Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Microbiology

Microbiology
4
13473
1
Second semester
FB
BIOLOGY
Main language of instruction: Spanish

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English

Teaching staff


Dr. MARTÍNEZ LÁINEZ, Joan Marc - mlainez@uic.es

Questions will be answered before or after each class, mlainez@uic.es.

Introduction

Microbiology is a science dedicated to the study of a wide range of organisms with which we live and establish different degrees of relationship. Many of them are capable of generating diseases in humans, many are capable of producing a variety of substances with different economic interests and even allow the advancement of knowledge of our environment. 

The approach of this subject is to provide biomedicine students with a general and basic knowledge of microorganisms as living beings with whom we interact. We will focus interest on the capacity of some of them to produce different diseases, such as identifying them, avoiding them and, eventually, treating them. We also intend to provide knowledge about other capacities that microorganisms possess, such as the knowledge of basic processes in biology, biotechnological, industrial processes and with important impact in health and economy.

Pre-course requirements

It is considered essential to have an important base in biochemistry and cellular biology.

Objectives


The main objective of the present subject is to make available to the student the knowledge, the characteristics, the peculiarities of a huge variety of organisms with which we interact continuously as well as the damages and benefits that can determine us. 

Specific objectives: 

  • Classification and location of microorganisms within living beings 
  • Description and characterization of the different types of microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, helminths. 
  • Exhibition of the different featues of interaction between humans and microorganisms 
  • Knowledge of the basic techniques of microbiology

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
  • CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
  • CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • CE02 - To be aware of the molecular foundations that explain transcriptional and post-transcriptional phenomena in eukaryotes in their adult state and during their development, as well as the basic genetic principles that define the basis of genetic inheritance.
  • CG01 - To be aware of basic biological concepts and language specific to biomedical sciences and health status.
  • CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
  • CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
  • CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
  • CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
  • CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
  • CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
  • CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
  • CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
  • CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
  • CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
  • CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
  • CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
  • CT12 - To apply scientific method.
  • CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
  • CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to a culture of peace and democratic values.

Learning outcomes of the subject


At the end of the course. the student: 

  • Will know and understand the microbial world in terms of its existence, history, diversity and characteristics. 
  • Will know about the most common infectious diseases produced by the different types of microorganisms
  • Will know the different tools for controlling the growth of microorganisms and the infections that can cause 
  • Will have knowledge of the economic and scientific importance of microorganisms Will know the basic techniques of handling and interpretation of microbiological tests

Syllabus

Topic 1. Introduction to microbiology: Definition and general aspects, brief history and importance of microorganisms.  BACTERIOLOGY Topic 2. The prokaryotic cell: size and morphology. The cytoplasm. Nuclear region. Cytoplasmic membrane. Topic 3. Cell wall and motility: cell wall structure and function. Mechanisms of motility. Endospores. Capsules and mucosal layers.  Topic 4. The prokaryotic genome: structure and size. Extracromosomic genetic material. Exchange of genetic material: conjugation, transformation and transduction.  Topic 5. Microbiomes and bacterial interaction. Topic 6. Microbial growth. Bacterial cell division and population growth. Environmental factors affecting cellular growth. Microbial growth control. Differences between antiseptics, disinfectants and chemotherapeutic agents. pic 7. Growth factors and control Topic 8. Microbial metabolism and physiology VIROLOGY Topic 9. Virology. Characteristics of the virus DNA and RNA: morphology, structure, life cycle. Classification and diversity. MYCOLOGY AND PARASITOLOGY Topic 10.Characteristics of protozoa, filamentous fungi and yeasts: morphology, structure, metabolism, reproduction.    

Teaching and learning activities

In person



The teaching resources that we will use in this subject are the following:

Lecture Class (MC): Presentation for 1h 30min (with a 10-minute break) of a theoretical topic by the teacher with audio-visual support based on presentations projected from the computer. The student will have access to the contents in advance through the internal computer network.

Questionnaires and class participation (Q): at the end of the master class or during it, the teacher will include an online access questionnaire. For which the students will receive the password at the time of doing it. Participation from outside of class will be penalized based on the final grade of the subject and may fail.

Case method (CM): The class will be divided into groups and students will be presented with various current topics and articles in microbiology. Subsequently, this topic will be discussed and the conclusions or learnings acquired in the MC will be specified.

Practices (P): Familiarizing students with the basic techniques of working and manipulating microorganisms in a laboratory. Demonstration in the laboratory of some aspects raised in the master classes. Consolidation through the practice of the most important aspects covered in the theoretical classes.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



The final grade of the subject will be calculated by adding the next marks: 
  • Practical lessons: 10% (exam at the end of the practice week)
  • Methods: 20%
  • Midterm exam: 15%
  • Final test: 55%

Those student that show active participation in the subject could obtain a 10% of the increase in the mark for excellence *.

The same criteria will be applied in all the exams. The grades corresponding to class participation will be maintained. However, it is possible to repeat them in order to improve the marks obtained.  

General aspects regarding the evaluation system: 

  • It is necessary to obtain a minimum of 5 (out of 10) at the final exam to do the average with the rest of evaluations.
  • To pass the subject the average mark should be superior to 5.
  • The format of the final exam will be multiple-choice but will include 2 short written questions. The multiple-choice section is mandatory and will contain questions with 4 options, only one of which will be correct. Unanswered questions will neither add nor subtract points; each correct answer will add +1 and each incorrect answer will subtract -0.25. The written questions are voluntary and will only be used in two special cases: if the final grade is between 4.7-5, allowing the student to pass the exam, or in the case of students eligible for honors.The format of the midterm exam is multiple-choice, with the same conditions as the final exam.
  • 10 % of the questions in the exam can be related to concepts not directly treated in the lectures. They can be found in the bibliography, discussed articles, oral presentations or virtual material provided. 
  • Participation in class will be evaluated by short tests during the course
  • The practical lessons will be evaluated by questions that will be included in the final exam (10% of the final mark).
  • The methods will be evaluated by:
    • Resolution of questions (10%)
    • Active participation (20%)
    • Presentation (70%) 
  • Class attendance:
    • It is recommended to attend regularly to all classes (lectures and methods)
    • It is optional to attend to lectures. However, students must follow the rules indicated by the teachers. In order to evaluate the participation and attitude it is mandatory to attend a minimum of 7 sessions and perform the suggested activities. The expulsion of a student will have a negative impact during the evaluation process. 
    • Attendance to "methods class" is optional. However, in order to be evaluated it is mandatory to attend a minimum of 4 sessions and perform the activities suggested by the teacher. 
    • It is mandatory to attend to practical lessons. 
    • The inadequate use of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets or laptops can cause the expulsion from the class. It is regarded as inadequate use to record and difuse students or teachers during classes as well as their use with ludic and non-educative purposes. 
* The teaching staff reserves up to 10% of the grade to be awarded for subjective arguments such as: involvement, participation, respect for basic rules, etc.

Bibliography and resources

Brock. Biology of Microorganisms. M.T. Madigan, et al. 15th  Ed. Pearson Education, 2019.

Prescott’s Microbiology. J Willey et al.  10th Ed. McGraw-Hill, 2017.

Medical Microbiology. P.R. Murray et al. 8th. Elsevier, 2016.

Microbiology, a systems approach. M. K. Cowan. 5th Ed. McGraw-Hill, 2018.

Updated scientific reviews:

"Engineered Live Biotherapeurics: Progress and Challenges". Biotechnology Journal, 2020. DOI: 10.1002/biot.202000155

"Engineered Probiotics for Detection and Treatment of Inflammatory Intestinal Diseases", 2020. DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00265

 

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 29/05/2025 A16 14:00h
  • E2 30/06/2025 A04 14:00h

Teaching and learning material


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