Course

Unit 1

Basic Concepts of Microbiology – Spontaneous generation, Germ theory of diseases, Cell theory. Contributions of Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, Joseph Lister, Robert Koch, Louis Pasteur, Edward Jenner, John Tyndall, Sergei N. Winogradsky, Selman A Waksman, Alexander Fleming, Paul Ehrlich, Fannie Hesse, Elie Metchnikoff, Kary Mullis. Development of pure culture methods.

Unit 2

Prokaryotic Cell Ultra-StructurePeptidoglycan structure and Archaeal cell wall composition, and Acid-fast cell wall. Antibiotics introduction and multidrug resistance crisis. Cytoplasmic matrix and components: Inclusion bodies, Flagella, Pili, Endospores

Unit 3

Microbial Control: Sterilization and disinfection- Definitions, Principles. Methods of sterilization- Physical methods (Heat, Filtration), Radiation, and Chemical methods. Control of sterilization and testing of sterility.

Unit 4

Concepts of Microscopy – Principles, Light microscope, Phase Contrast, Darkfield, Bright field, Fluorescent, Interference microscope (Stereo microscope), Confocal, Inverted microscope, and Electron microscope (TEM and SEM) and Atomic force microscope. Measurement of Microorganisms- Micrometry. Staining- Simple, Gram staining, Negative staining, Capsule staining, Spore staining, Flagellar staining, Nuclear staining and Acid-fast staining.

Unit 5

Physiology of Microbes: Microbiological media, composition and types: selective and differential media Growth curve and growth kinetics. Influence of environmental factors on microbial growth. Nutritional groups of bacteria: overview Estimation of Microbes- Direct Microscopic count, Turbidometric assay, TVC- Indirect Method- CO2 liberation- Protein estimation- Maintenance and Preservation of cultures. Determination of decimal reduction time: D value and Z value. Introduction to biofilms.

A basic course introducing the prokaryotic world with specific reference to the metabolic, physiological, and morphological characteristics of microbes.

COURSE OUTCOMES:

After completing the course, students shall be able to

CO1:  Retrieve the contributions of pioneers in Microbiology.

CO2:  Explain the prokaryotic cell structure and functions.

CO3:  Illustrate the concept of microscopy and basic microbiology techniques.

CO4: Understand the basics of microbial nutrition and methods of determining growth curves of bacteria.

• Prescott, L.M J.P. Harley and C.A. Klein 1995. Microbiology 2nd edition Wm, C. Brown publishers.
• Michael J. Pelczar, Jr. E.C.S. Chan, Moel: Microbiology 7th edition Mc Graw Hill Book R. Krieg, 1986 Company.
• Stainer R.Y. Ingraham J.L. Wheolis H.H and Painter P.R. 1986 The Microbial world, 5th edition. Eagle Works Cliffs N.J. Prentice-Hall.