Curricular Unit:			Code:
Bacteriological Diagnosis			908DBAC
Year:	Level:	Course:	Credits:
1	Master	Clinical Microbiology	6 ects
Learning Period:		Language of Instruction:	Total Hours:
		Portuguese	78
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
The aim of this curricular unit is to make students acquire scientific and technical competences to correctly perform laboratory diagnosis of infections of bacterial origin. The student should know the main bacterial etiological agents associated with different infections, should know how to manipulate and process clinical samples for bacteriological diagnosis, apply bacterial identification methods (classic, automated, immunological, molecular, top emerging methodologies), and know how to evaluate the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial agents, as well as recognize some of the most common resistance mechanisms. The student should also acquire competences that enable a correct interpretation of the clinical significance of the results obtained, as well as their integration in the context of other analytical results and clinical information of the patient.
Syllabus:
I. Analysis of clinical samples for diagnosis of bacterial infections Collection, transport and processing of samples Laboratory methods for bacterial identification II. Laboratory diagnosis of bacterial infections Commensal microflora and main etiological agents of infection, clinical samples and their processing (macroscopic and microscopic direct examination, culture), identification of the etiologic agent (conventional, immunological, molecular methods), and evaluation of its susceptibility to antibiotics (including detection of resistance mechanisms).
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
The syllabus, centered on an advanced scientific and technical approach, is fully consistent with the learning objectives of the curricular unit, as allow a wide acquisition, integration and application, in a gradual and oriented way, of the diverse fundamental and specific knowledge and methodologies in laboratory diagnosis of the main infections of bacterial origin. The workload of each of the content is also appropriated for the acquisition of the scientific and technical competences by the student. Therefore, the student should be able to achieve the intended learning objectives.
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
Theoretical-practical classes: exposition of theoretical concepts in the classroom and its practical application through analysis and resolution of clinical cases. Orientation of the student’s self-study by consultation of the recommended bibliography. Practical-laboratory classes: preparation, execution and discussion of laboratory protocols necessary for correct handling of clinical samples and for bacterial identification from these samples by standard, automated, immunological and molecular methods, as well as for the evaluation of susceptibility to antimicrobial agents and recognition of some of the most common mechanisms of resistance. Interpretation and discussion of the clinical significance of laboratory results obtained. Continuous assessment [including: i) two laboratory assessment tests and ii) individual work of the student, as resolutions of clinical cases, performance in the classroom and deepening of knowledge through literature search].
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
The teaching methodologies (theoretical exposition of concepts and their practical application through the analysis of clinical cases, guidance of self-study, orientation of laboratory work and discussion of results obtained) are fully consistent with the learning objectives of the curricular unit, as they allow an acquisition, critical reflection, gradual integration and application of the scientific and technical knowledge, and thus the acquisition of technical and scientific competences in the area of bacteriological diagnosis. Also enable the development of autonomy and the ability to work in teams, critical thinking and decision making. The workload of each of the syllabus content is also appropriated for the fulfillment of the learning outcomes. The constant interaction between teacher and student in the classroom and in individual tutorial sessions (in which the student will individually have the teacher’s support to fill in gaps or change study strategy) will allow to adequate the student to acquire the objectives. The laboratory assessment tests will be used to evaluate the individual technical-scientific knowledge and competences, allowing the confirmation of the learning outcomes fulfillment. The resolution of clinical cases, the deepening of scientific knowledge through literature search, and the application of acquired knowledge to already known situations, will contribute to stimulate scientific curiosity, to promote the student autonomy regarding the bibliographic search and reference management, and to exercise scientific communication skills.
Reading:
(1) Garcia, L. S. Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, 3rd Edition. ASM Press, 2010 (3rd edition). (2) Jorgensen, J. H., Pfaller, M. A., Carroll, K. C., Funke, G., Landry, M. L., Richter, S. S., Warnock, D. W. Manual of Clinical Microbiology- Volume 1. ASM Press, 2015 (11th edition). (3) Sousa, J. C. Manual de antibióticos antibacterianos. Edições UFP, 2007 (2ª edição). (4) Sousa, J. C., Cerqueira, F., Abreu, C. Microbiologia - Protocolos laboratoriais. Edições UFP, 2012 (2ª edição). (5) Artigos científicos atuais.