Course Description The fundamentals of Microbiology include the study of microbes from a cellular and molecular perspective. This includes structure, nutrition, growth, control mechanisms, classification, and genetics of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The course is to deal with the etiology, pathogenesis, pathogenicity, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, control and prevention of these infections and infectious diseases. Course Objectives The student will demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental characteristics of microbes (cell structure, types, classification, industrial use); and the history of microbiology (theories, laws, procedures, laboratory equipment). The student will develop an understanding of microbial growth, metabolism, reproduction, nutrition, cultivation, collection, identification, physical and chemical control. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the host-parasite relationships, and principles of immunity which includes hypo and hypersensitivities. The student will correlate microbe with human diseases, and human physical-cellular manifestations. The student will be able to distinguish among DNA and RNA viruses with respect to their differences in structure, human diseases, reproduction, oncogenes and physical-cellular manifestations.