Microbiology

An estimated 90% of the biomass of the whole biosphere is constituted by microbes. They constitute the root of the tree of life, playing variable roles from recyclers of organic molecules and atmospheric gases to foundations of powerful technologies in the sciences.  This course will introduce you to the fundamentals of microbiology and allow you to explore the many ways in which microbes affect and are used in our world.  Topics covered in this course include fundamental aspects of microbiology including microbial diversity, cell structure/function, physiology, genetics, reproduction, and host-parasite relationships.


Learning outcomes

• Describe historical aspects of microorganisms' impacts on human societies.
• Describe the characteristics of bacteria, virus, fungi, protozoa, parasites and prions as they relate to medical microbiology
• Compare the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
• Identify the fundamentals of microbial reproduction, growth and control.
• Explain pathogenic features of disease causing microbes.
• Evaluate the basic immune response to infection by microbial agents.
• Apply fundamental stains, basic staining techniques, and corresponding bacterial and fungal morphology
• Demonstrate the uses of the various media and metabolic/enzymatic testing protocols