Microbiology and Immunology

Biology

To achieve the objectives of the course unit and the attainment of the expected competences to the students, the teaching-learning process is based on

1) Expositive theoretical lessons, with audio-visual and “power point” accompaniment and also, with articles discussion and thematic research presentation (T), allowing the professor to evaluate the student progress in the knowledge acquisition;

2) Practical laboratory classes with execution of demonstrative techniques.

3) Tutorial classes in which the acquisition of knowledge and the execution of works by the student involves the close collaboration of the teacher, preferentially with case studies applied to animal immune system response.

MODULE A:

1. Know the principles of taxonomy and the morphological and cultural characteristics of the main microbial groups;
2. Recognize the sources of contamination and factors influencing the growth of microbial populations; Know mechanisms to control microorganisms (disinfection and sterilization)
3. Develop the ability to work in the laboratory in aseptic conditions and prepare and sterilize all necessary material; Know the methods for quantitative assessment of microbial populations and general techniques for isolation, repiculation and maintenance of microbial strains;

MODULE B:

4. Recognize the role of the immune system in the body’s defense;
5. Explain the constituents and processes that figure in the immune response;
6. Explain the mucosal immunity and the vaccination process.

MODULE A:

1. taxonomy and morphological and cultural characteristics of the main microbial groups; prokaryotes and eukaryotes; 2. cultural and biochemical characterization; Gram staining, catalase and oxidase test; population growth of a microbial culture; growth curves; characterization of microorganisms; 3. microbial control and handling in asepsis; characterization and preparation of culture media; isolation and purification techniques of microbial strains.

MODULE B:

4. role of the immune system: characteristics of the immune response. Non specific response (natural barriers, phagocytosis, NK, neutrophils); Specific response (T and B lymphocytes). 5. constituents and processes in immune response: lymphoid organs, cells and cytokines. Origin, circulation, localization and functions of cells. Antigen processing and presentation and MHC molecules. 6. 6. mucosal immunity. Th1 and Th2 type responses. Vaccines and vaccination: antigens and adjuvants. Primary and secondary response; applications to the diagnosis.

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT:

Module 1 – Microbiology Component (50%): 1 test (70%) + 1 group laboratory assignment (30%).

Module 2 – Immunology Component (50%): 1 written test on theoretical contents (60%) + 1 written test, carried out in a laboratory setting, on practical contents (40%).

A student is considered to have passed when, cumulatively, he/she:

• has met the minimum attendance requirement for practical classes (65%);
• has obtained a grade of 7.5 or higher (on a 0–20 scale) in each module;
• has obtained a weighted average of the module grades equal to or higher than 9.5 (on a 0–20 scale).

FINAL ASSESSMENT (EXAM):

It consists of a written exam divided into two components:

M1: Assessment of theoretical and practical contents related to Module 1 (Microbiology) (50%)

M2: Assessment of theoretical and practical contents related to Module 2 (Immunology) (50%)

NOTE:

Students who did not pass the continuous assessment but met the attendance requirement (65% – practical classes) may choose one of the following final assessment options:

Option 1: Completion of both assessment components referred to in the final assessment (exam), thereby waiving all grades previously obtained in continuous assessment. In this case, the student passes when the average of the grades obtained in the two components is equal to or higher than 9.5 (on a 0–20 scale). If the student does not pass in one examination period, both components must be retaken in the following examination period.

Option 2: Completion only of the component corresponding to the module in which the student obtained a grade lower than 7.5. In this case, the student passes when, cumulatively:

• The grade obtained is equal to or higher than 7.5;
• The average of the grades obtained is equal to or higher than 9.5.

A student is required to follow Option 1 if at least one of the following conditions applies:

• the student did not choose continuous assessment;
• the student did not meet the attendance requirement;
• the student obtained grades ≥ 7.5 in both modules in continuous assessment, but the average is lower than 9.5.

NAO