Clinical MicrobiologyLaajuus (8 ECTS)

Objective

Students become capable of carrying out basic laboratory assignments in clinical microbiology. Students are familiar with legislation governing microbiological laboratory activities, including authorisation procedures. They understand quality control in clinical microbiology tests as a whole, starting from the basics of sampling. They familiarise themselves with pharmacology in the field, adopt appropriate aseptic practices in microbiological laboratory work and learn about the basics of epidemiology.

Content

General microbiology, clinical microbiology and epidemiology
Legislation governing communicable diseases, organisation of infection control in Finland, authorisation of laboratory activities and obligation to report findings
Culture media for bacteria and fungi
Theoretical foundations of sampling in clinical microbiology
Structures of bacteria, fungi and parasites in terms of the functions of analysis methods and extermination of microbes; taxonomy, normal flora
Basic techniques and equipment
Methods of analysing the most significant aerobic bacteria in clinical terms, primary yeast and filamentous fungi and main parasites found in Finland and related infectious diseases
Viral and bacterial genetics
Essentials of antimicrobial pharmaceuticals, groups of antibiotics, determination of bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics, the SIR classification system (sensitive, intermediate, resistant) and determination of minimal inhibition concentration (MIC)
Blood, urine and faecal cultures; identification of samples obtained from body surfaces; bacteriological and mycological investigation of aspirates
Development and identification of bacterial strains causing nosocomial infections
Key viral diseases and laboratory diagnostics of these.

General Microbiology and Bacteriology, 4 cr; Virology, 2 cr; Parasitology, 1 cr; Mycology, 1 cr

Qualifications

Cell Biology, Immunology, Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Haematology