MICROBIOLOGIA 1

The aim of this course is to give students a perspective on the microbial diversity. In particular, The students will learn basic knowledge on the structure, metabolism and genetics of microorganisms, the role of the factors that influence microbial growth, the principles and the methods for the cultivation and identification of microorganisms.

Upon completing the course, students will acquire fundamental and systematic knowledge regarding:

• The structure, cytology, and physiology of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, identifying their primary morpho-functional characteristics.
• The molecular mechanisms of microbial genetics (replication, gene expression, mutations, and genetic recombination).
• Microbial metabolic pathways, nutrition, and environmental/chemical factors affecting microbial growth.
• Fundamental principles and techniques for the cultivation, isolation, and phenotypic/genotypic characterization of microorganisms.
• Mechanisms underlying pathogenicity (virulence factors, toxigenicity) and modes of action of major antimicrobial agents and related resistance mechanisms.
• Core concepts regarding the application of microorganisms in biotechnology and industrial/environmental processes.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Recognize and interpret correlations between microbial structures, metabolic pathways, and host/environmental adaptation.
• Correlate genetic variation and microbial mutation phenomena and the mechanisms of horizonatl gene transfer (HGT).
• Select and perform standard laboratory assays for evaluating antimicrobial susceptibility (e.g., antibiogram, MIC) and for sterilization/disinfection procedures.

Students will develop the ability to critically analyze basic microbiological experimental data, evaluating appropriate strategies for microbial cultivation, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and microbial control in biomedical and biotechnological settings.

Students will learn to communicate core concepts of general and molecular microbiology clearly, logically, and rigorously, using accurate scientific terminology during oral examinations and classroom discussions.

Students will develop self-directed learning skills to retrieve, consult, and comprehend scientific textbooks, laboratory manuals, and specialized online databases to continuously update their knowledge in microbiology and its biotechnological applications.

Direct lecture teaching by lectures with slide presentations and multimedia support.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

To successfully follow the course, students are required to have foundational knowledge of:

• General and Inorganic Chemistry (solutions, pH, chemical bonding, redox reactions).
• Organic Chemistry (structure and properties of major biological macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids).
• Genetics (mutations, DNA replication; transcription, translation, and protein synthesis).

History of microbiology. Contributions of microbiology to human health.

First microscopical observations; spontaneous generation theory; concept of transmissible disease, contagion, and infection: concept of immunity against transmissible disease. Microbial genetic and molecular biology development. Precellular evolution and origin of life. Role of microrganism in human evolution. Virus discovery, first vaccines.

Bacterial cell: cell wall in gram-positive and gram-negative: peptidoglycan structure; teichoic acid, proteins and others components. Outer membrane in gram-negative bacteria: function and organization; lipopolisaccarid structure. Cytoplasmic membrane: structure and function. Fimbria and pili as adhesion structures and their antigenicity. Flagella and bacterial movement. Bacterial chromosome organization. Bacterial spore as differentiation condition in bacteria: structure, resistance to physical and chimical agents, regulation of sporulation and germination, biological and medical significance. Bacterial growth: biological significance of growth steps in liquid media; relationship between bacterial growth in vitro and pathogenesis of infections; solid and liquid culture media; isolation in pure culture.

Sterilization and disinfection. Anti- infective drugs. Sterilization and disinfection: biological basis of physical agents action (dry and moist heat, filtration, ultraviolet and ionizing radiations), chemical agents (disinfectants and sterilizing substances).

Genetic regulation. Positive and negative controls. Feedback. Lac operon. Tryptophan regulation. Diauxic curve.

Genetics of bacteria. Mutations. Mechanisms of bacterial transfer: Conjugation, transformation and transduction.

Virus structure and classification. Bacteriofages.

Host-parasite interaction (infection, differences between infection and disease, immune response against infective agents).

1) Gianni Dehò e Enrica Galli. Biologia dei microrganismi. Casa editrice Ambrosiana.

2) Brock. Biologia dei microrganismi. Microbiologia generale, ambientale e industriale.  Pearson Editore.

The final assessment consists of an oral examination covering the entire course syllabus. 

Assessment Criteria:

For the purpose of assigning the final grade, expressed on a 30-point scale, the following aspects will be evaluated: the level of knowledge of the topics covered, the ability to analyse and establish connections among the different course contents, and the appropriate use of scientific terminology. The student will be considered not suitable (<18/30) if they demonstrate significant gaps in the fundamental knowledge related to microbial structure, physiology, and genetics, limited ability to understand and integrate the course contents, and inappropriate use of scientific terminology. 

A basic knowledge of the main course contents, together with limited analytical and synthesis skills and a simple but generally correct presentation, will allow the student to pass the examination with a grade between 18 and 20/30. 

A thorough knowledge of the topics, good analytical and synthesis skills, the ability to establish connections among the different course contents, and the correct and appropriate use of scientific language will result in progressively higher grades (21–29/30). 

An excellent and in-depth knowledge of all course contents, combined with outstanding ability in critical analysis, argumentation, and application of concepts to specific contexts, will result in the maximum grade of 30/30 with honours.

The assessment of learning may also be conducted remotely, should circumstances require it. In order to ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, students who require support may request an individual meeting to arrange appropriate compensatory and/or exemption measures, in accordance with the educational objectives and their specific needs.

Students may also contact the CInAP departmental coordinator (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration – Services for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) of the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences: