Foundations of Microbiology with Laboratory

Catalog description

This course introduces the student to the diversity and classification of medically significant microorganisms, their modes of pathogenesis and transmission, and the infectious diseases they cause. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, microbial cell biology and genetics; major classes of disease-causing microorganisms; host immune response; microbial control; aseptic technique; disinfection; and isolation, culture, staining, and identification of microorganisms. Select laboratory exercises will provide training in the basic laboratory techniques for culture and identification of microbes. This course is designed primarily for non-biology majors, especially those pursuing majors in nursing and the allied health professions. Upon completion of this course, students will: (1) demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of the field of microbiology including its history, basic microscopy techniques and the role of microbes in both health and disease; (2) describe prokaryotic cellular structure and functions; (3) discuss the molecular basis of microbial metabolism, growth, genetics and pathogenesis; (4) discuss the diversity of microorganisms and viruses; (5) demonstrate knowledge of the techniques of microbial control including sterilization, disinfection and antimicrobial therapy; (5) discuss host-microbe interactions including epidemiology, nonspecific/specific host defense and immunology; (7) identify the major medically important organisms and relate them to the diseases they cause; (8) demonstrate competence in common staining and aseptic techniques used to study microorganisms in the laboratory.