General Microbiology

Objectives

The Unit aims to initiate students to the various areas of Microbiology, including the aspects of human Microbiology most relevant for training in Nutrition Sciences.
 At the end of the unit the student should be capable of:
- To know the main characteristics of different groups of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) and to understand the main differences between them.
- To understand the differences between strict pathogens, opportunistic pathogens and commensals.
- To know the main pathogens.
- To know the principles of laboratory work in microbiology and detection processes and microbial identification.
- Develop scientific thinking and teamwork

General characterization

Code

41016

Credits

4

Responsible teacher

Prof. Doutor Paulo Paixão

Hours

Weekly - Available soon

Total - Available soon

Teaching language

Portuguese

Prerequisites

 

Bibliography

• Microbiologia Médica. Helena Barroso, António Meliço Silvestre, Nuno Taveira. 2014, Lidel.
• Medical Microbiology, Patrick Murray, Ken Rosenthal, Michael Pfaller. 8th edition, 2015, Elsevier Ltd.
• Microbiology: An Introduction, 12th Edition. Gerard J. Tortora, Berdell R. Funke and Christine L. Case. 12th edition, 2014, Benjamin Cummings.

Teaching method

The lectures are taught by teachers of the academic unit, depending on their respective specializations.
The form of lecture is expository, in which they address issues considered fundamental, providing clues to guide students for their own individual and more detailed study. At the end, there will be a short period to answer questions from the students.
The practical classes, lasting two hours per week, are organized into groups of about 9-10 students and guided by a teacher.

Evaluation method

Evaluation of Practical Classes - 40%. The student will be excluded if the grade is less than 9.5
- Mandatory: Frequency of practical classes (two thirds of total attendance).
- Presentation of topics by students (2 presentations per student; 10% each presentation)
- Two written tests: 20 questions, multiple choice, with only one right answer, lasting 30 minutes (2 tests – 10% each)
Written Exam - 60%
- 50 questions test, multiple choice, with only one right answer, lasting 75 minutes, the student will be excluded if the grade is less than 9.5.

Subject matter

Main characteristics of the different groups of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites)
Pathogenicity mechanisms. Vaccination and passive immunization.
Description of the main pathogenic and commensal bacteria for humans.
Description of the main pathogenic viruses for humans.
Description of the major pathogens and commensal fungi to humans.
Description of the major pathogenic parasites to humans.
Diagnostic Microbiology: methods used for microbial identification (microscopy, cultures, biochemical methods, antigen detection, molecular biology, proteomic analysis). Typing methods in Microbiology.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: