AHMT 235 - Clinical Microbiology

Credit(s): 4

Prerequisite(s): AHMT 201, AHMT 205, AHMT 210, AHMT 230, AHMT 295v, AHMT 295x, and BIOM 250 with a minimum grade of 75% in both the lecture and laboratory portions of each course.
Corequisite(s): AHMT 295y.
This course connects the morphology and behavior of microorganisms to clinically significant situations. It includes the study and laboratory applications of antibiotic susceptibility methods and molecular techniques used in clinical microbiology. It also includes the pre-analytical phase of specimen collection and preparation and causative agents of various pathophysiological states. (Summer Semester)

Course Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to

Identify and differentiate between the members of aerobic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, list those members that are human pathogens and trace the methodology utilized for the identification of the bacteria.
Define and classify the anaerobic bacteria, discuss the methodology for isolation and identification, list infections associated with anaerobic bacteria, and describe the pathogenicity of these organisms.
Define basic concepts about antibiotics, trace the history of antibiotic therapy and antimicrobial susceptibility testing and describe current methodologies employed for the performance of antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Define the role of the clinical microbiology laboratory in the overall care of patients with infectious diseases, state the requirements for the collection and cultivation of microbiological specimens, and relate the interpretation of cultures.
Utilize interpretive, analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills in special microbiology clinical situations.
Define and classify the pathogenic fungi, describe the methodology for isolation and identification, list the infections associated with fungi, and describe the pathogenicity of these organisms.
Define and classify the Mycobacterium species, describe the methodology for isolation and identification, list the infections associated with Mycobacterium, and describe the pathogenicity of these organisms.
Construct, describe, compare, and contrast the life cycles of various parasite.s
Describe the proper procedures for collection and transport of Mycology, Mycobacterium, Parasitology and Viral cultures.
Describe various lab analyses that are relevant to Mycology, Mycobacterium, Parasitology, and Virology.
Demonstrate knowledge of positive professional attitude during lecture and laboratory sessions.