90876 - Microbiology.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students will acquire the basic knowledge about the characteristics of pathogenic microorganisms and viruses, the cellular and molecular basis of microbial and viral pathogenicity and the characteristics of microorganism / host interactions. The students will also learn the microbiological control methods applied to the field of cosmetic products.

Course contents

Module 1 - Frontal lessons (5 CFU)

Introduction to Microbiology

• Introduction to the course and basic concepts of microbiology.
• Overview of microorganisms: viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.
• Applications of microorganisms and microbial products in the cosmetic industry.

Microbe–Host Interactions

• Relationships between microorganisms and the host: saprophytes, commensals, and pathogens.
• The human microbiota, with particular emphasis on the skin and gut microbiota.
• The role of the microbiota in health and disease.
• Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics.

Bacterial Structure, Physiology, and Genetics

• Bacterial cell: genome, ribosomes, cytoplasm, and cell membrane.
• Bacterial cell wall: structure and biosynthesis.
• Bacterial staining techniques.
• Surface and accessory structures: S-layer, capsule, pili, flagella, and biofilms.
• Bacterial growth and reproduction.
• Sporulation and spore germination.
• Horizontal gene transfer: conjugation, transformation, and transduction.
• Bacterial metabolism: aerobic and anaerobic respiration, and fermentation.

Bacterial Pathogenesis

• Mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis.
• Exogenous and endogenous infections.
• Host defense mechanisms.
• Routes of transmission of infectious agents.
• Exotoxins and endotoxins: structure and mechanisms of action.

Medical Mycology

• General characteristics, structure, and reproduction of fungi.
• Bioactive compounds produced by fungi.
• Superficial and opportunistic mycoses.
• Fungi associated with skin disorders, including Malassezia species and dermatophytes.
• Overview of antifungal drugs.

Microbiological Methods and Quality Control

• Microbial cultivation in liquid and solid media.
• Bacterial growth curves.
• Enriched, selective, and differential culture media.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing in liquid and solid media.
• Laboratory identification of microorganisms using microbiological culture techniques.
• Microbial contamination of cosmetic products.
• Microbiological quality control.
• Microbial enumeration tests.
• Challenge testing for preservative efficacy.

Microorganisms of Relevance in Cosmetics

• Major bacterial and fungal species associated with cosmetic products and skin health, including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Cutibacterium acnes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida spp.

Fundamentals of Virology

• Introduction to virology.
• Structure and classification of viruses.
• Clinically relevant DNA viruses, with particular emphasis on the Herpesviridae family (HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV) and Human Papillomaviruses (HPV).

Course Review

• Revision of the main topics covered during the course.
• Practice questions and mock examinations in preparation for the final assessment.
  

 

Module 2 - Laboratory Activities (1 CFU) Prof. Gloria Bua

Readings/Bibliography

Cosmetic Microbiology: A Practical Approach, Edition 3, Edited by Philip A. Geis (ISBN 9781138732919)

Teaching methods

Front lectures (40 hours) supported by powerpoint presentations of each topic of the course will be shown. The teaching material utilized is available to students on the IOL platform. The material alone is not enough for a deep and complete learning of the subject and must be integrated with the text book suggested by the teacher.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas] online, while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class or on Microsoft Teams according to the modality chosen by the teacher. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme.

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.

Assessment methods

The examination will evaluate whether the student has mastered the above listed skills and has reached the teaching objectives. The final exam consists of a questionnaire with multiple choice questions. The questionnaire, for a total of 33 questions, must be completed within 40 minutes of time. For each question, the student will have to specify only one answer considered correct. The final vote, out of thirty, is given by the number of correct answers.

The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools during the examination is prohibited. Any unauthorized use of such tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Registration on-line on AlmaEsami is mandatory.

Teaching tools

Video projector-PC system for the front lectures. Slides, web tutorials and video presentations are made available to students on the online teaching platform (Virtuale).

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Bonvicini

See the website of Gloria Bua