00714 - Microbiology (1)

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the single-subject course in Microbiology, students will have acquired a thorough understanding of the structure and function of microorganisms, the cellular and molecular basis of microbial pathogenicity, microorganism–host interactions, and the role of the human microbiota in both physiological and pathological conditions.

Students will also have gained fundamental knowledge of the diagnostic and clinical aspects of microbiological and virological investigations, as well as of microbial biotechnologies applied to the fields of bacteriology, virology, mycology, and parasitology.

 

Course contents

To benefit fully from this course, students are expected to have acquired the knowledge and competencies provided during the first year of the degree programme.

The syllabus outlined below refers to the entire course, which is jointly taught by Prof. Antonella Marangoni and Prof. Simone Ambretti.

Introduction to Medical Microbiology
Introduction to the study of Medical Microbiology. General principles of infectious diseases. Role of the immune response in infectious diseases. Serological reactions. Vaccines and antisera.

Bacteriology
The bacterial cell: structure, metabolism, reproduction, and spore formation. Bacterial genetics. Bacterial cultivation and identification. General principles of bacteriological diagnosis. Mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity and identification methods for the major groups of medically important bacteria.

Antibacterial Agents
Sulfonamides and antibiotics. Mechanisms of action. Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms.

Medically Important Bacteria
Staphylococci and streptococci; Bacillus anthracis; Listeria monocytogenes; mycobacteria; Neisseria spp.; Enterobacterales (Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Shigella spp.); Helicobacter spp.; Clostridium spp.; spirochetes; Chlamydia spp.; Mycoplasma spp.; Legionella spp.; Bordetella spp.; Pseudomonas spp.; Acinetobacter spp.; Haemophilus spp.; and Campylobacter spp.

Medical Protozoology
Medically important protozoa, including Giardia intestinalis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp., amoebae, Plasmodium spp. (malaria parasites), and Toxoplasma gondii.

Medical Mycology
General characteristics of fungi. Medically important fungi, including yeasts (Candida albicans and other Candida spp.), Pneumocystis jirovecii, Cryptococcus neoformans, and filamentous fungi (moulds), with particular emphasis on Aspergillus spp.

Virology
Virus structure and classification. Mechanisms of viral replication and pathogenicity. General principles of virological diagnosis. Antiviral drugs and interferons.

Medically Important Viruses
Orthomyxoviruses; Paramyxoviridae; enteroviruses (Poliovirus, Coxsackievirus); rubella virus; human papillomaviruses; hepatitis viruses (HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, HEV, and others); arboviruses and other emerging viruses; coronaviruses; herpesviruses; and retroviruses.

Readings/Bibliography

La Placa M. Principles of Medical Microbiology. 14th Edition.

The recommended textbook provides comprehensive coverage of the general principles of Medical Microbiology. However, for more specialized topics, students are expected to supplement their study with the lecture slides and additional teaching materials provided by the instructors.

Teaching methods

Course topics will be presented and discussed through face-to-face lectures covering the content outlined in the syllabus. Lectures will be highly interactive, encouraging students to ask questions and actively participate in in-depth discussions of the topics addressed throughout the course.

Assessment methods

The final examination is designed to assess students' knowledge of the principal bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi capable of causing human infections. Students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the main characteristics of these microorganisms, their pathogenic mechanisms, and the basic diagnostic approaches used for their identification.

The examination consists of an oral assessment. Each student will be required to answer at least two questions covering both the fundamental principles of Medical Microbiology and the medically relevant microorganisms included in the course syllabus.

Final grades will be awarded according to the following criteria:

• 18–20 (Pass): Basic preparation with some gaps in knowledge. Analytical skills are evident only with guidance from the examiner. Fundamental concepts are generally understood, and the student uses correct, although very basic, scientific terminology.
• 21–25: Adequate preparation with limited gaps regarding topics covered during the course. Fundamental concepts are understood, and scientific terminology is generally used correctly, although not always appropriately in relation to the topics discussed.
• 26–28: Good overall preparation, with the ability to perform independent critical analysis and demonstrate a sound command of subject-specific terminology.
• 29–30 with honours (30L): Excellent preparation across all course topics, outstanding ability to perform independent critical analysis and establish meaningful connections between concepts, full mastery of subject-specific terminology, and excellent reasoning, argumentation, and reflective skills.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools during the examination is strictly prohibited. Any unauthorized use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support service well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). The service will propose any appropriate accommodations for eligible students. Any requested accommodations must be submitted to the course instructors for approval at least 15 days before the examination. Requests will be evaluated in light of the intended learning outcomes and the educational objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Lecture slides, in PDF format, will be made available through the University's Virtuale e-learning platform.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used as a supportive tool for independent study, for example to facilitate further exploration of course topics, generate summaries, and provide opportunities for self-assessment. Students are expected to use AI responsibly and in accordance with the University's policies on academic integrity.

Office hours

See the website of Antonella Marangoni