4.00 Credits
A course designed to provide students with an introduction to the biology of microbes, including a review of the biology and chemistry of cells. Students explore the positive and negative interactions between microorganisms and humans, focusing on their impact on human health. The characteristics and classification of microbes as bacteria, protists, fungi, helminths, viruses, and prions are discussed. The biological basis of clinical activities in infection prevention, control, and treatment is emphasized. The human immune response to fight against infectious disease is introduced. The laboratory portion of the course focuses on aseptic technique, microscopy, diagnostic microbiology, and control of microbial growth