D1. Knowledge and Understanding The student should understand the fundamental principles of human physiology related to work activities, including mechanisms of physiological adaptation and occupational diseases, as well as the structural and functional characteristics of bacteria and viruses, and their role in hospital infections. They should grasp transmission routes and infection prevention strategies in healthcare environments. D2. Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding The student will be able to apply acquired knowledge to evaluate the impact of the work environment on the human body and identify infection prevention practices, using correct scientific terminology. They will be capable of proposing strategies to improve safety conditions and promote health protection in clinical and occupational settings. D3. Autonomy of Judgment The student will be able to analyze and synthesize information related to physiological mechanisms and infections, recognize risk situations, and critically assess the most appropriate prevention and intervention strategies, also considering current regulations. D4. Communication Skills Learning activities promote interaction and discussion, enabling students to clearly and accurately express concepts related to physiology of work and microbiology, structuring questions and arguments based on evidence, suitable for both clinical and public health contexts. D5. Learning Capacity The student will be able to independently deepen their understanding of physiology and microbiology topics, stay updated on scientific advancements, and apply acquired knowledge to future professional and academic contexts, including critically reviewing materials, sources, and regulations.

The prerequisites for admission to the course are based on the level of knowledge of biology, chemistry, mathematics, and Italian acquired in high school and having attended the human physiology course.

MED 44/ PHYSIOLOGY OF WORK Physiological responses and adaptations of workers in specific exposure scenarios, the role of age, gender, and underlying pathologies. MED 07/ MICROBIOLOGY AND CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY Interactions of microorganisms with the host and basic technical aspects of laboratory diagnosis of infections.

OCCUPATIONAL PHYSIOLOGY: Materials provided by the instructor on the Teams platform. MICROBIOLOGY: "Clinical Microbiology" (Eudes Lanciotti) "Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology." (Simona De Grazia)

WORK PHYSIOLOGY: Cardiovascular, muscular, metabolic, circadian, and skin responses and adaptations in relation to: Workload (low/medium/moderate/high physical effort based on METS) Mental load (work-related stress) Thermal stress and extreme temperatures, temperature regulation (outdoor/indoor workers) Work activities at altitude and below sea level Work activities that can cause an alteration of circadian rhythms (night work) Exposure to UV rays Gender, age, underlying diseases, and pharmacotherapy. MICROBIOLOGY: General bacteriology General information on microorganisms: morphology, structure, and function of bacterial cells; pathogenic action and virulence factors of bacteria; DNA and bacterial gene duplication; Gene transfer mechanisms in bacteria: transformation, conjugation, and in plasmids, transduction. Special Bacteriology Streptococci, Staphylococci, Neisseria, Spirochetes, Anaerobic Bacteria, Mycobacteria, Fungi Bacteriological Diagnostics Pre-analytical phase: sampling of biological materials and their preservation: - Samples from sterile areas (CSF, blood, fluids from deep digestive areas) - Samples from sterile areas that may be contaminated during sampling (respiratory samples, urine) - Samples from non-sterile areas: skin and mucosal swabs, stool Analytical phase: identification and characterization of pathogenic microorganisms: - Microscopic examination - Isolation of bacteria on culture media - Morphological, antigenic, and biochemical identification of bacterial species of clinical interest - susceptibility testing. General Virology: General information and characteristics of viruses; viral replication; the pathogenic action of viruses. Special Virology Respiratory Viruses, Hepatitis, HIV, Enteroviruses, HPV Virological Diagnostics Preanalytical Phase: Collection of biological materials and their preservation to maintain the presence of infectious viruses Analytical Phase: Identification and Characterization of Pathogenic Viruses -Indirect Diagnostics: Detection of primary (IgM) and secondary (IgG) antibody responses -Direct Diagnostics: Detection of viral antigens and nucleic acids.

Lectures and exercises on specific topics through group work which will be presented by students in the second half of the course.

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WORK PHYSIOLOGY: Assessment method: Mixed method, consisting of: Final written exam with multiple-choice quiz (18 questions, each correct question is worth 1 point, each unanswered or incorrect question is worth 0 points) and 2 open-ended questions (maximum 5 points each). Group work on specific topics presented during class by students will also be evaluated (maximum 3 points). Overall understanding of the entire syllabus will be assessed. MICROBIOLOGY: Written and/or oral exam

This teaching includes objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development