B8433 - Bacteriology and Immunology

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the student knows the basis of bacteriology and immunology. In particular, the student: knows the principles of taxonomy, structure and morphology, biology and interactions with the host of bacteria of major importance in Veterinary Medicine and Public Health; knows the basic principles of immunology; is able to collect, preserve and transport samples, to apply the different steps of bacteriological exam and to produce a report.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course “B8346-Immunology, Microbiology, and Parasitology”.

The integrated course "Immunology, microbiology, and parasitology" aims to provide the student with adequate knowledge of the taxonomy, structure and morphology, biology, and host interactions of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi of veterinary relevance, as well as the associated sampling and analysis techniques. Additionally, the student gains expertise in the pathogenic mechanisms of inflammation, immune defenses, and immunology, including the principles of vaccinology.

The Integrated Course “B8346 - IMMUNOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY, AND PARASITOLOGY” contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.04, 1.10, 1.12, 1.22, and 1.35.

COURSE CONTENT:

The course is composed of 2 modules: module 1, Bacteriology (Prof. Silvia Piva) and module 2, Immunology (Prof. Caterina Lupini)

Module 1: Bacteriology - Prof. Silvia Piva

• The structure of bacterial cells (4 hours)
• Cultivation of bacteria (2 hours)
• Bacterial colonization, tissue invasion and clinical disease (2 hours)
• Bacterial genetics and mechanisms of genetic variation (2 hours)
• Antibacterial resistance (2 hours)
• Classification and pathogenic bacteria (2 hours)
• Practical sessions: Gram staining (2h), clinical bacteriological case study (4h)

Module 2: Immunology – Prof. Caterina Lupini

• Overview and phases of the immune response (2 hours)
• Antigens and immunogenicity (2 hours)
• Humoral immunity (1 hour)
• Mucosal immunity and natural passive immunity (1 hour)
• Cell-mediated immunity (1 hour)
• Practical sessions: practical aspects and diagnostic applications (3 hours)

Readings/Bibliography

Required readings:

P.J. Quinn et al, Veterinary Microbiology and Microbial disease, 3° ed., Wiley:

• Section II: Introductory Bacteriology
• Section III : Pathogenic Bacteria

Ian Tizard, Veterinary Immunology, 9^th ed. Elsevier

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures and practical sessions.

Theoretical lectures will be delivered by power point presentation. Interactive poll tools will be used during the theoretical lectures.

Practical activities will be aimed at acquiring the main techniques used in clinical bacteriology and developing the ability to interpret microbiological data.

Considering the activities and teaching methods adopted in this course, students are required to successfully complete Modules 1, 2, and 3 of the e-learning safety training for study environments before attending the course.

Assessment methods

The assessment for the Integrated Course unit “B8346 - IMMUNOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY, AND PARASITOLOGY” consists of 3 parts, aimed at assessing the acquisition of expected knowledge:

• First part: a written multiple-choice test including 30 questions covering all topics of B8433 BACTERIOLOGY (12 questions), B8433 IMMUNOLOGY (6 questions) and B8458 VIROLOGY AND VACCINOLOGY (12 questions). Each correct answer grants 1 point, while incorrect or blank answers grant 0 points. No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) may be used during the exam, except for those explicitly allowed by the instructor.

• Second part: a written test covering all topics of B8449 PARASITOLOGY AND MYCOLOGY composed by 1) 4 open-ended questions on parasite identification, provided at the exam in the form of an image or a specimen (Taxonomic classification max 3 points, Morphology max 3 points, Host(s) max 3 points, Life cycle max 5 points); and 2) 9 true/false or multiple-choice questions, worth 1 point each if answered correctly, or 2 points if also correctly justified, while incorrect or blank answers grant 0 points.

• Third part: a written test including 12 questions covering all topics of B8443 INFLAMMATION AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY, aimed at assessing the acquisition of expected knowledge. Six out of 12 questions are multiple choice questions and six are short answer questions. One question includes one or two macroscopic or microscopic images similar to those discussed during the theoretical lectures and the practical sessions. Each correct answer grants 1 point, while blank or incorrect answers grant 0 points.

The written test lasts 2 hours. A minimum score of 36/66 is needed to pass the exam. The final grade is expressed out of 30. A minimum final grade of 18/30 (corresponding to a minimum score of 36/66) is required. A score equal or higher than 61/66 correspond to 30+Laude. Furthermore, to pass the exam, for each teaching a minimum grade is needed: 6 points for B8433 BACTERIOLOGY, 3 points for B8433 IMMUNOLOGY, 6 points for B8458 VIROLOGY AND VACCINOLOGY, 12 points for B8449 PARASITOLOGY AND MYCOLOGY, and 6 points for B8443 INFLAMMATION AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY.

No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) may be used during the exam, except for those explicitly allowed by the instructor.

Negative results are not graded numerically but recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic transcript on AlmaEsami, and do not affect the student’s academic record.

The final grade will be published on the AlmaEsami platform (https://almaesami.unibo.it/?lang=en ) within 5 working days of the date of the exam. Grades for the individual parts will be available for review together with the tests on a date set by the teachers. Students may reject the final grade by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

The designated course contact for this course is Prof. Andrea Balboni.

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

With regard to the learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Power point presentations, class quizzes, flipped teaching approach.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Piva

See the website of Caterina Lupini