Bacteriology - Syllabus

**Course Syllabus: Bacteriology (STEP1 Exam Preparation)**

**COURSE INFORMATION**

* Course Title: Bacteriology for Medical Students
* Course Code: MED 522
* Credit Hours: 3 credits
* Prerequisites: Microbiology and Immunology courses (MED 321, MED 322)
* Instructor Information:
+ Name: Dr. Jane Smith, MD
+ Contact Information: [jane.smith@medicalschool.edu](mailto:jane.smith@medicalschool.edu), 555-1234

**COURSE DESCRIPTION**

Bacteriology is a fundamental course that covers the biology and epidemiology of bacteria, including their structure, growth, and metabolism. This course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of bacterial pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, essential knowledge for medical professionals. The target audience for this course includes medical students preparing for the STEP1 exam.

Bacteriology is crucial in clinical practice as it enables healthcare professionals to diagnose and manage bacterial infections effectively. Understanding the biology of bacteria is essential for developing effective treatments and preventing antibiotic resistance. This course will provide students with a solid foundation in bacteriology, enabling them to apply their knowledge in real-world clinical scenarios.

**LEARNING OBJECTIVES**

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

* Understand the structure and function of bacterial cells (Understand)
* Identify and describe common bacterial pathogens and their characteristics (Understand)
* Apply principles of microbiology to diagnose and manage bacterial infections (Apply)
* Analyze epidemiological data to understand the transmission and control of bacterial diseases (Analyze)
* Evaluate the efficacy of diagnostic tests and treatments for bacterial infections (Evaluate)

Specifically, students will be able to:

1. Explain the cell wall structure and function of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Understand)
2. Describe the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in bacteria (Understand)
3. Identify and classify common bacterial pathogens based on their clinical presentation and laboratory characteristics (Apply)
4. Analyze the epidemiology of bacterial outbreaks and develop strategies for control (Analyze)
5. Evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of PCR, culture, and serological tests for bacterial infections (Evaluate)
6. Compare and contrast different treatment options for bacterial infections (Understand)
7. Identify potential biomarkers for bacterial infections and their clinical relevance (Understand)
8. Describe the role of vaccination in preventing bacterial diseases (Understand)
9. Explain the principles of epidemiological investigation and reporting of bacterial outbreaks (Analyze)
10. Develop a plan for managing a patient with a suspected bacterial infection, including diagnostic testing and treatment options (Apply)

**COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE**

Week 1: Introduction to Bacteriology

* Overview of bacteriology
* History of bacteriology
* Importance of bacteriology in clinical practice

Week 2-3: Structure and Function of Bacterial Cells

* Cell wall structure and function
* Flagella and motility
* Reproduction and genetic material

Week 4-5: Common Bacterial Pathogens

* Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae)
* Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhi)
* Anaerobic bacteria (Bacteroides fragilis)

Week 6-7: Diagnosis and Management of Bacterial Infections

* Diagnostic tests for bacterial infections
* Treatment options for bacterial infections
* Antibiotic resistance and stewardship

Week 8-9: Epidemiology of Bacterial Diseases

* Transmission and control of bacterial diseases
* Epidemiological investigation and reporting
* Public health strategies for preventing bacterial outbreaks

Week 10-11: Vaccination and Immunization

* Principles of vaccination
* Types of vaccines (inactivated, live attenuated, conjugate)
* Importance of vaccination in preventing bacterial diseases

Week 12: Review and Practice Exams

* Review of key concepts
* Practice exams and case studies

**REQUIRED READINGS & RESOURCES**

Textbooks:

* Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology (10th edition)
* Microbiology: An Evolving Science (7th edition)

Journal Articles:

* "The Role of Antibiotic Resistance in Healthcare" (Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2020)
* "Epidemiology of Bacterial Outbreaks: A Review" (Infectious Disease Reviews, 2019)

Online Resources:

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Bacteriology
* World Health Organization (WHO) - Bacterial Diseases

Reference Materials:

* Laboratory Manual of Microbiology (8th edition)
* Bacteriology: A Practical Approach (2nd edition)

**ASSESSMENT & GRADING**

Grading Breakdown:

* Exams (40%): 3 exams, each worth 10-15%
* Assignments (20%): 5 assignments, each worth 4-6%
* Participation (20%): Class participation and attendance
* Final Project (20%): A comprehensive case study on a bacterial disease

Grading Scale:

A: 90-100%
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
D: 60-69%
F: Below 60%

**COURSE SCHEDULE**

Weekly Topics:

Week 1: Introduction to Bacteriology
Week 2-3: Structure and Function of Bacterial Cells
Week 4-5: Common Bacterial Pathogens
Week 6-7: Diagnosis and Management of Bacterial Infections
Week 8-9: Epidemiology of Bacterial Diseases
Week 10-11: Vaccination and Immunization
Week 12: Review and Practice Exams

Important Dates:

* Course start date: January 1, 2024
* Midterm exam date: February 15, 2024
* Final exam date: March 31, 2024

Exam Dates:

* Exam 1: February 15, 2024
* Exam 2: April 1, 2024
* Final Exam: March 31, 2024