IMMUNOLOGY & MICROBIOLOGY
cod. 1009726

Academic year 2024/25
2° year of course - First semester
Professor responsible for the course unit
Pier Giorgio PETRONINI
integrated course unit
13 credits
hub: PIACENZA
course unit
in ENGLISH

Course unit structured in the following modules:

Learning objectives

The objectives of the course are to enable the acquisition of knowledge and understanding about:
etio-pathogenetic mechanisms of human diseases; etio-pathogenesis of tumours and the mechanisms of immunological response (innate and adaptive);
morphology, structural organization, genetics and classification of bacteria, fungi, parasites (protozoa, helminths, arthropods) and viruses of medical interest; metabolism and mode of reproduction of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and virus replication; host-parasite interactions and pathogenesis of infectious diseases; mode of action of the major antimicrobial and antiviral agents and mechanisms of drug-resistance; major agents of infectious diseases in humans.
The course also aims to provide the ability to apply in occupational contexts the knowledge and understanding gained in the field of molecular pathology, oncology, immunology and microbiology.

Prerequisites

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Course unit content

The course includes topics of General Pathology and Immunology and Microbiology. Environmental and genetic
etiology. Molecular and cellular oncology. Blood physiopathology and hematopoiesis. Innate and acquired Immunology. Immunological tolerance and autoimmune diseases. Transplantation, immunodeficiencies and hypersensitivity.
Host-microorganism/virus interactions; pathogenesis of microbial and viral infections; antimicrobial and antiviral agents, mechanisms of action and resistance.
Bacteria, fungi, protozoa, helminths, arthropods and viruses responsible for infectious diseases in humans.

Full programme

See the extended programs of General Pathology & Immunology
and Microbiology.

Bibliography

Robbins and Cotran - Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th Edition - Elsevier.
Abul Abbas Andrew Lichtman Shiv Pillai - Cellular and Molecular
Immunology 9th Edition- Elsevier.

Sherris & Ryan’s Medical Microbiology. Editor Ryan KJ. McGraw Hill. Eighth
Edition, 2022.
Murray PR, Rosenthal KS, Pfaller MA, medical Microbiology Ninth Edition,
Elsevier, 2021.

Teaching methods

The topics concerning the contents of the course will be presented and discussed through lectures. 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 held on-site in compliance with safety standards.
Supporting material will be available on the specific, student-reserved platform (Elly) and will include slide presentations of the lectures.

Assessment methods and criteria

Learning outcomes will be verified through a written test (multiple-choice questions) followed by an oral examination. No interim evaluation is
programmed. Questions on the topics of the course will be used to verify the student’s knowledge and understanding in the field, and her/his ability to apply the knowledge and understanding in occupational contexts. The overall evaluation will take into account both tests. A grade will be attributed according to the degree of achievement of the objectives (excellent, good, fair, fully sufficient, barely sufficient, in the range between 30/30 and 18/30). Honors will be reserved to students demonstrating particular communication skills and independent learning ability. Students with Learning Disabilities/Special Educational Needs must first contact the Centro di Accoglienza e Inclusione of the University (cai@unipr.it).

Other information

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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development

This course contributes to the achievement of the goals of U. N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
3. Good Health and well-being
4. Quality education