Elements of microbiology and general immunology

Duration

12h Th

Number of credits

Lecturer

Marie-Pierre Hayette, Nathalie Jacobs

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course comprises 2 complementary parts: elements of immunology and elements of microbiology.

Immunology contents (N.Jacobs)

The goal of the course is to understand the mechanisms that allow us to defend ourselves against pathogens intrinsically or through vaccination. The negative effects of an uncontrolled immune response will also be discussed.
 

Microbiology contents (MP. Hayette)


This course introduces students to the invisible world of microbes and their essential roles in our daily lives: most microbes are beneficial and protect our biosphere, while a minority are responsible for disease.  Microorganisms are ubiquitous and live in highly varied and complex ecosystems. Their role in different ecosystems and that of man, who influences the evolution of microorganisms responsible for emerging diseases by acting on the environment, are highlighted.

The course will be divided in three parts:

Course 1

1-Introduction to the evolution of microorganisms and infectious diseases over time:
Evolution from the Big Bang to the emergence and worldwide spread of multidrug-resistant microorganisms.

2-Description of bacterial structure and metabolism:
The structure and metabolism of bacteria will be described, as well as their pathogenic role in humans.

 

Course 2

1-Characteristics of parasites:
We will describe helminths, which are multicellular organisms also known as "worms," such as the tapeworm, a flatworm that can grow several metres long and is also known as a "solitary worm," and Ascaris, a roundworm approximately 25 cm long.

We will also discuss protozoa, such as the parasite responsible for malaria, which are unicellular organisms.

 

The different stages of parasites, their life cycles, which often involve several hosts, their modes of transmission, and their pathogenic effects in humans will be described.

Characteristics of fungi:
This part of the course also covers fungal organisms, which, like parasites, are eukaryotes. They can be found in a wide variety of environments, including soil, water, animals, and humans, where some form part of the normal microbial flora.

Course 3

Hospital hygiene:
The third course is dedicated to the principles of hospital hygiene. It covers standard precautions and additional/transmission-based precautions required by healthcare professionals to protect both patients and themselves against the transmission of microorganisms.

The course begins with definitions of important concepts, including:

MDROs (multidrug-resistant organisms/bacteria)-Colonization  - Infection-Carriage

Nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infection - Healthcare-associated infection


The course then covers standard precautions, followed by additional/transmission-based precautions.

 

During the course, examples of clinical situations are also presented to students to demonstrate the impact of infections on the work of a physiotherapist.

  

Table of Contents - Microbiology Section

• Introduction and Basic Bacteriology
• Basic Parasitology and Mycology
• Principles of Hospital Hygiene

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Immunology

To know and be able to explain general immunology concepts and vaccination

More specifically:

• Differentiate between a viral infection and a bacterial response.
• Establish links between different types of immunity and different effectors
  of the immune response.
• Assess the advantages and disadvantages of vaccines by applying theoretical knowledge
  about the immune system.
• Use scientific terms appropriately.
• Interpret a diagram and describe the process observed.

• Understand the classification of microorganisms and their main characteristics in order to distinguish them from one another.
• Understand their modes of transmission.
• Be able to distinguish between infection, colonization, and healthcare-associated (nosocomial) infection.
• Understand the main infections caused by these microorganisms and their severity.
• Understand the precautionary measures required when caring for infected patients, including standard precautions and additional/transmission-based precautions.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Immunology

The course is divided in several face-to-face lectures.

On eCampus portal supplementary information on immunology is available

On student demand a revision lesson (questions-answers) could be organised
 
A quiz will be organised at the end of each face-to-face course to earn a bonus for the exam. This bonus will be valid for one session only.

This course draws on the latest research in immunology and vaccination. You are encouraged to adopt a critical mindset throughout the course. We encourage you to question certain elements, provided you do so on a sound and valid basis.


Microbiology



This course is mainly based on lectures and podcasts.  It is structured in several chapters to ensure a progressive and logical understanding of the content.

Students are invited to ask questions after class or by email, mentioning their section.



 

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

Combining face to face and distance learning activities

Complementary explanations:

 
Face to face ex-cathedra courses.  To meet microbiology prerequisites, courses begin with "Elements of Immunology", necessary for understanding host-parasite relationships developed in the "Elements of Microbiology" section.

Participation of 3 persons for teaching:

• N. Jacobs
• MP. Hayette
• K. El Moussaoui

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

Immunology:

Slide presentation is available on "eCampus" portal after the lecture.

A tab entitled "Additional Resources" is available on eCampus for students who wish to go further. These resources are not compulsory for the course.

A glossary is available on eCampus. The use of this glossary (and only this glossary) is permitted during the assessment.


Microbiology:

Slideshows of theoretical lectures, published online and accessible to students in the sections and year concerned by the course, are mandatory.

 

The following books may be useful references for students: providing a better understanding, developing a topic of interest:

• MIMS' MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Richard Goering et al, 5th Ed.,2012, Elsevier 
• INTRODUCION A LA MICROBIOLOGIE, Tortora G.J. et al, 2nd Ed., 2012, ERPI, Editions du Renouveau Pédagogique Inc. 
• BROCK BIOLOGY OF MICROORGANISMS, MT Madigan et al, 14th Ed, 2014,Pearson 
• THE MICROBIAL CHALLENGE, Krasner R., 2002, Ed. ASM PRESS 
• MICROBIOLOGIE, Prescott, Willey JM et al, Traduction de la 8ème Ed,2013, Ed.De Boeck Université

• http://www.microbes-edu.org

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire )


Further information:

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire )


Further information:

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire )

Other : ON LINE EXAMINATION FOR PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES


Additional information:

Immunology

  Writing exam

Microbiology

Written examination in January and September sessions, with multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

To ensure a good understanding of the subjects taught, elements of general immunology (N. Jacobs) precede elements of microbiology (MP. Hayette).

Questions relating to the course (immunology section) should be sent via the "eCampus" portal forum.





 

Work placement(s)

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Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Questions related to the course (immunology partim) must be posted on the forum of "eCampus" portal.

Contacts

MICROBIOLOGY

Clinical microbiology Department
University Hospital of Liège,
B-23 Sart Tilman,
4000 LIEGE
Belgium

Secretary

For any contact or to fix an appointment, please contact the secretary MRS Wauquier

• Phone : 00.32.4.323.22.90
• email : stephanie.wauquier@chuliege.be

• mphayette@uliege.be
• kelmoussaoui@uliege.be

• stephanie.wauquier@chuliege.be
  
  

• n.jacobs@ulg.ac.be

Association of one or more MOOCs