Clinical Microbiology 322-D and 322-C

Course Description

The didactic course (322-D, 7 semester hours) is a prerequisite for the clinical course (322-C, 4 semester hours). Clinical Microbiology includes the study of bacteriology, parasitology, mycology, and virology. Students study methods and perform techniques used in isolating and identifying microorganisms, both pathogenic and normal flora, that are found in human specimens. Other topics studied include susceptibility testing, hospital epidemiology, and quality control.

Objectives

Upon the conclusion of the didactic and clinical portions of the Clinical Microbiology course, the student will correctly:

Name and discuss diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms.
Discuss methods used in the isolation and identification of microorganisms.
Compare and contrast microbiological media used in the isolation and identification of bacteria and fungus, parasites and viruses.
Discuss, perform and interpret biochemical or other test methods used in the identification of bacteria and fungus, parasites and viruses.
Discuss modes of action and mechanisms of resistance of antimicrobial agents.
Compare and contrast methods used to determine bacterial susceptibility or resistance to antibiotics.
Discuss the life cycles and associated disease states of parasites studied.
Identify parasites based on microscopic morphology.
Discuss methods used in the recovery and identification of viruses.
Discuss molecular methods used in the identification of microorganisms.
Correlate and apply Microbiology theory with clinical laboratory policies and procedures.
Perform, record and evaluate quality control in the Microbiology lab.

Evaluation Methods:

Achievement of the objectives will be demonstrated by obtaining an average final grade of 80% or better on lecture examinations, laboratory practicals, unknown organism identifications and student evaluations. Written tests and laboratory practical examinations will be based on material presented during lecture, student laboratory sessions, required reading assignments and course objectives. Each of the final written and practical examinations in bacteriology, mycology, parasitology and virology are comprehensive. Tests will be given on the dates as scheduled. Students missing test days will be given an alternate test on a day at the convenience of the instructor.

Grades

The grade received in this course is based on scores obtained on all tests given and an affective evaluation. The affective (behavioral) evaluation will count as a test grade. The grading scale, as stated in the student handbook is:

A = 94-100%
B = 86-93%
C = 80-85%
F = <80%

Required Textbook

Mahon, Connie R., Donald C. Lehman and George Manuselis, TEXTBOOK OF DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY. Maryland Heights, Missouri: WB Saunders Company, 4th edition, 2011.

Parasitology Manual / Instructors Notes