This course is directed to students interested in microbiology with an emphasis in health-related issues. Introduces the structure, physiology, genetics, ecology, and the evolution of microorganisms. Considering the increasing the detrimental effect of microbes to our health, with infectious diseases being one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the developing and developed world, special attention is given to the role of microbes in infectious diseases. Chemotherapeutic and immune control of infectious diseases are also discussed in detail. The course follows a sequence of development. We will first study the nature of microorganisms from the perspective of where microorganisms fit in life. The structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells will be addressed. A "typical" prokaryotic cell and its component parts will be discussed. In each case, the function of teach cell component will be related to its importance in infectious diseases - for example, the selective action of antimicrobials, resistance to phagocytosis, development of vaccines or diagnosis of disease. Microbial genetics will be discussed in sufficient depth to understand the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance and, the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases. The principles of epidemiology, general health and the impact of the environment on infectious disease will be discussed and put into context to the impact of current public health. In addition, the immune system, its role in the host-parasite relationship, and its importance in the prevention and treatment of infectious disease will be discussed. The organ system approach to infectious disease rather than the infectious agent approach will be emphasized in this section. Finally, the most important and interesting infectious agents and related diseases will be addressed. Case histories will be used to assist in a practical understanding of disease and in problem solving. The etiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, treatment, prevention and control of infectious diseases will be discussed. The global impact of infectious diseases will be addressed throughout the course.
Due to the current pandemic, this year we will continue to use a free online book from openstax This year the course will be fully online. Lectures will be given synchronously at 8:30 AM - M/W/F. Discussions will be synchronous online at 2:20 PM on Fridays. All lectures will be uploaded online once they occur. Office hours will be announced in January 2021.