MED0499-3 - GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY

Main Learning Objectives:
Theoretical Knowledge: Understand the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, microbial growth, metabolism, bacterial genetics (mechanisms of variability and adaptation), and virology.
Practical Skills: Acquire basic techniques for the isolation, cultivation, staining, and analysis of microorganisms.
Microorganism Control: Understand the physical and chemical methods for controlling microbial growth (sterilization, disinfection, antibiotics).
Applications and Ecology: Study the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles, the environment, and host-microbe interactions (pathogenicity).
Scientific Methodology: Develop a critical approach to analyzing experimental results and consulting scientific material.

The course prepares students for the understanding of basic mechanisms, preparatory to applied, agricultural, environmental, or clinical microbiology.
Not necessary
The General Microbiology program covers the structure, physiology, genetics, and growth of microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi), focusing on bacteriology, metabolism, microbial growth control (antibiotics), and laboratory techniques (culture, identification). It also includes microbial diversity and the environmental role.
frontal lessons
multiple choice quiz
For further information, please email: federica.novazzi@uninsubria.it
Extended Program in General Microbiology:
Introduction to the microbial cell: Prokaryotic (bacteria) and eukaryotic (fungi) morphology and cytology, surface (cell wall, membrane) and cytoplasmic structures.
Microbial Physiology: Energy metabolism, catabolic and anabolic processes, nutrient transport, nutritional requirements.
Microbial Growth: Growth dynamics (growth curve), measurement methods, influence of environmental factors (temperature, pH, oxygen).
Growth Control: Physical and chemical agents, disinfectants, sterilization, antibiotics, and resistance mechanisms.
Microbial Genetics: Genome structure, DNA replication, transcription, translation, horizontal gene transfer (conjugation, transformation, transduction).
Viruses: Viral structure, replication cycle (lytic and lysogenic), DNA and RNA viruses.
Biodiversity and Ecosystems: Phylogeny, classification of microorganisms, microbial interactions, microbiota.
Microbiological Techniques: Microscopy, staining, isolation in pure culture, identification.