GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Even if it is not mandatory to have passed any examinations. Several
notions of Biochemistry (metabolic pathway of central metabolism),
Genetics (mutations, selection of mutants, recombination processes in
prokaryotes) and of Molecular Biology (DNA replication, transcription,
translation) are required.
Examinations will be planned to follow the rules of the Course.
Oral examination will be aimed at verifying the following skills:
1. Showing techniques and description of experienced performed in
laboratory lessons
2. Description of morphological/functional and biochemical features of
prokaryotic cells
3. Being able to describe the catabolic diversity among microorganisms
4. Description of the roles of microorganisms on earth
5. Being aware of the potential applications of prokaryotes biology as
regards the health, the environment, and the industry.
It is necessary to know and describe the structure of prokaryotic cells and
the techniques to cultivate bacteria in order to pass the exam. The
evaluation will increase depending on the knowledge and the level of in depth
analysis of the fundamentals of microbiology, both as concepts and
techniques. It will be evaluated the ability to link different topics and
being able to communicate, using a scientifically correct language
The course is focused on the biology of bacterial microorganisms.
Information on morphological, physiological, biochemical and functional
features of microorganisms will be shown in order to appreciate their
potential in biotechnological applications. The acquired knowledge will
complete the training of an expert able to use microorganisms in
different fields, from pharmaceuticals to agricultural and food, from
industry to bioremediation.
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Describe the morphological/functional features of prokaryotic cells
2. Highlight the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
3. Describe the catabolic biodiversity of microorganisms
4. Correlate the specific metabolic pathway to bacterial groups
5. Explain the traditional microbiological techniques
6. Recognize the importance of microorganisms in applied sciences
CONTENTS:
- Microbial cell structure and function (cell wall, flagellum, fimbriae, pili,
cytoplasm, nucleoid, inclusions)
- Microbial growth (nutritional classes of microorganisms, population
growth, measuring microbial growth, effects of environmental factors on
microbial growth)
- Metabolism (energy production, chemotrophy, fermentation, aerobic
respiration, anaerobic respiration, chemolitotrophy, photosynthesis)
- Systematics (species concept in microbiology, classification and
nomenclature, conventional and molecular taxonomy methods)
- Bacterial genetics (Microbial genomes. Chromosome, plasmids, and
other genetic elements.
- Microbial interactions with humans (normal human microflora,
pathogenic bacteria, reservoirs and transmission, pathogenicity and
virulence, virulence factors, endotoxins and exotoxins)
- Antibiotics (Mechanisms of action, methods for evaluating bacteria
sensitivity to antibiotics)
- Virus (general properties)
The teaching activities are based on lectures and practical laboratory
lessons.
- Lectures are supported by slides and films.
- For lab activities each student will be given a descriptive booklet and
the protocol. During the lab activities the continuous presence of
instructors is ensured. Students must wear a coat, other devices for
personal protection will be supplied. Safety rules in a microbiological
laboratory and basic microbiological techniques will be acquired
(aseptic techniques, solid and liquid cultures Gram stain, bacterial
identification, viable count).
Students may contact the teacher via e-mail at the following address:
viviana.orlandi@uninsubria.it