Corsi di studio in
Farmacia - Chimica e tecnologia farmaceutiche

The course contributes to achieving the learning objectives of the areas of Medical Disciplines (SSD MED/07 Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology) of the Course of Studies in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, in-depth knowledge and skills regarding infectious agents, skills relevant to their applications in the industrial, healthcare and biotechnology sectors.

The course aims to deepen knowledge on the morphology and functions of microorganisms and to analyze infectious agents of medical and biotechnological interest (viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites); replication processes, pathogenetic mechanisms and transmission routes of pathogenic infectious agents.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND. Know the importance and role of microorganisms especially in the field of human health.  Understanding of the terms and language specific to this discipline. Know the fundamental notions of microbiology, necessary to understand the modes of transmission of infections and identify appropriate means of prevention and treatment.

MAKING JUDGMENTS Understand the importance of microorganisms as simplified models applicable to the study of more complex organisms that will be addressed by the student in other disciplines.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS Ability to use microbiological language and connect the various aspects that make up microbiology

LEARNING ABILITY The student must demonstrate that he is able to:- support a cross-examination with people of equal preparation and experts in different topics of a regulatory, scientific and procedural nature; -illustrate and discuss in groups the strategies for evaluating human-microorganism interaction.

CONTENTS:

    Program of the course. Principles and essential methods to study microorganisms, their isolation and identification.
    Prokaryotic and  eukaryotic microbes. Bacterial classification.
    Bacterial structure (cytoplasm, cytoplasmic membrane, chromosome, cell wall, capsule, flagella and pili)
    Metabolic reactions. Biosynthesis of specific bacterial structures.
    Bacterial nutrition. Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, autotroph and heterotroph bacteria. Isolation of bacteria, bacterial function products, nutrient transport. Culture media, physical factors. Enrichment, isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria.
    Differentiation of bacteria. Bacterial growth (cell division and phases of growth). Spores, L-forms bacteria.
    Microbial genetics. The types and significance of gene transfer (transformation, conjugation and transduction). Plasmids, transposons, recombinant DNA technology.
    Pathogenic bacteria and infectious diseases. Pathogenicity and virulence. Microbial toxins (endotoxins and esotoxins).
    Disinfection and sterilization. Disinfectants and antiseptics: chemical antimicrobial agents. Physical antimicrobial agents.
    Immunology and immunity. Immune response and antigens. Humoral immunity (properties of antibodies). Cell-mediated immunity. Cellular physiology of immune responses. Natural and artificial immunity (active and passive immunization). Vaccines and sera.
    Viruses: general chatacteristics. Classification and identification of viruses. Viral replication. Bacteriophages. Interferons.
    Fungi. Morphology, classification, pathogenicity. The superficial and the deep mycoses.            Protozoa. Relationships between species: symbiosis, parasitism, coevolution. Parasite biology and action of parasites on hosts. The protozoa. Examples of protozoa: Toxoplasma, Plasmodium, Giardia.                                                                                       Antimicrobial therapy. General properties of antimicrobial agents. Mechanisms of resistance and  practical implications. Determining microbial sensitivities to antimicrobial agents. Antiviral agents, antifungal agents.
    Overview of bacteria, viruses and fungi that cause human disease. A thorough list of the common bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens.
Applied Microbiology. Microbiological control of pharmaceutical products.
Assessment of sterility, toxicity, bacterial endotoxins (pyrogens), histamine absence. Assessing whether a product is for injection. Sterility control of products antimicrobial agents. Microbiological monitoring of manufacturing processes of medicinal products.
Laboratory exercises. The microscope. The Gram stain technique. Identification of bacteria and fungi. Microbial sensitivity testing.

The course includes 40  total hours. In line with the learning objectives and expected outcomes, the course uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, dialogic teaching and critical discussions. The course requires the use of  slides. Teaching materials are provided through Moodle, before course delivery. Attendance is not mandatory for lectures, as outlined by the Degree Program regulations. https://elearning.unito.it/dstf/enrol/index.php?id=1337

Course material (projected slides) is made available before the course on the Moodle platform.

Students must register for the course. The teaching material is present on the Moodle platform with a direct link from the Course sheet. It is possible to take the exam in English. Please register for the Course

Please read the support methods provided by the University for students with disabilities (https://www.unito.it/servizi/lo-studio/studenti-e-studentesse-con-disabilita).
In case of any learning disabilities, please read the support methods provided by the University (https://www.unito.it/servizi/lo-studio/studenti-e-studentesse-con-disturbi-specifici-di- imparare-dsa) and inform the teachers at the beginning of the lessons, to agree on a personal learning path suited to your needs. Information on compensatory and dispensatory measures provided for the exam is available at the following link: https://www.unito.it/servizi/lo-studio/studenti-e-studentesse-con-disturbi-specifici-di- imparare-dsa/supporto
For any special educational needs, contact the course teachers and the Department referents, in order to agree on a personal learning path suited to your needs.