General microbiology

Theory

This course provides an introduction to general microbiology by exploring the world of microorganisms and their role in ecosystems and human health.

The course includes both theoretical lectures and practical sessions.

The course highlights the fact that the vast majority of microorganisms are beneficial and play an essential role in maintaining biological balance, while only a minority are responsible for infectious diseases.

Students will learn about the main characteristics of bacteria, fungi and parasites (protozoa and helminths), their interactions with the environment and different hosts, as well as the mechanisms involved in their evolution. Particular attention will be paid to bacterial genomic plasticity, horizontal gene transfer and their impact on the emergence of new characteristics, particularly antimicrobial resistance.

The course will also cover the mechanisms underlying host-microorganism interactions, pathogenicity factors, modes of transmission of infectious agents, and the various strategies used to prevent and control infectious diseases: hygiene, disinfection, sterilisation, vaccination, antibiotic therapy, and food and water safety.

Finally, during the practical sessions, students will be introduced to the principles of biosafety and to basic techniques used in clinical microbiology.

Course Content

• Introduction and current topics in microbiology
• History
• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Parasites
• Infectious diseases: concepts
• Control of infectious diseases

Practical work for medicine and dentistry

All information regarding the practical sessions is available in the course information for MICR0120.
 

Theory

At the end of the course and practical sessions, students will be able to:

• describe the main characteristics of bacteria, fungi and parasites (viruses are covered in Prof. Nathalie Jacobs' course);
• explain the interactions between microorganisms, their environment and their hosts;
• describe how microorganisms cause disease and how the host defends itself;
• explain the main methods used to detect and identify microorganisms;
• identify the main issues related to microorganisms in the environment and human health;
• describe the importance of infectious diseases worldwide in terms of morbidity and mortality;
• describe the main stages in the history of microbiology;
• describe the different groups of microorganisms and their main characteristics;
• explain bacterial growth and the importance of biofilms;
• describe bacterial genetic material, the main mechanisms of genetic change and the acquisition of new characteristics;
• describe the main beneficial effects of microorganisms;
• explain host-microorganism interactions that can lead to infectious disease;
• identify the main factors involved in pathogenicity;
• explain the different modes of transmission of infectious agents;
• describe the main methods used to prevent and control infectious diseases (hygiene, food safety, drinking water, vaccination, sterilisation, disinfection and antibiotic therapy);
• explain the main mechanisms of action of antibiotics and the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance;
• describe the main methods used in microbiology laboratories to detect and identify microorganisms;
• use this knowledge as a basis for the further study of infectious diseases, their diagnosis, pathogenesis, prevention and control.

Theory

• Secondary school biology course
• Immunology course

Theory

The course includes:

• face-to-face lectures;
• podcasts;
• 2 mandatory face-to-face practical sessions.

• the role of a clinical microbiology laboratory;
• basic biosafety and hygiene rules, including hand washing;
• basic techniques used in microbiology.

Theory

Blended learning


Further information:

• Face-to-face lectures;
• Podcasts;
• Face-to-face practical sessions.

Theory

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

The slides for the theoretical lectures, the syllabus and the practical manual are available on E-Campus and are the main course materials.

Theoretical lectures

Materials:

• slides available on E-Campus;
• syllabus.

• practical syllabus.

• Prescott's Microbiology, Willey JM et al., 5th French edition (2018), translation of the 10th American edition (2017), De Boeck Université.

• Microbes-edu: http://www.microbes-edu.org/
• Sciensano: https://www.sciensano.be
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov
• World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int

Theory

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire )

Written work / report


Further information:

The assessment includes:

• a theoretical exam consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), covering both the theoretical course (80% of the final grade) and the practical sessions (10% of the final grade);
• an individual practical report submitted online, which represents 10% of the final grade.

• an unjustified absence from a practical session results in a grade of zero for the practical report, corresponding to 10% of the final grade;
• an absence justified by a medical certificate does not result in any penalty but does not exempt the student from the written exam. The practical report may, however, be cancelled or adapted;
• a report that is not submitted is considered as an unjustified absence.

Theory

The practical sessions are coordinated by Mr Khalid El Moussaoui, university assistant (Clinical Microbiology Department, CHU Liège).

Attendance at the practical sessions is mandatory.

Students MUST wear a lab coat to enter the laboratories.

Changes of practical group are only allowed in exceptional cases and depending on organisational possibilities.

Theory

Clinical Microbiology Department

Prof. Marie-Pierre Hayette

CHU Sart Tilman
Route 656 - Tower 6 - Level +2
Quartier Hôpital
Avenue Hippocrate 15
4000 Liège

Tel.: +32 (0)4 323 22 90

Secretariat

Stéphanie Wauquier

Tel.: +32 (0)4 323 22 90

Email: micromed@uliege.be
stephanie.wauquier@chuliege.be

Course Coordinator

Prof. Marie-Pierre Hayette

Email: mphayette@uliege.be

Practical Sessions Coordinator

Mr Khalid El Moussaoui, University Assistant

Email: kelmoussaoui@chuliege.be









 

Theory

There is no MOOC associated with this course.