Dublin Descriptors
1. Knowledge and Understanding. The student acquires a thorough and integrated knowledge of the biology of microorganisms, including the structure and function of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, bacterial forms, microbial genetics, spore formation mechanisms, and viral biology. The student also deepens understanding of cell division processes, bacterial growth curves, antibiotics and resistance mechanisms, as well as the role of the microbiota and its interaction with the host.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding. The student is able to apply the acquired theoretical knowledge to analyze and interpret microbiological phenomena, identify pathogenic microorganisms, understand antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and evaluate appropriate diagnostic techniques and therapeutic strategies for infection control.
3. Making Judgements. The student develops the ability to critically evaluate microbiological and clinical data, recognize the epidemiological and toxicological implications of infections, and make informed judgments regarding the most effective therapies and evidence-based preventive measures.
4. Communication Skills. The student is able to communicate complex microbiological concepts clearly, precisely, and scientifically rigorously, both in written and oral form, using appropriate terminology and tools such as tables, diagrams, and drawings to summarize and explain technical information.
5. Learning Skills. The student develops the autonomy necessary to continuously update themselves on new discoveries and techniques in the field of microbiology through critical reading of scientific literature, analysis of experimental data, and participation in ongoing training initiatives, fostering lifelong and conscious learning.

Basic concepts of biochemistry, biology, and genetics.

The Microbiology course provides a comprehensive overview of the biology of microorganisms, with a particular focus on prokaryotes and eukaryotes, different bacterial shapes, and the structure and function of the fundamental components of the bacterial cell, including spore formation. The course will delve into processes such as cell division, growth curves, and bacterial genetics, covering mechanisms like DNA replication, transformation, transduction, conjugation, plasmids, and transposons. It also addresses antibiotics, with special attention to their structure, function, and resistance. The microbiota and its relationship with the host will be explored, along with the structure of viruses and their modes of reproduction. The clinical microbiology section will analyze the main bacterial and viral pathogens affecting humans, examining their genotypic, phenotypic, epidemiological, toxic, and pro-carcinogenic characteristics. Finally, laboratory diagnostic techniques and therapeutic strategies for infection control will be presented.

The teaching material will be indicated by the instructor during the first lesson.

General Microbiology
Prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Bacterial forms
Structure and function of the fundamental components of the bacterial cell
Spores and their formation
Bacterial cell division and growth curves
Bacterial genetics (chromosomal and plasmid DNA replication, transformation, transduction, conjugation, plasmids, and transposons)
Antibiotics (structure, function, resistance)
Microbiota/me: concepts and its relationship with the host
Structure of viruses and their modes of reproduction
Clinical Microbiology
The course will cover the main bacterial and viral pathogens in humans (such as staphylococci, streptococci, Enterobacteriaceae, herpesviruses, orthomyxoviruses, etc.), focusing on their genotypic, phenotypic, epidemiological, toxic, and pro-carcinogenic characteristics. Laboratory diagnostic techniques and therapeutic approaches will be analyzed.

Lectures

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Written exam: 5 open-ended questions, each worth a maximum of 6 points. Duration of the exam: 90 minutes. The score for each answer is based on: i) accuracy (correctness); ii) precision; iii) level of detail; iv) synthesis (ability to organize and summarize). It is allowed to include tables, drawings, or diagrams that help summarize the answer. There is no space limit for each response. Honors (cum laude) is awarded when all answers achieve the maximum score, demonstrating an excellent balance between the level of detail and synthesis.
The grading grid is as follows: A grade of Excellent (30 - 30 cum laude) is awarded for excellent knowledge of the topics, outstanding synthesis skills, and exceptional analytical ability, with the student able to brilliantly apply theoretical knowledge to practical cases. For Very Good (27 - 29), a student must demonstrate good knowledge of the topics, notable synthesis skills, and good analytical ability, allowing them to correctly apply theoretical knowledge to practical cases. A grade of Good (24-26) signifies good knowledge of the main topics and fair synthesis skills, with the student showing an adequate capacity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical cases. Satisfactory (21-23) is given when the student does not show full mastery of the main topics but possesses fundamental knowledge, along with satisfactory synthesis skills and a sufficient ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical cases. A grade of Sufficient (18-20) reflects minimal knowledge of the main topics and technical language, along with a limited ability to adequately apply theoretical knowledge to practical cases. Finally, a grade of Insufficient is assigned when the student does not have an acceptable knowledge of the program's content.

This course contributes to the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development goals.