Molecular Microbiology | Makerere University Courses

Course Code:

MBS 7113

Course Credit Units:

3

Semester:

Semester 1

Year of Study:

Year 1

Undergraduate or Graduate Level:

Graduate Level

Academic Programs:

Master of Science In Molecular Biology And Biotechnology

College:

College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Bio-security

School:

School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources

Department:

Veterinary Parasitology and Microbiology

Course Discipline:

science

Course Description & Objectives:

The course is concerned with aspects of microbiology including description of the detailed organizational structure of bacteria, fungi and viruses; an examination of the regulation of the growth of viruses, bacteria and fungi and the molecular determination of virulence in pathogenic microorganisms. The action of antimicrobial drugs and drug resistance mechanisms by the microbes is also considered. Insights into the taxonomy of microorganisms based on phenetic and phylogenetic approaches are also discussed. The course also describes how growth and interaction between microorganisms and the environment is regulated at the molecular level. During practical sessions, students will have the opportunity of applying the techniques of microbial isolation, pure culture preparation and genetic analyses of selected microbes. Objectives

To impart knowledge on the major ultrastructural features and classification of fungi, bacteria and viruses.
To explain the basic features of virus replication at the molecular level with specific reference to the molecular pathogenesis of selected viruses
To familiarize the student with the general aspects of microbial genetics
To enlighten the student on the mechanisms by which microorganisms interact with each other, grow and survive extreme environmental conditions.
To enable students distinguish the mechanisms of microbes and virus interaction with the host cells at a molecular level, and understand the mechanisms of survival within the host cell
To impart knowledge on how bacteria and fungi grow and develop including the process of cell division and spore formation.
To familiarize the students with the general principles of antimicrobial drug action and drug resistance mechanisms and their application in controlling microbial growth

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, the students should be able:

To describe the detailed structure of the virion and the bacterial and fungal cells and the major structures of importance to a molecular biologist
To evaluate and select appropriate approaches for taxonomical studies
To describe the mechanisms of virus replication and their applicability in viral disease control or treatment
To identify the likely microflora in a given environment, mechanisms of survival and how they can be isolated
To identify and detect and the microbial virulence factors by phenotypic and genotypic methods in the laboratory
To describe the mechanisms of drug action against the microbes and drug resistance mechanisms at a molecular level.