Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Microbiology

Microbiology
4
13473
1
Second semester
FB
BIOLOGY
Main language of instruction: Spanish

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English

Teaching staff


Dra. SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, Laura - lsanchezga@uic.es

Questions will be answered before or after each class.

Introduction

In the event that the health authorities announce a new period of confinement due to the evolution of the health crisis caused by COVID-19, the teaching staff will promptly communicate how this may effect the teaching methodologies and activities as well as the assessment.


Microbiology is a science dedicated to the study of a wide range of organisms with which we live and establish different degrees of relationship. Many of them are capable of generating diseases in humans, many are capable of producing a variety of substances with different economic interests and even allow the advancement of knowledge of our environment. 

The approach of this subject is to provide biomedicine students with a general and basic knowledge of microorganisms as living beings with whom we interact. We will focus interest on the capacity of some of them to produce different diseases, such as identifying them, avoiding them and, eventually, treating them. We also intend to provide knowledge about other capacities that microorganisms possess, such as the knowledge of basic processes in biology, biotechnological, industrial processes and with important impact in health and economy.

Pre-course requirements

It is considered essential to have an important base in biochemistry and cellular biology.

Objectives


The main objective of the present subject is to make available to the student the knowledge, the characteristics, the peculiarities of a huge variety of organisms with which we interact continuously as well as the damages and benefits that can determine us. 

Specific objectives: 

  • Classification and location of microorganisms within living beings 
  • Description and characterization of the different types of microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, helminths. 
  • Exhibition of the different featues of interaction between humans and microorganisms 
  • Description of the capacity of microorganisms as pathogens
  • Evaluation of therapeutic tools for the diagnosis and treatment of infections 
  • Knowledge of the basic techniques of microbiology

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

The student at the end of the course will have a broad vision about the world of microorganisms, their diversity and their impact on human life. Knowledge of the benefits and the possible damages on it. You will also gain knowledge about their management and ability to interpret microbiological information essential for the development of your future work as a health professional.

 

  • Have a general view of the diversity of microorganisms and their impact on human life.
  • Recognize the impact of microbiology, genetics and biochemistry on human health, as well as the diagnostic tools used in each of the areas of Health.
  • Recognize the aspects that govern the pathological state and its implications at a clinical and diagnostic level.
  • Develop the capacity for organization and planning appropriate to the moment.
  • To be able to teamwork.
  • Be able to carry out autonomous learning.

Learning outcomes of the subject


At the end of the course. the student: 

  • Will know and understand the microbial world in terms of its existence, history, diversity and characteristics. 
  • Will know about the most common infectious diseases produced by the different types of microorganisms
  • Will know the different tools for controlling the growth of microorganisms and the infections that can cause 
  • Will have knowledge of the economic and scientific importance of microorganisms Will know the basic techniques of handling and interpretation of microbiological tests

Syllabus

Topic 1. Introduction to microbiology: Definition and general aspects, brief history and importance of microorganisms.  BACTERIOLOGY Topic 2. The prokaryotic cell: size and morphology. The cytoplasm. Nuclear region. Cytoplasmic membrane. Topic 3. Cell wall and motility: cell wall structure and function. Mechanisms of motility. Endospores. Capsules and mucosal layers.  Topic 4. The prokaryotic genome: structure and size. Extracromosomic genetic material. Exchange of genetic material: conjugation, transformation and transduction.  Topic 5. Microbial growth. Bacterial cell division and population growth. Environmental factors affecting cellular growth. Microbial growth control. Differences between antiseptics, disinfectants and chemotherapeutic agents. Antimicrobial resistance. Topic 6. Gram-positive bacilli and cocci.  Topic 7. Gram-negative bacilli and cocci. Topic 8. Other bacteria
VIROLOGY Topic 9. Virology. Characteristics of the virus DNA and RNA: morphology, structure, life cycle. Classification and diversity.
MYCOLOGY AND PARASITOLOGY Topic 10. Characteristics of filamentous fungi and yeasts: morphology, structure, metabolism, reproduction. Main pathogenic fungi.  Topic 11. Parasitology. Characteristics of protozoa and helminths: morphology, structure, metabolism, reproduction.
 

Teaching and learning activities

In blended



- Theory classes (lectures and cases): online (in streaming). Half of the students in the classroom and half of the students online. By using Collaborate on Moodle.  - Practical classes: face-to-face class in small groups. 

Bibliography and resources

Brock. Biology of Microorganisms. M.T. Madigan, et al. 15th  Ed. Pearson Education, 2019.

Prescott’s Microbiology. J Willey et al.  10th Ed. McGraw-Hill, 2017.

Medical Microbiology. P.R. Murray et al. 8th. Elsevier, 2016.

Microbiology, a systems approach. M. K. Cowan. 5th Ed. McGraw-Hill, 2018.

Updated scientific reviews:

"Engineered Live Biotherapeurics: Progress and Challenges". Biotechnology Journal, 2020. DOI: 10.1002/biot.202000155

"Engineered Probiotics for Detection and Treatment of Inflammatory Intestinal Diseases", 2020. DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00265

 

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 02/06/2021 I3 16:00h
  • E2 23/06/2021 11:00h

Teaching and learning material


Print version