GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY, MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGIES AND ELEMENTS OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY

Course objectives

General skills Today’s view of Microbiology has gone far beyond the simple idea of microbes as causative agents of a diversified spectrum of human pathologies. The current opinion considers microorganisms mainly as major constituents of ecosystems, vital components of eukaryotic organisms, very often key mediators in productive and industrial processes. Our course in Microbiology is therefore intended to provide students with the knowledge clues required to understand the high plasticity of the microbial world. The focus is on progressively integrating specific notions about bacterial and viral structures, their functional relationships, and the organization and evolution of genomes into a logical learning path. This will secure the understanding of the molecular mechanisms which regulate the interaction of microorganisms with both biotic and abiotic environments. Students will thus acquire the competences to assess the role of microorganisms in biomedical, biotechnological, and environmental area. Specific skills A) Knowledge and understanding. The student will have acquired knowledge and understanding - Structure of the prokaryotic cell (Bacteria and Archea) and biosynthesis of the cell components. - Organization of the bacterial genome and role of the mobile genetic elements - Procedures for microbial growth and for microbial growth control - Processes of bacterial colonization of the host and of the environment - Mechanisms of action of antibiotics and emergence of antibiotic resistance B) Applying knowledge and understanding - Understanding the key role played by microorganisms in the interactions with the host and the environment. - Understanding the biological processes of multicellular organisms banking on the knowledge acquired from the microorganisms -Understanding biotechnological applications of microorganisms C) Making judgments - Being able to analyze in a thoughtful and informed manner the information on the microbes world - Making informed decisions on the use of products derived from bacteria or viruses and on the importance of vaccinations D) Communication skills - Being able to communicate to the public the notions learned on the microbe world in a correct and informed manner using appropriate terminology - Being able to fully interpret any microorganisms-associated phenomena from both a personal and social point of view. E) Learning skills -be able to make logical connection among different topics covered -learning the specific terminology

Channel 1
FIORENTINA ASCENZIONI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
This course examines the main fundamental concepts of microbiology and the historical events that led to the discovery of microorganisms. The fundamentals of microbiology are studied through the presentation of microscopic and cultural methods, and the study of the molecular principles that underlie life on planet Earth and its evolution. Microorganisms are studied both quantitatively (microorganisms represent the most abundant biomass in all terrestrial and aquatic environments) and qualitatively, considering microbial diversity in natural and human environments. The cellular structures that characterize the microbial cell and their function are examined. The envelopes that define the bacterial cell, such as the outer membrane, bacterial cell wall, and cytoplasmic membrane, are also examined, along with other structures such as pili, flagella, and transport systems, which mediate interactions between microbial cells and the microorganism-host/environment. The program also includes: i) the study of microbial growth and its control, nutritional requirements, and the main cultivation methods for bacteria; ii) the molecular genetics of microorganisms examines the genetic (mutations, mobile genetic elements, and horizontal gene transfer) and genomic (organization of microbial genomes) aspects underlying microbial variability, also for the purpose of understanding evolutionary processes.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of general microbiology and molecular biology is required, drawing on knowledge acquired in secondary school.
Books
Brock, Biology of Microorganisms, sixteenth edition. Teaching materials developed by the instructor based on scientific articles and texts. Teaching materials are available at: BBCD Department Library (https://bbcd.bio.uniroma1.it/it/biblioteca-charles-darwin); e-learning platform (https://elearning.uniroma1.it/); and a shared DRIVE folder for students. If necessary, please request the access key from the instructor (fiorentina.ascenzioni@uniroma1.it).
Teaching mode
The educational program includes lectures and laboratory work on specific general microbiology techniques, allowing students to experimentally implement some of the research methods studied and to apply experimental data evaluation methods. The educational program includes lectures (5 CFU, 40 hr) and laboratory work (1 CFU, 12 hr) on specific general microbiology techniques, allowing students to experimentally implement some of the research methods studied and to apply experimental data evaluation methods. Class attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended.
Exam mode
The exam aims to assess the student's level of knowledge and understanding of the course topics, as well as their acquired reasoning skills. The exam consists of a written test comprising multiple-choice and open-ended questions; the latter constitute approximately 10% of the exam questions. Students may present their workshop activities orally; in this case, the oral exam grade is added to the written exam grade. The exam takes into consideration the various topics covered during the course and allows for assessment of the student's achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and skills acquired, evaluating clarity of presentation, command of language, and critical thinking skills. To pass the exam, a minimum overall grade of 18/30 is required. To achieve a score of 30/30 with honors, students must demonstrate excellent knowledge of the topics covered in the two modules of the course and the ability to create logical and coherent connections between the various topics studied.
  • Lesson code1034848
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • Coursecorso|33585
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year2nd year
  • Semester1st semester
  • SSDBIO/19
  • CFU6
  • Subject areaDiscipline biologiche