It is intended to provide students with general knowledge about the structure, function, and metabolic diversity of microorganisms (MO) prokaryotes, eukaryotic and viral particles. It is explored also the relations between the MO and the environment, relations between MO and other living beings. This knowledge will enable students to know the different types of MO and understand their impact on the environment, relationship with man as well as potential applications in industry and biotechnology.
It also aims to provide students with the knowledge required to use good laboratory practices in microbiology. At the end of the classes it is expected that the students know how to maintain appropriate attitudes in the laboratory; use aseptic technique by implementing practical work using appropriate level 1 laboratory safety standards; have acquired and practiced handling MO; can perform simple protocols using the basic techniques learned.
Introduction to Microbiology. Study of prokaryotes: structure and function; Metabolism (essentials of catabolism and biosynthesis); Nutrition and growth; Growth control (sterilization, disinfection, antibiotics); Genetics (genome organization, regulation of transcription, genetic recombination); Diversity (taxonomy and nomenclature, classification).
Virology: A Brief History; Structure and replication of bacteriophage and eukaryotic viruses; Other complex particles.
Main groups of fungi: nutrition, growth and reproduction.
Parasite-host relationship: Penetration and pathogen virulence factors.
Practical content
Basic Techniques: Security; Material preparation and sterilization; Aseptic technique; Obtaining pure cultures;
Staining; Evaluation of growth.
Application of basic techniques: Physical factors affecting growth; Action of lysozyme; Growth inhibition by disinfectants; Assessment of sensitivity to antibiotics.
In T classes, concepts included in the contents are presented, following a methodology of interactive exhibition and stimulating discussion of the topics presented. In TP classes, examples and problematic situations are presented for the study of MO. Students are guided to their resolution, integrating and applying the knowledge gained. In the P classes, students contact with the basic techniques in microbiology. At the beginning of each class, the techniques to be used are described and exemplified. Students are organized into working groups and execute the protocols indicated.
Willey J.M., Sherwood L.M. & Woolverton C.J., 2014, Prescott's Microbiology, 9ª ed., Wm. C. Brown Publishers.
Wanda F. Canas Ferreira, João Carlos F. de Sousa e Nelson Lima ed. 2010. Microbiologia, Lidel, edições técnicas.
Neidhart, F. C., Ingraham, J. L. & Schaechter, M., 1990, Physiology of the bacterial cell: a molecular approach, Sinauer Associates, Inc.
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