Course content

The course provides an introduction to medical microbiology with a primary focus on bacteriology and virology. Students will acquire fundamental knowledge about the structure, function, and role of microorganisms as both normal flora and pathogenic agents. Special emphasis is placed on bacterial morphology, virulence factors, genetic characteristics, pathogenicity, and growth conditions.

Teaching includes key diagnostic methods in medical microbiology, such as laboratory techniques involving agglutination, biochemical and serological analyses. Students will learn about cultivation, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria, as well as the use of reference systems in microbiological diagnostics.

The course also covers the development of infectious diseases and provides in-depth study of selected pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, important topics such as epidemiology, infection control, antimicrobial strategies, virus classification, and an introduction to eukaryotic microorganisms are addressed.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - The student:

• Has knowledge of medical microbiology and the structure and significance of microorganisms in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of infectious diseases.
• Understands the body’s normal biochemical processes, biological variations, and processes that reflect disease within microbiology.
• Has knowledge of bacteria and viruses that can cause infectious diseases.
• Understands prokaryotic genetics, taxonomy, growth conditions, and virulence.
• Has knowledge of viruses and their classification.
• Is familiar with eukaryotic microorganisms and their role in infectious diseases.
• Has knowledge of normal flora, key concepts in medical microbiology, infection control, and epidemiology.
• Has knowledge of antibiotic resistance.
• Understands relevant analytical techniques for detecting bacterial and viral pathogens.
• Has knowledge of detection methods for bacteria and viruses, as well as quality assurance of these methods.
• Has knowledge of sustainability, innovation and innovation processes

Skills - The student:

• Masters hygiene procedures related to laboratory work with biological material.
• Masters techniques for identifying bacteria and viruses, as well as determining resistance.
• Can apply common methods in medical microbiology to analyze sample material.
• Can perform analysis of various types of samples from a microbiological laboratory.
• Can use professional tools such as analytical instruments and biochemical methods used in microbiology.
• Can evaluate information about methods and instruments using manuals and procedural descriptions.
• Can assess analytical quality and medical probability based on test results.
• Can apply innovation tools

Competence - The student:

• Can communicate about the appearance of bacteria and viruses, their ability to cause disease, and their detection and treatment methods.
• Can read and communicate scientific literature.
• Can collaborate in groups and work purposefully to solve a problem.
• Can discuss professional holistic thinking across main topics and stay updated on key knowledge.
• Can apply research results to practical problems and make informed decisions, e.g., when evaluating test results.
• Can reflect on their own professional practice, identify sources of error, and document the quality of laboratory procedures and instruments.
• Can actively participate in laboratory exercises, understand and follow procedures, and show initiative in discussing the interpretation of analysis results to develop professional understanding.
• Are able to collaborate in groups and work purposefully to solve a problem

Learning methods and activities

Theoretical Component

The theoretical instruction consists of lectures, some of which are mandatory as specified in the course schedule. In addition, students must complete a compulsory group project with a written submission. This work is intended to promote in-depth learning and the development of collaborative skills.

Practical Component

The practical part of the course consists of laboratory exercises (24 hours), where students work with microbiological methods and techniques. The exercises include oral reporting and reflection on results and processes.

Mandatory Requirements

To pass the course, the following requirements must be met:

• Full and documented participation in laboratory exercises, including an oral examination related to the exercises (100% attendance).
• Submission of the group project and completion of associated tasks.
• Mandatory attendance at lectures related to laboratory theory.

Approved mandatory requirements are valid for the semester in which they are completed and for the three subsequent semesters.

Compulsory Activities

• Laboratory exercises
• Group project with associated tasks
• Lectures specified in the schedule

Compulsory assignments

• Laboratory course - completed and approved
• Group assignments with questions
• Approved innovation camp

Specific conditions

Credit reductions