The characteristics of microorganisms and their relation to health and disease are studied.

Pre-requisites: BIO 137 and BIO 139 or equivalent

Upon completion of this course, the student can:

1. Demonstrate correct use of a microscope.

2. Demonstrate proper aseptic laboratory technique.

3. Describe the major groups of microorganisms.

4. Prepare bacterial and fungal cultures for study.

5. Identify and characterize bacterial and fungal cultures.

6. Prepare and interpret bacterial slides.

7. Demonstrate the proper use of laboratory apparatus.

8. Describe methods of physical and chemical control of microbial growth.

9. Compare and contrast procaryotic and eucaryotic cells.

10.Explain microbial metabolism and genetics.

11. Explain the mechanisms of pathogenicity.

12. Describe the symptoms, treatment, and control of common infectious diseases.

13. Describe specific and non-specific host defenses.

14. Discuss the role of parasites in human disease.

I. Introduction to the microbial world

• Historical perspective
• General characteristics of microbes
• Classification of major groups of microbes
• Relevance of human health and disease
• Beneficial functions of microbes

II. Laboratory techniques for microbiology

A. Microscopy

B. Aseptic procedures

C. Media and specimen preparation

III. Characteristics and structure of prokaryotic cells

A. Morphology

B. Physiology

C. Contrast with eucaryotic cells

III. Microbial metabolism

A. Enzyme activity

B. Cellular respiration

C. Other cellular reactions

D. Nutritional patterns

IV. Microbial growth

A. Physical requirements

B. Chemical requirements

C. Culture media

D. Bacterial growth kinetics

V. Control of microbial growth

A. Physical methods

B. Chemical methods

VI. Microbial genetics

A. DNA replication and protein synthesis

B. Genetic transfer and recombination

C. Mutations

D. Genetic engineering

VII. Microbial classification and identification

A. Viruses

B. Bacteria

C. Protozoa

D. Fungi

E. Helminths

VIII. Host-parasite relationships

A. Mechanisms of pathogenicity

B. Basic principles of disease processes

C. Non-specific host defenses

D. Immunology

E. Epidemiology

IX. Antimicrobial drugs

X. Common infectious diseases