Learning objectives
The integrated course aims to allow the student to know and understand updated basics knowledge about the taxonomic, morphological, physiological, genetic, pathogenetic, epidemiological, and drug susceptibility of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, etiologic agents of human infectious diseases, along with the criteria relating to the direct and indirect laboratory diagnosis of diseases caused by human pathogens.
Additionally, the integrated course aims to provide a multidisciplinary approach for a comprehensive understanding of biological and evolutionary processes in the field of applied microbial ecology. Specifically, the course aims to enable students to gain a detailed understanding of topics related to the human microbiota, including appropriate terminologies, logic, and microbiological aspects responsible for health.
Students will learn about the main bacterial communities that characterize the microbiota of different compartments of the human body, such as the skin, oral, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts, and understand their possible connection to human health through the identification of potential microbial markers.
Furthermore, the course aims to develop the ability to critically analyze and interpret data and statistical reports from studies on the human microbiota using 16S rRNA microbial profiling approaches as well as shotgun metagenomics. Students will also learn about possible approaches to modulate the human microbiota.
The course also aims to provide the ability to apply in occupational contexts the knowledge and understanding gained in the field of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology.
Prerequisites
None
Course unit content
Introduction to Microbiology. General characters and genetics of microorganisms and viruses, microbial metabolism and cultivation of microorganisms and viruses, host-parasite relationships in infection and infectious disease (pathogenicity and virulence), general information on the main infectious diseases, antimicrobial and antiviral drugs and related mechanisms of resistance. In vitro susceptibility assays of microorganisms and viruses to anti-infective agents. Criteria of direct and indirect microbiological diagnosis.
Introduction to the human microbiota and the main next-generation techniques for studying microbial communities. Study of the biodiversity of complex microbial communities and metagenomic approaches to evaluate the functionality of the microbiota. Assessment of the origin, development, and composition of the human gut microbiota and potential dysbiosis developments in correlation with human diseases. In-depth analysis of the vaginal and skin microbiota in humans. Topics related to Oral Microbiology, including the microbiota of the oral cavity and respiratory tract, and microorganisms involved in dental plaque formation, caries, and periodontal disease will be particularly detailed.
Full programme
See the extended programs of Microbiology and Human Microbiome.
Bibliography
Conte M.P., Berlutti F. Microbiologia medica e Microbiologia del cavo orale. Società Editrice Esculapio, Bologna, 2021.
For further information:
Murray P.R., Pfaller M.A., Rosenthal K.S. “Microbiologia Medica”, EDRA.
Nona edizione, febbraio 2021 or newer if available.
Ryan K.J. Sherris – Microbiologia Medica, EDRA, settima edizione, settembre 2021 or newer if available.
Brock Biology of Microorganisms, Madigan, International Edition, Pearson
Biologia dei Microrganismi, Deho', Galli, CEA
Teaching methods
The topics concerning the contents of the course will be presented and discussed through lectures delivered in presence. During the lessons the main concepts of each topic will be exposed, emphasizing the links between the various parts of the course and encouraging the active participation of the students.
Lectures will be supported by slide presentations (PowerPoint), which will be made available to students on the Elly platform.
Assessment methods and criteria
The assessment of the achievement of the objectives set by the course will be carried out by means of an oral exam. No interim evaluation is programmed. Questions on the topics relating to the course content will be used to ascertain the student’s knowledge and understanding of the scientific disciplines and whether he/she is able to use appropriately the technical-scientific language and to apply the knowledge acquired in the exercise of the profession. Failure to answer one question, or proven inability to demonstrate at least a basic knowledge of the subject, will prevent the successful completion of the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, the attribution of the grade, expressed in thirtieths, will be based on the degree of achievement of the objectives (excellent, good, fair, fully sufficient, sufficient, in the range between 30/30 and 18/30). Honors will be awarded to students who have demonstrated particular communication and autonomous learning skills. Students with Learning Disabilities/Special Educational Needs must first contact the "Centro di Accoglienza e Inclusione" of the University of Parma (cai@unipr.it).
Other information
Teachers are available for further explanations in the office or by distance via Teams, after e-mail appointment, or via chat on Elly platform.
