Class Microbiology

Provide knowledge about methods and application in the areas of microbiology. To know the main groups of microorganisms with importance in ecosystems, their implication in public health. In the laboratory component the objective is to learn the most common techniques of microbiology. Students should be able to handle microbial agents under the cond itions of hygiene and safety required, prepare solutions, material and culture media necessary to handle microbial agents and perform basic tests for their identification.

Teorical program:1.Introduction to the study of Microbiology. Importance and areas of application. 2.Taxonomic classification systems. 3.The prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Structure, morphology and physiology. Metabolism and growth. Mechanisms of pathogenicity 4.Microbial diversity: taxonomy and main characteristics. Domain Bacteria and Archaea. Algae, Fungi, Protozoa andother parasites. Viruses and prions 5.Effect of environmental factors on  microbial growth. Limiting factors and the study of their influence. Control of microbial growth. Physical and chemical agents. Antimicrobial power. Mechanisms of resistance of microorganisms.6.Ecological distribution. Interactions with other organisms.

Lab program:Safety rules. Preparation of culture media. Asepsis techniques. Inoculation and isolation of microorganisms.Study of mobility, bacterial growth. Microscopic observation of: bacteria, algae, fungi and protozoa. Morphological study of microorganisms.Microbiological analysis of water.

Within the scope of the curricular unit, videos and documents are made available on moodle to support the subject. These documents and didactic material allow the visualization of programmatic contents and facilitate the learning of the basic concepts necessary to achieve the objectives stipulated for the chair. Whenever possible, field trips are made to reinforce the syllabus and whenever possible the collection of samples to be used in the practical work of students in the laboratory.

•  Ferreira, W.F.C., Sousa, J.C., Li, N. (2010) Microbiologia. Lidel, Edições técnicas.

• Ferreira, W.F.C., Sousa, J.C. (1998) Microbiologia (vol. 1, 2, 3). Lidel, Edições técnicas.

• Forbes, B.A., Sahm, D.F., Weissfeld, A.S. (2007) Diagnostic Microbiology (12th ed.), Bailey & Scottis, Mosby.