General Microbiology

Recommended Prerequisites

Biology and basic Biochemistry

Teaching Methods

The theoretical lessons are based in the classical model of knowledge transmission, using audio-visual presentation to illustrate the various subjects explained. During the class questions are asked in order to stimulate student participation and assess the learning outcomes. In this way dogmatic exposition limitations will be corrected allowing a pedagogic interaction between teacher and student.

In laboratory classes, students execute the works proposed in the laboratorial program, with help of a laboratory sheet available in the week prior to the realization of the work.

Learning Outcomes

The General Microbiology, in theory, aims to provide students with general knowledge of microorganisms, mainly prokaryotic cell structure and functions of various cellular components, with special attention to components that may be targets of antimicrobial agents; the conditions they live in nature and in vitro; microbial metabolism and genetics, as well as its involvement in the human world (concepts of Food and Environmental Microbiology and Mycology).

In laboratory classes the students will apply their acquired knowledge in theory, learning basic concepts and techniques used in microbiology (staining techniques, seeding and other techniques) as well as acquire skills to perform the various tasks performed in this type of Laboratory.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Program theoretical

The history and scope of Microbiology.

Microscopy: Magnification and resolving power. Staining: Gram, Ziehl-Neelsen and special staining.

Prokaryotic cell structure: Cell wall and peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Composition of walls from different bacteria: Gram positive, Gram negative, acid-fast and others.Components external and internal to cell wall.

Microbial growth: growth curve, mathematics of growth and methods to measure it. Environmental factors that influence microbial growth. Control of microorganisms by physical and chemical agents .

Microbial metabolism and genetics.

Phylogeny and bacterial taxonomy.

Brief presentation of Food and Environmental Microbiology.

General characteristics of Fungi.

Fungal diseases: superficial, sub-cutaneous, systemic and opportunistic mycoses.

Program laboratorial

Staining. Microbial growth. Isolation.

Fungi: Identification of reproductive structures. Identification of Candida albicans by filamentation

Head Lecturer(s)

Olga Maria Antunes Rodrigues Carvalho Cardoso

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Microbiologia. Wanda Ferreira, J. C. Sousa e Nelson Lima. Lidel  2010

Microbiology -a Human Perspective Ed. Nester, E. W., Roberts, C. E., Pearsall, N. N. Anderson, D. G. and Nester, M. T. 8th ed. McGraw Hill, Inc. 2016

Prescott´s Microbiology. Willey JM, Sherwood LM and Woolverton CJ ed. 10th ed. McGraw Hill, Inc. 2017

Brock Biology of Microorganisms. Madigan, Martinko and Parker ed. 12th ed. Pearson International Edition. 2009

Microbiology. An Evolving Science. Slonczewski and Foster ed. 1th ed. W. W. Norton 2009