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Biomedical Sciences - mod. MICROBIOLOGY
BRUNA FACINELLI

Seat Medicina e Chirurgia
A.A. 2013-2014
Credits 3
Hours 30
Period 2^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code MT09-11-11 MT443

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of chemistry, physics, and biology.

Development of the course

The purpose of the course is to provide students with the basic knowledge of the world of microorganisms in the aspect of the cellular organization, metabolism and genetics. Action of pathogenic microorganisms in general and of some important pathogens in particular. Students will learn some practical aspects of microbiology, with particular attention to the methods of microbiological control of the environment, air and surfaces.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will know the principal human pathogens and their routes of transmission, with particular regard to those transmitted through air, water and food and the microbiological techniques to detect the presence of pathogens in the environment.

Program

Introduction to microbiology: the impact of microorganisms on humans and the environment. History of microbiology. Microbial diversity: prokaryotes and eukaryotes, viruses. Structural and functional characteristics of the bacterial cell. Cell wall. Bacterial genome. Spores and sporulation process. Principles of microbial genetics. Growth curve of a bacterial population. Host-microorganism relationship. Pathogenicity and virulence. Toxins. Main Gram + and Gram- pathogenic to humans. Primary routes of transmission of microorganisms. Zoonoses. Hospital infections. Virus: biological, structural, replication cycle. Main viruses pathogenic to humans. General information on fungi: characteristics of the fungal cell, reproductive mode, pathogenic role in humans. Antibiotics: mechanism of action and resistance. Culture media,  general information on the methods and techniques of microbiology laboratory. Microbiological typing. Sterilization and disinfection.

Development of the examination

Oral exam

Recommended reading

• EUDES LANCIOTTI. introduzione alla Microbiologia, Ed. Zanichelli
• JEFFREY K. ACTOR: Microbiologia, Ed. Elsevier Masson
• The Grapes of Staph: Doc Kaiser's Microbiology Web Page
• Power point slides supplied by the teacher

Courses

• Tecniche della Prevenzione nell'Ambiente e nei Luoghi di Lavoro