The course aims to provide students with a basic knowledge of Microbiology to enable them to understand the importance of microorganisms in various fields of human activity including biotechnology

1-Introduction to Microbiology.

2-The reigns of organisms.

3-Morphology, structure and properties of Prokaryotes.

3.1- Bacterial reproduction.

4-Fungi: morphology and reproduction.

5-Notions on Protozoa.

6-Virus.

6.1-Structure and properties.

6.2-Cultivation and reproduction.

6.3- Animal and plant virus, Bacteriophages.

7- Environmental factors affecting the microbial growth.

8-Responses of microorganisms to environmental stress: bacterial endospores; the viable but non culturable state in bacteria.

9-Microbial Biofilms.

10-Nutrition: nutrient requirements.

11-Patterns of energy-yelding metabolism: aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration, fermentation.

12-Microbial genetics.

12.1- Bacterial recombination: Conjugation, Transformation, Transduction.

13-Notions of microbial Taxonomy.

14-Microbial associations: Commensalism, Neutralism, Parasitism.

15-Notions on Immunology: Nonspecific host resistance; Specific immunity.

16-Antibacterial chemotherapy.

17-Microbial applications in the biotechnologies.

Students will perform the following lab experiences: Microscopic observation of microorganisms -Techniques of isolation, cultivation, identification and quantitative detection of bacteria.

D1- KNOWLEDGE AND  UNDERSTANDING.   Students will have a good command  of the basic knowledge on morphological and functional aspects of microorganisms, as well as on the factors that regulate their growth and metabolic activity . They will acquire skills for understanding the interactions of microorganisms with higher organisms and their use in biotechnology.

D2- APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.   Students will demonstrate  understanding of the concepts acquired during the course and the ability to apply their knowledge on general microbiology, with particular reference to the field of biotechnology. They will also gain operational and applied skill that will afford them to carry out analysis and biotechnological experiments in the microbiological field.

D3- MAKING JUDGEMENT. Students must show that they have acquired skill in critical interpretation of  the data and developed a conscious independent judgment on the most appropriate investigative methods and their compliance with the scientific method.

D4- COMMUNICATION SKILLS. Students will be able to communicate in written, oral or multi-media way the acquired knowledge and to know how to interface with  interlocutors of their and  other sectors, and to  demonstrate ability to work in groups as well.

D5- LEARNING SKILLS.  Students will be able  to study independently and deepen their skill by means of consultation of library materials, databases and website information peculiar to the sector.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Lectures and lab experiences

Attendance

None. In any case attendance to lectures and lab activities are recommended

Course books

Prescott, - Microbiologia- ed. Zanichelli M.T. Madigan, J.M. Martinko, J. Parker
Brock- Biologia dei Microrganismi - Ed. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

Assessment

Oral examination

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Students will follow the same directions given for those attending

Attendance

Students will follow the same directions given for those attending

Course books

Prescott, - Microbiologia- ed. Zanichelli M.T. Madigan, J.M. Martinko, J. Parker
Brock- Biologia dei Microrganismi - Ed. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

Assessment

Oral examination

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Supported Course (English)