526-039 Microbiology

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject covers the following areas: microorganisms and their role in human infection; principles of host resistance, immunity and hypersensitivity; indigenous oral flora of humans; and control of microbes: disinfection, sterilisation, asepsis and chemotherapy.

On completion of this subject, students should:

Comprehend: the characteristics and behaviour of microorganisms and their relationship to clinical manifestations of infection; the principles of the modes of spread and pathogenesis of infection; the epidemiology and control of infectious disease; the principles of antimicrobial chemotherapy; the immune response to infection and the possible abnormalities of this response; the principles and characteristics of the microbial ecology of the oral cavity.

Have developed: basic skills in working in an aseptic environment; skills in applying the relevant diagnostic tests to specific case studies; observational skills in identifying the appearance and behaviour of medically significant microorganisms; the ability to collect, transport and make preliminary investigations of clinical specimens.

Appreciate: the need for rational interpretation of the results of microbiological investigation and for rational judgements about the use of antibiotics; the means of preventing and controlling infectious diseases at the level of both the community and the individual.

Assessment

A 1-hour written examination at the end of first semester (20%); a 3-hour written examination (50%) and a 1-hour practical examination (20%) at the end of second semester; assessment during the year (10%).

Prescribed Texts

• Marsh P D and Martin M V 1992, Oral Microbiology. 3rd ed. Chapman Hall.