Presents basic concepts of bacteriology, virology, mycology and parasitology with a special focus on bacteria and viruses. The structure, morphology and genetics of microbes will be investigated, as well as their requirements for and patterns of growth. Other topics will include the human microbiota, mechanisms of pathogenicity, basic host defense mechanisms, antimicrobial chemotherapy and the development of microbial drug resistance. Finally, the epidemiology of infectious diseases, along with the characteristics and methods utilized in the control of classic and emerging pathogens will be addressed. In the laboratory, students will learn basic aseptic transfer, staining and culture techniques required for the isolation, identification and enumeration of microbes, and will investigate various factors affecting microbial growth, including antiseptics, disinfectants and antimicrobial drugs. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Pre-nursing students only. Prerequisites: BIO-111 with a minimum grade of C. [ 4 credits ]