply in occupational contexts the knowledge and understanding acquired in the field of Microbiology.
Prerequisites
Getting through General Physiology and Biochemistry/Applied Biochemistry.
Course unit content
The course includes, after the presentation and a brief introduction to Microbiology, the treatment of aspects related to: general characters and genetics of microorganisms and viruses, microbial metabolism and cultivation of microorganisms and viruses, host-parasite relationships in infection and infectious disease (pathogenicity and virulence), general information on the main infectious diseases, antimicrobial and antiviral drugs and related mechanisms of resistance. In vitro susceptibility assays of microorganisms and viruses to anti-infective agents. Criteria of direct and indirect microbiological diagnosis. Immunoprophylaxis of infectious diseases. Pharmaceutical Microbiology.
Full programme
Origin and evolution of microorganisms and Microbiology. Observation of microorganisms and viruses. Structure and functions of prokaryotic cell. Fungi. Protozoa. Viruses, 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. Major infectious diseases. Infection and Immunity: nonspecific and specific defenses against infection. Strategies of microorganisms and viruses to escape the immune system. Chemical and physical antimicrobial and antiviral agents. Antibiotic and chemotherapeutic antimicrobial and antiviral agents: mechanism of action, resistance and sensitivity assays. Immunoprophylaxis of infectious diseases. Pharmaceutical Microbiology: microorganisms in chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Probiotics and prebiotics. Assessment of genotoxicity: Ames test. Biotechnology: Recombinant DNA and pharmaceutical products.
Bibliography
Carlone et al. - Microbiologia Farmaceutica - Editrice Edises;
Iconographic material used in class;
Hugo-Russell – Microbiologia Farmaceutica - Editrice EMSI, Roma;
Murray, Rosenthal, Kobayashi, Pfaller - Microbiologia. EdiSES, Napoli;
La Placa - Principi di Microbiologia Medica - Società Editrice Esculapio, Bologna
Teaching methods
The arguments regarding the course content will be presented and discussed through lectures, with the aid of iconographic material collected in PowerPoint files that, at the end of the course, will be made available to students. Lectures will present the main conceptual frame of each subject, summoning questions or doubts from the audience.
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. At least two questions on the topics relating to the course content will be used to verify the student’s knowledge and understanding in the scientific discipline, and her/his ability to apply them in occupational contexts. Failure to answer to one question, or proven inability to demonstrate at least a basic knowledge of the subject, will prevent the successful completion of the exam. Upon successful completion of the examination, the attribution of voting will be carried out according to the degree of achievement of the objectives (excellent, good, fair, fully sufficient, barely sufficient). Full marks with laude will be reserved to students demonstrating particular communication skills and independent learning ability. The vote will contribute to the final vote of the integrated course of Microbiology and General Pathology. 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.
