03257 - Clinical Microbiology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have acquired the fundamental knowledge necessary to select the main analytical techniques used in laboratory diagnostics of infectious diseases, as well as the essential skills to critically evaluate and interpret the results obtained.

Course contents

Microbiology of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Microbiology of Gastrointestinal Tract and Intra-abdominal Infections

Microbiology of Urinary Tract Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases

Infections of Joint Prostheses and Native Joints

Microbiology of Cardiovascular Infections and Sepsis

Microbiology of Central Nervous System Infections

Microbiological Surveillance

Readings/Bibliography

Documents related to the course topics will be uploaded prior to the lectures.

Teaching methods

During the lectures, the topics outlined in the course syllabus will be presented and developed, with ample opportunity for student questions and in-depth discussion of the subjects covered.

Assessment methods

Learning assessment is carried out through a final examination that verifies the acquisition of the expected knowledge by means of an oral test. This test aims to evaluate the student's ability to identify and discuss the main analytical techniques used in the laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases, as well as to assess the acquisition of essential knowledge for interpreting laboratory results.

Final grade scale:

• Preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course, with analytical ability emerging only with the instructor’s guidance, and overall correct language use → 18–19

• Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course, with independent analytical ability only on purely procedural issues, and correct language use → 20–24

• Preparation on a broad range of topics covered in the course, ability to make independent critical analyses, and solid command of specific terminology → 25–29

• Comprehensive preparation on all topics covered in the course, ability to make independent critical analyses and connections, full command of specific terminology, and strong argumentation and self-reflection skills → 30–30 with honors

The examination will be conducted jointly with the Infectious Diseases faculty. Each candidate will be asked questions covering topics from both disciplines. The final grade will be calculated as the weighted average of the grades obtained in the two individual assessments.

Honours (30 cum laude) will be awarded only to students who demonstrate outstanding performance in both disciplines. For the purpose of calculating the final grade, a mark of 30 cum laude will be treated as 30. The cum laude distinction represents a qualitative recognition of excellence and does not carry a numerical value higher than 30.

Teaching tools

The slides, in PDF format, will be made available by the teacher and uploaded before the lectures in the designated virtual spaces.

Office hours

See the website of Monica Cricca