General Microbiology

The aim of the course is to illustrate the structure and the function of the prokaryotic cell and the mechanisms underlying genetic variability and adaptation to environmental stimuli. The laboratory module will introduce the student to basic microbiology techniques and will assess basic notions of microbial physiology.

After following this course, the student will acquire a good knowledge of:
- the structure and physiology of prokaryotic cells
- the mechanisms of transfer and regulation of bacterial genes
- the conditions affecting growth of prokaryotes and the tools for monitoring growth
- main antibiotics and their mode of action
- general features and replication strategies of viruses and bacteriophages.

Moreover, thanks to the attendance at the laboratory module, the student will be able to:
- set-up pure bacterial cultures and monitor their growth
- identify, describe and distinguish Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria
- identify and describe a bacterial spore.