Medical Microbiology is a comprehensive course designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge of microorganisms and their role in human health and disease. The course begins with an introduction to basic microbiological principles, including microbial structure, growth, metabolism, genetics, and host-microbe interactions. Students will then systematically study the major categories of medically relevant microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and prions, with emphasis on their biological characteristics, pathogenic mechanisms, epidemiology, and clinical significance in infectious diseases.
Through lectures and clinical cases, students will develop the ability to identify common pathogens, understand antimicrobial strategies, and analyze diagnostic approaches for infectious diseases. The course integrates principles of immunology, epidemiology, and pharmacology to provide a clinically relevant understanding of microbial infections and their management. Special attention is given to emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and public health implications, preparing students for evidence-based decision making in clinical practice.
Learning objectives
After the completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Apply fundamental microbiological concepts and techniques to the identification and characterization of medically significant microorganisms
- Analyze the structural, metabolic, and genetic features of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and prions that contribute to their pathogenicity and clinical manifestations
- Evaluate the mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, including microbial virulence factors and host defense responses that determine the outcome of infection
- Interpret laboratory diagnostic methods and results used to identify specific microbial pathogens and determine antimicrobial susceptibility
- Correlate the clinical presentation of common infectious diseases with their etiologic agents, pathogenesis, and epidemiological patterns
- Analyze the principles of antimicrobial therapy, including mechanisms of action, spectrum of activity, and factors contributing to resistance
- Compare and contrast the life cycles, transmission routes, and prevention strategies for various bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections
- Assess the unique characteristics of prion diseases and their implications for diagnosis, treatment, and infection control
Course outline
- Introduction to Microbiology
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Fungi
- Parasites
- Prions