Microbiology I

Code:

MIMD020106

Acronym:

MICRO I

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2025/2026 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	https://moodle2526.up.pt/course/view.php?id=153
Responsible unit:	Gestão Académica
Course/CS Responsible:	Integrated Master in Dental Medicine

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIMD	71	Official Plan from the academic year 2020/2021	2	-	4	54	108
		Official Plan for the Academic Year 2025/2026	2	-	4	54	108

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

At the end of the Microbiology I curricular unit is expected that students aquire knowledge and understand:
i) the diversity and importance of the microbial world;
ii) the microbial taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, metabolism and genetics;  
iii) the main mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity; and
iv) the taxonomic, morphological, reproductive and cultural characteristics as well as diagnosis of bacteria, fungi, parasites, virus and prions.
Additionally, it is expected that students aquire knowledge, understand and acquire technical skills in laboratorial methods and techniques used in microorganisms handling, isolation, characterization, identification and study.

Learning outcomes and competences

At the end of the Microbiology I course, students are expected to have the following skills:

- be able to distinguish the different types of microorganisms in relation to their anatomy, physiology and genetics;

- be able to list the taxonomic, morphological, reproductive, cultural and diagnostic characteristics of bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses and prions;
- be able to list the main pathogenic mechanisms and associate them with clinically relevant microorganisms;
- be able to handle biological samples;

- be able to manipulate, cultivate and isolate microorganisms and

- be able to characterize and identify clinically relevant microorganisms.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

NA

Program

1) Introduction to microbial world: history and importance.
2) Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells biology.
3) Microbial nutrition and metabolism.
4) Microbial growth.
5) Microbial genetics.
6) Classification of microorganisms.
7) Microbial virulence.
8) The Prokaryotes: Domains Bacteria and Archaea. Taxonomy, morphology, reproduction, culture and diagnosis.
9) The Eukaryotes: Fungi and Parasites. Taxonomy, morphology, reproduction, culture and diagnosis.
10) Virus and prions. Taxonomy, morphology, replication and diagnosis.

Mandatory literature

Gerard J. Tortora; Microbiology. ISBN: 978-1-292-09914-9
Ferreira Wanda F. Canas 340; Microbiologia. ISBN: 978-972-757-515-2
Helena Barroso, António Meliço-Silvestre, Nuno Taveira; Microbiologia Médica, Lidel, 2014. ISBN: 978-972-757-576-3
Johnson Ted R.; Laboratory experiments in microbiology. ISBN: 0-8053-8292-5

Complementary Bibliography

Bagg Jeremy 070; Essentials of microbiology for dental students. ISBN: 0-19-856489-9
Lamont Richard J. 340; Oral microbiology and immunology. ISBN: 1-55581-262-7
Murray Patrick R. 070; Medical microbiology. ISBN: 0-8151-9035-2
Gerard J. Tortora, Berdell R. Funke, Christine L. Case, Warner B. Bair, Derek Weber; Microbiology: An Introduction, 14th edition, Pearson, 2024. ISBN: 9780138200398

Teaching methods and learning activities

The teaching/learning methodology of the Microbiology I curricular unit includes theoretical classes (1h of weekly contact), practical classes (2h of weekly contact) and a virtual learning environment (Moodle). The Moodle platform is used to: i) make content available (class slides, protocol book, scientific articles, educational videos, assessment results); ii) carrying out assessments and iii) as a means of communication.
In theoretical classes, the previously made available program content is discussed (Flipped classroom model) and a weekly formative assessment is carried out (Moodle). In practical classes, laboratory protocols for microbial culture and clinical diagnosis are carried out, with a weekly summative assessment being carried out.

keywords

Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Botany > Mycology
Health sciences > Medical sciences > Medicine > Infections
Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Biology > Microbiology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Teste	85,00
Trabalho laboratorial	15,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo
Frequência das aulas
Trabalho laboratorial
Total:	0,00

Eligibility for exams

Attendance of 75% of the total practical classes taught.
Minimum score of 10 points in the sum of all evaluation components (out of 20).

Calculation formula of final grade

Final grade (Max 20 points) = Theoretical component assessment (Max 15 points) + Practical component assessment (Max 5 points)

Theoretical component assessment = Grade of Written Test 1 - 1st Test (Max 7.5 points) + Grade of Written Test 2 - 2nd Test (Max 7.5 points)

Practical component assessment = Sum of laboratory tests* (Max 3 points) + Written test (Max 2 points)

* To be carried out in all practical classes with the exception of the first introductory class to the laboratory (the worst grade will be removed).

Examinations or Special Assignments

NA

Internship work/project

NA

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

The same assessment rules described above apply to students with special status. There is the right to replace written tests, but there is no right to replace laboratory tests to be carried out during practical classes.

Classification improvement

Students may improve their grade in the theoretical component by taking a written test during the resit exam period.