Learning objectives
Knowledge of the functional mechanisms of the human organs and apparatus addressed during the course, of their dynamic integration and the general mechanisms of functional control in normal conditions.
General characteristics and pathogenicity of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Transmission of infectious diseases.
Innate and adaptive immune responses to infectious diseases.
Infectious diseases relevant to
dental hygienists.
Understanding of the causes and mechanisms of the main pathological processes at the cellular level, and of the most important implications at the tissue level and of the whole organism;
Application of this knowledge to understand human pathologies of interest in dentistry.
Knowledge of the main phenomena involved in the biological processes of bacteria and of biological and evolutionary processes in the field of applied microbial ecology.
i) Knowledge of the logic and microbiological aspects of human health and welfare.
ii) Ability to analyze and critically interpret data and statistical products / reports (microbiota studies using 16S rRNA microbial profiling as well as shotgun metagenomics approaches).
iii) Ability to communicate the results of a research (in the field and empirical) through the preparation of a research report.
iv) Ability to build and manage relationships with people or groups (aimed at achieving the objectives of the planned work.
v) Knowing how to improve their performance (in terms of resources and results) based on a reference standard that respects well-being, biodiversity and sustainability.
Prerequisites
Basic and fundamental notions of Anatomy, cell and tissue biology and chemistry
Course unit content
Physiology of the human body: membrane and muscle physiology; cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous and gastrointestinal systems physiology, immune system and the stomatognathic apparatus.
General characteristics and pathogenicity of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Transmission of infectious diseases. Innate and adaptive immune responses to infectious diseases. Infectious diseases relevant to
dental hygienists.
Cell pathology
Inflammation
Neoplasia
Concepts, techniques and specifications related to general and applied microbiology. Understanding of the main phenomena that occur in the world of microorganisms and in their interaction with the human being.
Full programme
See specific module page
Bibliography
Berne & Levy, Physiology, Elsevier
Kumar-Abbase-Aster: Robbins & Cotran, Pathologic Basis of Disease; 10th Edition
Specific bibliographic references will be provided during the lessons.
Brock Biology of Microorganisms, Madigan, International Edition, Pearson
Biologia dei Microrganismi, Deho', Galli, CEA
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 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 SLD/BSE must first contact the Welcome and Inclusion University Centre (cai@unipr.it).
Other information
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
Health and wellbeing
