Bacteriology - Syllabus
Bacteriology - Syllabus
Completion requirements
**COURSE SYLLABUS: Bacteriology**
**1. COURSE INFORMATION**
* Course Title: Principles of Bacteriology
* Course Code: MED 421
* Credit Hours: 3
* Prerequisites: Medical Microbiology (MED 321) and Immunology (IMM 301)
* Instructor Information:
+ Name: Dr. Jane Smith, MD, MPH
+ Email: [jsmith@medicalschool.edu](mailto:jsmith@medicalschool.edu)
+ Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-4 PM
**2. COURSE DESCRIPTION**
Bacteriology is a crucial component of medical education, as it provides fundamental knowledge of bacterial biology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. This course will delve into the world of bacteria, exploring their structure, physiology, classification, and clinical significance. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of bacteriology, enabling them to diagnose and manage infections effectively.
The target audience for this course includes medical students, residents, and practicing physicians who require a refresher on bacteriology or want to enhance their knowledge in this critical area. The relevance of bacteriology to medical practice is evident, as bacterial infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
**3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES**
* Understand the structure, physiology, and classification of bacteria (Understand)
+ Identify major bacterial groups and their characteristics
+ Describe the cell wall composition and morphology of different bacteria
+ Explain the role of flagella in bacterial motility
* Apply bacteriological principles to clinical practice (Apply)
+ Diagnose bacterial infections using Gram staining, culture, and molecular techniques
+ Develop treatment plans for common bacterial infections
+ Recognize the importance of antibiotic stewardship
* Analyze the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of bacterial infections (Analyze)
+ Identify high-risk groups for specific bacterial pathogens
+ Explain the role of healthcare-associated infections in hospital outbreaks
+ Describe the impact of antimicrobial resistance on public health
* Evaluate the effectiveness of bacteriological diagnostic tests and treatments (Evaluate)
+ Critically assess the strengths and limitations of different diagnostic methods
+ Compare the efficacy of various antibiotics against bacterial pathogens
+ Discuss the importance of infection control measures in preventing transmission
**4. COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE**
Week 1: Introduction to Bacteriology (Estimated hours: 2)
* Overview of bacteriological principles
* History and development of bacteriology as a medical discipline
Week 2-3: Structure and Physiology of Bacteria (Estimated hours: 5)
* Cell wall composition and morphology
* Flagella, pili, and fimbriae
* Metabolic processes and nutrient requirements
Week 4-5: Classification and Identification of Bacteria (Estimated hours: 5)
* Gram staining and biochemical identification
* Molecular techniques for bacterial identification
* Taxonomic classification of bacteria
Week 6-7: Clinical Significance of Bacterial Infections (Estimated hours: 10)
* Common bacterial pathogens and their clinical manifestations
* Diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections
* Antibiotic stewardship and resistance management
Week 8-9: Epidemiology and Transmission Dynamics of Bacterial Infections (Estimated hours: 10)
* High-risk groups for specific bacterial pathogens
* Healthcare-associated infections in hospital outbreaks
* Impact of antimicrobial resistance on public health
Week 10-11: Molecular Diagnostics and Treatment Options (Estimated hours: 10)
* PCR, DNA sequencing, and other molecular diagnostic techniques
* Antibiotic pharmacodynamics and antibiotic stewardship
Week 12: Review and Practice Exams (Estimated hours: 5)
**5. REQUIRED READINGS & RESOURCES**
* Textbooks:
+ "Bacteriology" by John R. Sneath, Pauliina E. Fuerst, Peter Nedelgelovitch, and Edward L. Proctor
+ "Microbiology: An Evolving Science" by David M. Lewandowski
* Journal articles:
+ J. Infect. Dis.
+ Clin. Microbiol. Rev.
+ Emerg. Infect. Dis.
* Online resources:
+ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
+ World Health Organization (WHO)
+ National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
**6. ASSESSMENT & GRADING**
* Exams: 60% (3 exams, 2 hours each)
* Assignments: 20% (5 assignments, 1-2 pages each)
* Participation: 10% (class participation and engagement)
* Grading scale:
+ A: 90-100%
+ B: 80-89%
+ C: 70-79%
+ D: 60-69%
+ F: below 60%
**7. COURSE SCHEDULE**
Week 1: Introduction to Bacteriology (Jan 3 - Jan 7)
* Reading assignment: Chapters 1-2 in "Bacteriology"
* In-class discussion: Overview of bacteriological principles
Week 2-3: Structure and Physiology of Bacteria (Jan 10 - Jan 21)
* Reading assignments:
+ Chapters 3-5 in "Bacteriology"
+ Articles on flagella, pili, and fimbriae
* In-class discussion: Cell wall composition and morphology
Week 4-5: Classification and Identification of Bacteria (Jan 24 - Feb 4)
* Reading assignments:
+ Chapters 6-8 in "Bacteriology"
+ Articles on Gram staining and biochemical identification
* In-class discussion: Taxonomic classification of bacteria
Week 6-7: Clinical Significance of Bacterial Infections (Feb 7 - Feb 18)
* Reading assignments:
+ Chapters 9-11 in "Bacteriology"
+ Articles on common bacterial pathogens and clinical manifestations
* In-class discussion: Diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections
Week 8-9: Epidemiology and Transmission Dynamics of Bacterial Infections (Feb 21 - Mar 4)
* Reading assignments:
+ Chapters 12-14 in "Bacteriology"
+ Articles on high-risk groups, healthcare-associated infections, and antimicrobial resistance
* In-class discussion: Impact of antimicrobial resistance on public health
Week 10-11: Molecular Diagnostics and Treatment Options (Mar 7 - Mar 18)
* Reading assignments:
+ Chapters 15-17 in "Bacteriology"
+ Articles on PCR, DNA sequencing, and antibiotic pharmacodynamics
* In-class discussion: Antibiotic stewardship and resistance management
Week 12: Review and Practice Exams (Mar 21 - Mar 25)
**8. COURSE POLICIES**
* Attendance policy: Regular attendance is expected. More than two unexcused absences will negatively impact participation grades.
* Academic integrity: Plagiarism and academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any instances of academic misconduct will result in severe consequences, including failure in the course or revocation of university credit.
* Late submission policy: Assignments submitted more than 24 hours after the due date will incur a penalty of 10% per day.
* Accommodations:
+ Students with disabilities should contact the instructor and the Disability Services office to arrange accommodations.
Note: This is a sample syllabus and may need to be modified based on specific institutional requirements and local regulations.
**1. COURSE INFORMATION**
* Course Title: Principles of Bacteriology
* Course Code: MED 421
* Credit Hours: 3
* Prerequisites: Medical Microbiology (MED 321) and Immunology (IMM 301)
* Instructor Information:
+ Name: Dr. Jane Smith, MD, MPH
+ Email: [jsmith@medicalschool.edu](mailto:jsmith@medicalschool.edu)
+ Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-4 PM
**2. COURSE DESCRIPTION**
Bacteriology is a crucial component of medical education, as it provides fundamental knowledge of bacterial biology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. This course will delve into the world of bacteria, exploring their structure, physiology, classification, and clinical significance. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of bacteriology, enabling them to diagnose and manage infections effectively.
The target audience for this course includes medical students, residents, and practicing physicians who require a refresher on bacteriology or want to enhance their knowledge in this critical area. The relevance of bacteriology to medical practice is evident, as bacterial infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
**3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES**
* Understand the structure, physiology, and classification of bacteria (Understand)
+ Identify major bacterial groups and their characteristics
+ Describe the cell wall composition and morphology of different bacteria
+ Explain the role of flagella in bacterial motility
* Apply bacteriological principles to clinical practice (Apply)
+ Diagnose bacterial infections using Gram staining, culture, and molecular techniques
+ Develop treatment plans for common bacterial infections
+ Recognize the importance of antibiotic stewardship
* Analyze the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of bacterial infections (Analyze)
+ Identify high-risk groups for specific bacterial pathogens
+ Explain the role of healthcare-associated infections in hospital outbreaks
+ Describe the impact of antimicrobial resistance on public health
* Evaluate the effectiveness of bacteriological diagnostic tests and treatments (Evaluate)
+ Critically assess the strengths and limitations of different diagnostic methods
+ Compare the efficacy of various antibiotics against bacterial pathogens
+ Discuss the importance of infection control measures in preventing transmission
**4. COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE**
Week 1: Introduction to Bacteriology (Estimated hours: 2)
* Overview of bacteriological principles
* History and development of bacteriology as a medical discipline
Week 2-3: Structure and Physiology of Bacteria (Estimated hours: 5)
* Cell wall composition and morphology
* Flagella, pili, and fimbriae
* Metabolic processes and nutrient requirements
Week 4-5: Classification and Identification of Bacteria (Estimated hours: 5)
* Gram staining and biochemical identification
* Molecular techniques for bacterial identification
* Taxonomic classification of bacteria
Week 6-7: Clinical Significance of Bacterial Infections (Estimated hours: 10)
* Common bacterial pathogens and their clinical manifestations
* Diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections
* Antibiotic stewardship and resistance management
Week 8-9: Epidemiology and Transmission Dynamics of Bacterial Infections (Estimated hours: 10)
* High-risk groups for specific bacterial pathogens
* Healthcare-associated infections in hospital outbreaks
* Impact of antimicrobial resistance on public health
Week 10-11: Molecular Diagnostics and Treatment Options (Estimated hours: 10)
* PCR, DNA sequencing, and other molecular diagnostic techniques
* Antibiotic pharmacodynamics and antibiotic stewardship
Week 12: Review and Practice Exams (Estimated hours: 5)
**5. REQUIRED READINGS & RESOURCES**
* Textbooks:
+ "Bacteriology" by John R. Sneath, Pauliina E. Fuerst, Peter Nedelgelovitch, and Edward L. Proctor
+ "Microbiology: An Evolving Science" by David M. Lewandowski
* Journal articles:
+ J. Infect. Dis.
+ Clin. Microbiol. Rev.
+ Emerg. Infect. Dis.
* Online resources:
+ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
+ World Health Organization (WHO)
+ National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
**6. ASSESSMENT & GRADING**
* Exams: 60% (3 exams, 2 hours each)
* Assignments: 20% (5 assignments, 1-2 pages each)
* Participation: 10% (class participation and engagement)
* Grading scale:
+ A: 90-100%
+ B: 80-89%
+ C: 70-79%
+ D: 60-69%
+ F: below 60%
**7. COURSE SCHEDULE**
Week 1: Introduction to Bacteriology (Jan 3 - Jan 7)
* Reading assignment: Chapters 1-2 in "Bacteriology"
* In-class discussion: Overview of bacteriological principles
Week 2-3: Structure and Physiology of Bacteria (Jan 10 - Jan 21)
* Reading assignments:
+ Chapters 3-5 in "Bacteriology"
+ Articles on flagella, pili, and fimbriae
* In-class discussion: Cell wall composition and morphology
Week 4-5: Classification and Identification of Bacteria (Jan 24 - Feb 4)
* Reading assignments:
+ Chapters 6-8 in "Bacteriology"
+ Articles on Gram staining and biochemical identification
* In-class discussion: Taxonomic classification of bacteria
Week 6-7: Clinical Significance of Bacterial Infections (Feb 7 - Feb 18)
* Reading assignments:
+ Chapters 9-11 in "Bacteriology"
+ Articles on common bacterial pathogens and clinical manifestations
* In-class discussion: Diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections
Week 8-9: Epidemiology and Transmission Dynamics of Bacterial Infections (Feb 21 - Mar 4)
* Reading assignments:
+ Chapters 12-14 in "Bacteriology"
+ Articles on high-risk groups, healthcare-associated infections, and antimicrobial resistance
* In-class discussion: Impact of antimicrobial resistance on public health
Week 10-11: Molecular Diagnostics and Treatment Options (Mar 7 - Mar 18)
* Reading assignments:
+ Chapters 15-17 in "Bacteriology"
+ Articles on PCR, DNA sequencing, and antibiotic pharmacodynamics
* In-class discussion: Antibiotic stewardship and resistance management
Week 12: Review and Practice Exams (Mar 21 - Mar 25)
**8. COURSE POLICIES**
* Attendance policy: Regular attendance is expected. More than two unexcused absences will negatively impact participation grades.
* Academic integrity: Plagiarism and academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any instances of academic misconduct will result in severe consequences, including failure in the course or revocation of university credit.
* Late submission policy: Assignments submitted more than 24 hours after the due date will incur a penalty of 10% per day.
* Accommodations:
+ Students with disabilities should contact the instructor and the Disability Services office to arrange accommodations.
Note: This is a sample syllabus and may need to be modified based on specific institutional requirements and local regulations.
Last modified: Sunday, 9 November 2025, 5:47 PM