03257 - Clinical Microbiology

Learning outcomes

The student should recognize the main characteristics of thedistinct groups of microorganisms, the main diagnostic methods for identification of microorganisms, and the pathogenetic mechanisms employed by pathogens of oral cavity.

The student should also havespecific knowledge on pathogens responsibleof infections/diseases of the oral cavity (gingivitis, periodontitis, dental caries etc.).

Course contents

The Clinical Microbiology Module is part of the Integrated Course “Dental Hygiene Sciences I.” The syllabus outlined below refers exclusively to this individual module.

Lectures:

The main bacteria of the oral cavity.

Microbiology of dental plaque biofilms and their role in oral health and caries.

The microbiology of dental caries.

Microbiology of periodontal diseases.

Oral lesions in infectious diseases.

Laboratory activities:

Automation in the laboratory of bacteriology. microscopic observations of bacterial morphologies after Gram stain. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing

Automation in the laboratory of serology. Direct detection of viral antigens in pathological materials. Real-Time PCR assay: extraction, amplification and interpretation of results.

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials made available to students by the instructor on Virtuale are more than sufficient to successfully pass the Clinical Microbiology module examination.

Students who are interested may consult Microbiology textbooks for further personal study: e.g. ‘Microbiologia del cavo orale’ di Maria Pia Conte, Francesca Berlutti (Società editrice Esculapio)

Teaching methods

During the lectures, the topics included in the course syllabus will be presented and developed. Ample time will be devoted to students’ questions, fostering in-depth discussion of the subjects covered.

Assessment methods

Written midterm assessment consisting of short written responses.

The examination will be conducted in person, in the classroom, and in paper-based format.

The examination will consist of two open-ended questions (maximum 16 points each).

With regard to the examination, the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

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.

Teaching tools

The lecture slides, in PDF format, will be made available by the instructor on the Virtuale platform.

AI can be a useful tool to support individual study through further exploration of topics, content summaries, and self-assessment activities.

Office hours

See the website of Claudio Foschi