Applied Microbiology
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
In this course students will acquire basic knowledge of microbiology. The students will learn structure and functions of the prokaryotic cell and will then be confronted with the metabolic and physiological diversity of prokaryotes. Key concepts on genetics will be also offered to students. Overall these concepts represent tools to understand the applications of microbiology in the medical, pharmaceutical and diagnostic fields as well as in food industry.
Expected learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course the student will have acquired basic knowledge in microbiology and will know in details the functioning of the prokaryotic cell. Moreover, the student will become familiar with the applications of microbiology in the medical and industrial fields.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Linea AK
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
More specific information on the delivery modes of training activities for academic year 2022-2023 will be provided over the coming months, based on the evolution of the public health situation.
Course syllabus
1) Overview of microbiology and its applications.
2) Overview of cell structure: prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Bacteria and Archaea. Cytoplasmic membrane, structure and function. Bacterial transport systems. Cell wall of prokaryotes. Outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Capsules. Flagella and bacterial motility. Surface structure for adhesion: pili. The nucleoid. Structure and organization of bacterial chromosome. Cytoplasm. Ribosomes. Cell inclusions. Endospores.
3) Microbial growth and microbial growth control. Principles of microbial nutrition. Liquid and solid media, growth conditions. Methods for sterilization. Disinfectants and antiseptics.
4) Nutrition and metabolism. Overview of metabolism. Fermentation and substrate level phosphorylation. Aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Chemiolithotrophy. Photosynthesis: anoxygenic photosynthesis. Autotrophic CO2 fixation. Nitrogen metabolism. Nitrogen fixation.
5) Microbial genetics. Mutations and mutants. Horizontal gene transfer mechanisms. Overview of regulation of gene expression.
6) Viruses. Overview of bacterial viruses. Lytic cycle and lysogeny.
7) Selected examples of microorganisms relevant in clinic and industry
8) Antibiotics. Structure and mechanisms of action. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Overview on resistance mechanisms.
2) Overview of cell structure: prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Bacteria and Archaea. Cytoplasmic membrane, structure and function. Bacterial transport systems. Cell wall of prokaryotes. Outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Capsules. Flagella and bacterial motility. Surface structure for adhesion: pili. The nucleoid. Structure and organization of bacterial chromosome. Cytoplasm. Ribosomes. Cell inclusions. Endospores.
3) Microbial growth and microbial growth control. Principles of microbial nutrition. Liquid and solid media, growth conditions. Methods for sterilization. Disinfectants and antiseptics.
4) Nutrition and metabolism. Overview of metabolism. Fermentation and substrate level phosphorylation. Aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Chemiolithotrophy. Photosynthesis: anoxygenic photosynthesis. Autotrophic CO2 fixation. Nitrogen metabolism. Nitrogen fixation.
5) Microbial genetics. Mutations and mutants. Horizontal gene transfer mechanisms. Overview of regulation of gene expression.
6) Viruses. Overview of bacterial viruses. Lytic cycle and lysogeny.
7) Selected examples of microorganisms relevant in clinic and industry
8) Antibiotics. Structure and mechanisms of action. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Overview on resistance mechanisms.
Prerequisites for admission
Students need to possess basic knowledge of biology, human anatomy and physiology
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons and classroom exercises.
Teaching Resources
Galli-Dehò Biologia dei Microrganismi Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 3ed 2018
Course slides on Ariel website
Course slides on Ariel website
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written exam: multiple choice (20 questions) and open questions (3 questions and 1 exercise). Maximal score related to complexity of questions. Final score is the sum of scores obtained in the different sections of the exam.
Linea LZ
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
1) Overview of microbiology and its applications.
2) Overview of cell structure: prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Bacteria and Archaea. Cytoplasmic membrane, structure and function. Bacterial transport systems. Cell wall of prokaryotes. Outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Capsules. Flagella and bacterial motility. Surface structure for adhesion: pili. The nucleoid. Structure and organization of bacterial chromosome. Cytoplasm. Ribosomes. Cell inclusions. Endospores.
3) Microbial growth and microbial growth control. Principles of microbial nutrition. Liquid and solid media, growth conditions. Methods for sterilization. Disinfectants and antiseptics.
4) Nutrition and metabolism. Overview of metabolism. Fermentation and substrate level phosphorylation. Aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Chemiolithotrophy. Photosynthesis: anoxygenic photosynthesis. Autotrophic CO2 fixation. Nitrogen metabolism. Nitrogen fixation.
5) Microbial genetics. Mutations and mutants. Horizontal gene transfer mechanisms. Overview of regulation of gene expression.
6) Viruses. Overview of bacterial viruses. Lytic cycle and lysogeny.
7) Selected examples of microorganisms relevant in clinic and industry
8) Antibiotics. Structure and mechanisms of action. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Overview on resistance mechanisms.
2) Overview of cell structure: prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Bacteria and Archaea. Cytoplasmic membrane, structure and function. Bacterial transport systems. Cell wall of prokaryotes. Outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Capsules. Flagella and bacterial motility. Surface structure for adhesion: pili. The nucleoid. Structure and organization of bacterial chromosome. Cytoplasm. Ribosomes. Cell inclusions. Endospores.
3) Microbial growth and microbial growth control. Principles of microbial nutrition. Liquid and solid media, growth conditions. Methods for sterilization. Disinfectants and antiseptics.
4) Nutrition and metabolism. Overview of metabolism. Fermentation and substrate level phosphorylation. Aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Chemiolithotrophy. Photosynthesis: anoxygenic photosynthesis. Autotrophic CO2 fixation. Nitrogen metabolism. Nitrogen fixation.
5) Microbial genetics. Mutations and mutants. Horizontal gene transfer mechanisms. Overview of regulation of gene expression.
6) Viruses. Overview of bacterial viruses. Lytic cycle and lysogeny.
7) Selected examples of microorganisms relevant in clinic and industry
8) Antibiotics. Structure and mechanisms of action. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Overview on resistance mechanisms.
Prerequisites for admission
The student needs to pass the exams of Physiology and Applied Biology to attend the exam of Applied Microbiology
Teaching methods
Lessons and classroom exercises (plese refer also to the teaching section under covid outbreak)
Teaching Resources
Galli-Dehò Biologia dei Microrganismi Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 3ed 2018
Slides on e-learning platform
Slides on e-learning platform
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is written and consists of multiple choice and open questions. Maximal score is related to complexity of questions. Final score is the sum of scores obtained in the different sections of the exam. Time: 1 h and 30 min
Whenever possible the exam will be held face to face. In case face to face mode will not be possible because of the covid outbreak the exam will be written and held using the Microsoft Teams platform.
The exam will evaluate
- The ability of the student to reach course objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding
- The ability of the student to apply knowledge and understanding
- The ability of the student to use the correct terminology in the field of Microbiology and to discuss the different topics in a clear and rational way
Whenever possible the exam will be held face to face. In case face to face mode will not be possible because of the covid outbreak the exam will be written and held using the Microsoft Teams platform.
The exam will evaluate
- The ability of the student to reach course objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding
- The ability of the student to apply knowledge and understanding
- The ability of the student to use the correct terminology in the field of Microbiology and to discuss the different topics in a clear and rational way
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Upon request
Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences - Via Balzaretti 9 - Milano