Learning objectives
The teaching module Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology is part of the integrated course Fundamentals of Physiology, Microbiology, and Immunology for Dental Hygienists.
The teaching aims to provide the student with essential knowledge and understanding on the basics about medically relevant bacteria, fungi and viruses, pathogenesis of infectious diseases, and host-pathogen interactions.
At the end of the course, the student shall be able, in collaboration with other professionals, to apply in occupational contexts the knowledge and understanding acquired to identify the problems related to infectious diseases and contribute to their prevention.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
General characteristics and pathogenicity of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Transmission of infectious diseases.
Innate and adaptive immune responses to infectious agents.
Infectious diseases relevant to dental hygienists.
Full programme
General bacteriology: structure and metabolism of bacterial pathogens; the bacterial spore; pathogenesis of bacterial infections.
General mycology: general characters of fungi; pathogenic roles of fungi; classification of mycoses.
General virology: structural and chemical composition of virions; viral replication; pathogenesis of viral infections.
General outlines of infectious diseases: endogenous and exogenous infections; transmission
of infectious diseases.
Innate and adaptive immune responses to infectious agents.
Infectious diseases relevant to dental hygienists.
Bibliography
Murray, Rosenthal, Pfaller. Medical Microbiology. 9th Ed. Esevier, 2020
Marsh & Martin’s. Oral Microbiology. 6th Ed. Elsevier, 2016
Teaching methods
Lectures supported by visual aids will be used to present and discuss, with reference to practical approaches, the contents of the course.
Lectures will be held on-site, unless otherwise indicated by the University. Supporting material will be available on the specific, student-reserved platform (Elly) and will include slide presentations and audio-video aids.
Assessment methods and criteria
The assessment of the achievement of the objectives set by the course will be carried out by means of an oral exam. No interim evaluation is programmed. Questions on the topics relating to the course content will be used to ascertain the student’s knowledge and understanding of the scientific discipline and whether is able to use appropriately the technical-scientific language and to apply the knowledge acquired in the exercise of the profession. 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 exam, the attribution of the grade, expressed in thirtieths, will be based on the degree of achievement of the objectives (excellent, good, fair, fully sufficient, sufficient, in the range between 30/30 and 18/30). This score will contribute to the final grade of the integrated course (Physiology for Dental Hygienists – 4 CFU, The Human Microbiome – 2 CFU, Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology – 2 CFU, General Pathology – 2 CFU), obtained on the basis of the average of the marks awarded in the different modules. Honors will be awarded to students who have demonstrated particular communication and autonomous learning skills. The result of the exam is communicated immediately to the student, and, after its acceptance, is then published on the ESSE3 portal (https://unipr.esse3.cineca.it/Home.do). Students with Learning Disabilities/Special Educational Needs must first contact the Welcome and Inclusion University Centre (cai@unipr.it).
Other information
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