Duration
20h Th, 4h Pr
Number of credits
| Bachelor in pharmacy | 4 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
This course introduces students to the world of microorganisms and their essential role in the biosphere and human health. While most microorganisms are beneficial, a minority can cause infectious diseases.
The main characteristics of the four major groups of microorganisms-viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites-are presented, with particular emphasis on bacteria, among the earliest forms of life to appear on Earth.
The course covers the biological characteristics of microorganisms, their interactions with the environment and humans, as well as the plasticity of their genomes, which contributes to genetic exchange, evolution, and the emergence of more virulent or resistant strains.
The mechanisms of infectious diseases are studied through interactions between the host and microorganisms, highlighting the roles of microbial virulence, the site of infection and host immune defences.
The main strategies for the prevention and control of infectious diseases are also covered, including hygiene, access to safe drinking water, sterilisation, disinfection, antisepsis, the use of antimicrobial agents and immunoprophylaxis.
Course Content
- Introduction to infectious diseases
- History of microbiology
- Bacteria - Part 1
- Bacteria - Part 2
- Parasites
- Fungi
- Infectious diseases: concepts and infection cycles
- Control of infectious diseases
- Antibiotics: mechanisms of action
- Antibiotics: mechanisms of resistance
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
At the end of the course and practical sessions, students will be able to:
- explain the importance of microorganisms in the environment and in infectious diseases;
- describe the global impact of infectious diseases;
- outline the main milestones in the history of microbiology;
- distinguish between the different groups of microorganisms and describe their main characteristics;
- describe bacterial growth and the role of biofilms;
- explain the organisation of bacterial genetic material and the mechanisms of genetic acquisition and modification;
- describe the main beneficial roles of microorganisms;
- understand the interactions between the host and microorganisms that can lead to disease;
- identify the main virulence factors;
- explain the modes of transmission of infectious agents;
- describe the main methods of defence and prevention, including hygiene, access to safe drinking water, vaccination, sterilisation, disinfection and antibiotic therapy;
- explain the mechanisms of action of antibiotics and the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance;
- describe the main detection and identification methods used in the microbiology laboratory;
- apply this knowledge to the study of infectious diseases, including their diagnosis, pathogenesis and prevention.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Prerequisites
- General Biology Preparatory to Medical Sciences (including an introduction to genetics)
- General Immunology
Co-requisite
- General and Medical Virology (Prof. N. Jacobs)
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The course consists of lectures complemented by podcasts. Students may ask questions at the end of the sessions or by email.
Mandatory practical sessions complement the theoretical course. They consist of two two-hour in-person sessions.
The practical sessions enable students to become familiar with:
- biosafety rules;
- hygiene measures, including hand hygiene;
- basic techniques used in clinical microbiology;
- microbiological diagnostic methods.
Attendance is mandatory. Any absence must be justified by a medical certificate. Wearing a laboratory coat is mandatory, and gloves are provided for biological procedures.
Assessment of Practical Sessions
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) related to the practical sessions are included in the theoretical examination and account for 10% of the final grade.
A practical report, completed online via E-Campus, accounts for 10% of the final grade.
Any unjustified absence from the practical sessions will result in an absence grade (A) for the entire course unit.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Blended learning
Further information:
- In-person lectures
- Podcasts
- In-person practical sessions
The practical sessions are organised in groups of students and supervised by Mr Khalid El Moussaoui, University Assistant, Clinical Microbiology Department, CHU de Liège.
Course materials, including the syllabus and the practical manual, are available on E-Campus.
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
Further information:
The course slides and practical session notes available on E-Campus are the required course materials.
Reference Books
- Mims' Medical Microbiology (6th ed., Elsevier, 2018)
- Introduction to Microbiology (Tortora et al., 2nd ed.)
- Brock Biology of Microorganisms (14th ed.)
- The Microbial Challenge (Krasner)
- Microbiology (Prescott)
- Infectiology, Volume 3
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire )
Written work / report
Further information:
The assessment consists of a written examination organised during the examination session (MCQ), including questions on both the theoretical course content and the practical sessions.
Absences
- an unjustified absence from a practical session results in a score of zero for the practical report, corresponding to a penalty of 10% of the final grade;
- an absence justified by a medical certificate does not result in any penalty. Depending on the circumstances, particularly in the case of absence from all practical sessions, the practical report may be waived and the weighting of the assessment components adapted;
- failure to submit the practical report is considered equivalent to an unjustified absence and results in a score of zero.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
The practical sessions are coordinated by Mr Khalid El Moussaoui (Clinical Microbiology Department, CHU de Liège).
Attendance is mandatory.
A laboratory coat must be worn to enter the laboratories.
Changes between groups are only permitted in exceptional circumstances and are subject to organisational possibilities.
Contacts
Clinical Microbiology Department - Prof. Marie-Pierre HAYETTE
CHU Sart Tilman - Route 656
Tower 6 - Level +2
Hospital Area
15 Avenue Hippocrate
4000 Liège - Belgium
Tel.: +32 4 323 22 90
Secretariat
Stéphanie Wauquier
Tel.: +32 (0)4 323 22 90
Email: micromed@uliege.be
Course Coordinator
Prof. Marie-Pierre Hayette
Email: mphayette@uliege.be
Contributor (Antibiotics Course)
Cécile Meex
Email: Cecile.Meex@chuliege.be
Practical Sessions
Mr Khalid El Moussaoui, University Assistant
Email: kelmoussaoui@chuliege.be