Microbiology

Aim

After completing the course the students should be able to:

• describe the biological features of bacteria, archaea, and viruses, and their roles in nature and in medicine.
• perform microbiological laboratory techniques.

Content

The course covers: prokaryotic cells' basic structure and function, e.g. studied bacterial growth, metabolism processes such as bacteria energy, carbon, nitrogen and sulfur metabolism. Extrachromosomal elements and mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer between bacteria and its significance both in medicine and in nature. Structure and life cycle of the virus and its impact on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Effect of microbial and viral infections in the eukaryotic cell and viral infections in the prokaryotic cell. Examples of virulence factors for some common pathogenic bacteria. Mechanisms for some common antimicrobials, distribution and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Basic Immunology, the body's natural defenses, the specific system that includes immune cells and function as well as active and passive immunity.

One of the laboratory practicals on the course is part of the track Qualitative Laboratory Work with Reflection (Kvalitativt Laborativt Arbete med Reflektion, KLA-R). This track is part of the courses with molecular biology labs on the program. On the KLA-R lab you will work independently in the lab, receive feedback on your practical work and be given the opportunity to reflect on your development as a laboratory practitioner.