Corso di Laurea in Tecniche Erboristiche

Microbiology is a branch of the biological sciences which is concerned with the study of microorganisms, in particular bacteria, viruses and fungi. Microorganisms perform diverse roles on our planet, most of which are important to make earth a habitable and sustainable ecosystem. Many properties of microorganisms are being utilized to solve various problems related to the environment, food security, nutrition, biodegradation, bioremediation, sustainable agriculture. Hence, microbiology is an exciting and critical discipline of study: it provides many challenges and offers many rewards. Microorganisms are the simplest of living things, permitting ready study of life processes. The study of microorganisms has led to many important discoveries concerning the mechanisms of the expression of the genetic code; the mechanism of antigen-antibody reactions and cellular immunity; the process of molecular and cellular differentiation, etc.

The purpose of this course is to offer comprehensive training in the biology of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi), antimicrobial natural drugs and their use, prevention and control of microbial diseases for contamination of herbal preparations

Students will have the knowledge of microbiology to understand, evaluate and therefore offer, in their own working environment, integrated and safe solutions, fully carrying out the role for which they will be selected. Knowledge of the microbial world is important to safeguard the ecological balance of the environment and to implement the correct control of infectious diseases.

Characteristics of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells.                                                   Bacteria: size, shape, arrangement. Bacterial internal structures (cytoplasm, nuclear region, ribosomes, cell membrane, cell wall. Accessory structures of bacteria (capsula, flagella, plasmids, pili).                                                                                                       Bacterial differentiation: cell division, phases of growth, sporulation process, pleiomorfism Growth and culturing. Factors affecting microbial growth: pH, temperature, oxygen, moisture, osmotic pressure. Nutritional factors: autotrophism, eterotrophism, paratrophism. Culture media.                                                                                                                        DNA replication and replica plating assay. Bacterial genetics, mutations. The types and significance of gene transfer: transformation, conjugation, transduction.                         Fungi. Characteristics, replication, classification and the importance of fungi. Yeasts and moulds.                                                                                                                 Viruses. General characteristics. Components, size and shape. Bacteriophages. Viral replication. Culturing of viruses.                                                                           Immunology and immunity. Characteristics of the immune system.                       Sterilization and disinfection.                                                                                   Natural antimicrobial treatments. Phytotherapeutics. Applied microbiology.

The course is divided into 30 hours of frontal teaching. The slides will be insert on the moodle platform on the course page. The lessons are intended by the teacher as an active moment of comparison and discussion. Some scientific works will be distributed and uploaded to the platform to broaden knowledge of microbiology.

Please register for the Course

The verification of the preparation of students consists of a written test and an oral test, concerning the program carried out during the second semester.                                      The exam, will include a written test followed by an oral test. The written exam is divided into two parts: a written test (a total duration of 60 minutes), with 15 multiple-choice questions (12 points maximum) and three open-ended questions (6 points max each).       The written test will be passed, with an overall score of at least 18/30. In case of a positive result, the written test is followed by the supplementary oral exam, which includes a discussion of the written test as well as the possibility of an oral question (5 points max).

Laboratory activities. Preparation of a MIC with broth macrodilution technique and evaluation of the sensitivity of a microorganism towards an essential oil. MBC setup. Bacterial and fungal sampling of surfaces. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis of bacteria (Gram stain) and fungi. Isolation and spreading of bacterial and fungal cultures.