This course focuses on the nature of microbial organisms and offers a comprehensive survey of
infectious diseases of humans, with major emphasis on the biology of the infectious process. Important
infectious pathogenic agents (bacteria, viruses, protozoa) are studied in terms of their physiological
functions and the properties which permit them to be pathogens. The epidemiology and pathogenesis of
infections, analysis of the dynamic interactions between invading organisms and the defense mechanisms of
the invaded hosts, clinical pictures of the disease states, and prevention of infection are explored. The
laboratory exercises provide an introduction to basic microbiology and modern diagnostic and clinical
microbiology.
Prerequisites
None