Pathophysiology & Microbiology

The other part of this unit introduces students to Microbiology. Students will firstly study the nature and types of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa. The topics address their structure, physiology, growth, diversity, inter-relationship and control mechanisms. Emphasis of this study will be on the role of microorganisms in infectious diseases, the nature of microbial infections indifferent body systems, infection control, immunity and mechanisms of host resistance, common vaccines, the mode of action of antibiotics, and the development of drug resistance. The importance of the human microbiome in health and disease will also be taught.

1. Describe and explain the patho-physiological change and clinical manifestation of disorders of water and electrolyte metabolism, disorders of acid-base balance, shock, disorders of coagulation and anticoagulation balance, ischemia-reperfusion injury, pulmonary pathophysiology, cardiovascular dysfunction, hepatic pathophysiology and renal dysfunction.
2. Describe and differentiate the common types of microorganisms.
3. Explain and evaluate the structure, physiology and lifecycles of viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa, and the roles of microorganisms in physiology and human disease.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between microorganisms and human immunity, principles of infection control.
5. Explain the modes of action of commonly used antibiotics, vaccines and how microorganisms become resistant to drugs.

Assessment 2: Microbiology Essay (25%)

Assessment 3: Final examination (50%)

Porth, C. (2014). Essentials of pathophysiology: Concept of altered health states (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Murray, P. R. et al. (2016). Medical Microbiology (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.

Willey, J. M. et al. (2017). Prescott’s Microbiology (10th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.