2.24806 MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY I

This course is conducted by the Discipline of Microbiology.
Introduction, history of microbiology and structure of bacterial cell. Taxonomy and classification of bacteria.
Overview of the impact of microorganism on human lives. The growth and metabolism of microorganisms. Bacterial cell metabolism and growth requirements in aerobic and anaerobic; microaerophilic and carbon dioxide. Preparation of culture media for cultivation of specific species; pure culture and preservation. Aseptic microbial techniques including different types of staining. Identification of bacteria by morphology, cultural characteristics, biochemical tests and serology. An overview on the effects of fungal and viral infections in wider community; hospital infections, sterilization and disinfection. Introduction to parasitology.

Aim: The course is designed for candidates to understand the overall classification of microorganisms, the growth requirements for bacterial cells, the diagnosis of medical important microorganisms, and types of agents of sterilization and disinfectants used in laboratory and hospitals. Further more the candidate must acquire the knowledge on parasitology.

Contact hours: 6 hours per week (2 lectures, 1 tutorial, 3 practical)

Assessment: Course work (assignments, tests, practical write-up, oral presentations) 60%, final exam (theory & practical) 40%.

Text:

1. Brock, T.D., Madigan, J.M., and Parker, J., 1994, Biology of Micro-organisms, 7th Ed. Prentice Hall, London.

2. Mims, C.A., Playfair, J.H., Roitti, I. and Williams, R., 1993, Medical Microbiology, Mosby, London.

3. Holan, J., Brink, N., Chiodini, P. and Bendall, R., 1995, Problems in Medical Microbiology, Blackwell Science, Oxford.

4. Chessbrough, M., 1992, Medical laboratory Manual for Tropical Countries. Vol I & II, 2nd Ed. Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd, Oxford.