The microbiology and pathology courses are presented simultaneously and are closely integrated with each other. Microbiology appears as a balanced combination of formal classroom instruction, practical laboratory experience, and case-based exercises. The didactic portion is divided into two consecutive sections. The first of these covers the basic principles of microbiology, including classification and taxonomy, microbial physiology and genetics, genetic engineering, control of microorganisms through the use of physical and chemical agents, antibiotics, host-parasite relationships, and epidemiological concepts. Bacterial, fungal, and viral infectious organisms are all represented in this series. In the second section, the pathogens are discussed according to the human organ system, where they most often cause clinical disease. Clinical vignettes are used to illustrate the epidemiology, pathogenesis, virulence properties, symptoms, laboratory diagnosis, and therapy of the various agents. The presentation is coordinated with the concurrent pathology course so that the organ systems are dealt with in a fully integrated fashion. After each organ system, representative cases are presented by a practicing clinician to anchor a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis and disease.
Laboratory
During the laboratory sessions, students gain problem-solving experience with pathogenic microorganisms. The laboratory work includes the practical application of staining techniques,
antisepsis and disinfection, and isolation and identification of infectious agents from clinical specimens along with the determination of appropriate chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, students are given a case history along with a relevant clinical specimen, and from these they isolate and identify the microorganism, perform antibiotic sensitivity tests, and report their results. Case-based instruction founded on medical vignettes of infectious disease is considered in small group discussions several times each term. Near the end of the laboratory portion of the course, clinical conferences are presented by visiting infectious disease specialists. Computer-assisted case presentations are used throughout the laboratory portion of the course.
Students who engage in approved research programs under the supervision of the staff can gain an elective in research microbiology, and one or two academic credits per term. Registration requirements for this course are determined by the instructor. At the present time, research is being conducted in the area of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, microorganisms in the local environment, and epidemiological studies in bacteriology, virology, and parasitology. The average amount of work required per one credit hour is based on attitude, quality of work, reliability, technique, adherence to laboratory protocol, effort, and results.
As the Medical Microbiology is taught along side with Pathology and advanced clinical skills, a system based approach of teaching medical microbiology is adopted to help students in integrating the knowledge of microbiology with the total knowledge base which has been acquired in other courses in the same term. The Course aims to instill the knowledge of basic microbiology in relation to the infectious disease processes. At the end of the course the student should be able to:
Emphasis is given to active “Team Learning” process through active group participations.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY COURSE Med Micro Course Mission and Objectives 1 Fall 2007
The Course is delivered in two distinct sections;
Basic Microbiology:
This section deals with the basic information about the micro-organisms including structure and function their relationship to virulence, Microbial growth and Multiplication, Control of microorganisms and their pathogenesis, body specific response and non-specific response and Laboratory Diagnostic methods. Nosocomial and Iatrogenic infections, and their impact on community health.
Applied Clinical Microbiology:
This section deals with specific infectious agents causing disease in a given body system helping the student to stream line the thinking process in concentrating on a certain group of infectious agents involved in that system and any spread that might be seen connected to the same agent in a different system. Students should be able to;