Biology

General skills Today’s view of Microbiology has gone far beyond the simple idea of microbes as causative agents of a diversified spectrum of human pathologies. The current opinion considers microorganisms mainly as vital components of eukaryotic organisms, major constituents of ecosystems, and key mediators in productive and industrial processes. Our course in Microbiology and Virology is therefore intended to provide students with the knowledge clues required to understand the dual nature of the microbial world. The focus is on progressively integrating specific notions about bacterial and viral structures, their functional relationships, and the organization and evolution of genomes into a logical learning path. This will secure the understanding of the molecular mechanisms which regulate the interaction of microorganisms with both biotic and abiotic environments. Students will thus acquire the competences to assess the role of microorganisms in biomedical, biotechnological, and environmental area. Specific skills A) Knowledge and understanding. The student will have acquired knowledge and understanding - Organization of viral genomes and multiplication strategies of viruses - Virus-host cell interactions and genetic mechanisms of virus evolution B) Applying knowledge and understanding - Understanding the key role played by microrganisms in the interactions with the host and the environment. - Understanding the biological processes of multicellular organisms banking on the knowledge acquired from the microrganisms C) Making judgments - Being able to analyze in a thoughtful and informed manner the information on the microbes world - Making informed decisions on the use of products derived from viruses and on the importance of vaccinations D) Communication skills - Being able to communicate to the public the notions learned on the microbe world in a correct and informed manner - Being able to fully interpret any microorganisms-associated phenomena from both a personal and social point of view. E) Learning skills -be able to make logical connection among different topics covered -learning the specific terminology