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
Origin and evolution of microorganisms and Microbiology. The different
areas of Microbiology. Observation and classification of microorganisms
and viruses. Structure and functions of the prokaryotic cell. Growth,
metabolism and cultivation of microorganisms. Methods of titration of
microorganisms. Microbial genetics: genetic recombination. Host-parasite relationships in infection and infectious disease. Microbial population of the human body. Mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity and virulence. Fungi, protozoa, viruses, Viroids and prions. Major infectious diseases. Infection and Immunity: non-specific and specific defenses. Strategies of microorganisms and viruses to escape the immune system. Laboratory diagnosis of infectious disease. Antimicrobial and antiviral chemical and physical agents. Antimicrobial and antiviral agents: mechanism of action, resistance and susceptibility testing. Immunoprophylaxis of infectious diseases. Pharmaceutical Microbiology. Biotechnology: Recombinant DNA and pharmaceutical products.
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
According to the regulation of the Italian Government and the University of Parma about the COVID-19 pandemics, the present course is realized with frontal lessons via mixed in-presence and at-distance modality. In particular, the teacher takes lessons in the classroom with the help of PC (PowerPoint slides); simultaneous connection of the PC to the Teams platform in streaming modality ensures connection with students not present in the classroom (for instructions, see http://selma.unipr.it). Each lesson is registered and loaded in the Elly portal of the course, together with the slides. 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.
In case the COVID-related sanitary emergence continues, the examination will proceed on the Teams platform (see the guidelines at the address: http://selma.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.
