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MLT 250 Clinical Microbiology I

This course covers microbial structure, growth, and control. Pathogenesis of infectious disease and interactions between microbes and humans are studied. The processes of isolation, identification, and susceptibility testing of clinically significant microbes are learned. This course also covers clinically significant pathogens, the diseases associated with them, and the role of the clinical microbiology laboratory in their diagnoses.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: BIO 121 and (CHM 110 or CHM 150) and MLT 121

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

MLT 250 Clinical Microbiology I

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Effective Date

2024-51

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: BIO 121 and (CHM 110 or CHM 150) and MLT 121

Course Credits and Hours

4 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

4 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course covers microbial structure, growth, and control. Pathogenesis of infectious disease and interactions between microbes and humans are studied. The processes of isolation, identification, and susceptibility testing of clinically significant microbes are learned. This course also covers clinically significant pathogens, the diseases associated with them, and the role of the clinical microbiology laboratory in their diagnoses.

Additional Materials

Lab coat, gloves, permanent marker. Refer to information provided by instructor

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Relate microbial physiology to the infectious disease process and the diagnostic procedures of the clinical microbiology laboratory. (CCC 1, 2, 6; PGC 4, 6 )
  2. Identify indigenous and clinically significant microbes that may be encountered in human clinical specimens. (CCC 1, 2, 6; PGC 6)
  3. Describe methodologies that are used to cultivate, identify, and test susceptibility of microbes in clinical specimens, and identify variables that can affect laboratory results. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 )
  4. Describe laboratory operations as related to the clinical microbiology laboratory to include requirements for quality assurance and safety of personnel. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 2, 5, 7 )

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Relate microbial physiology to the infectious disease process and the diagnostic procedures of the clinical microbiology laboratory.
    1. Describe structures of cellular components of microbes and the functions and differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic components.
    2. Explain the importance of the chemical composition of the cell wall to cell morphology, survival, and staining reaction.
    3. List and describe chemical, physical, and nutritional factors that influence microbial growth.
    4. Describe the phases of microbial growth, and relate them to the infectious disease process.
    5. Identify the steps in the replication cycle of viruses.
    6. Describe how specific virulence factors contribute to the infectious disease process.
    7. Explain the physiological cellular processes as determined by the growth patterns in or on various media.
    8. Relate the chain of infection and modes of prevention to clinically significant microbes.
  2. Identify indigenous and clinically significant microbes that may be encountered in human clinical specimens.
    1. Categorize an organism as indigenous, opportunistic, or pathogenic according to species and specimen source.
    2. Identify obligate intracellular pathogens and the infectious diseases they cause.
    3. Identify bacterial pathogens and the infectious diseases they cause.
    4. Discuss emerging infectious diseases, and relate epidemiology terms to a particular disease.
  3. Describe methodologies that are used to cultivate, identify, and test susceptibility of microbes in clinical specimens and identify variables that can affect laboratory results.
    1. Describe various stains and microscopic procedures used in the clinical microbiology laboratory.
    2. Perform biochemical testing, and explain the reactions that occur in relation to identifying microbes.
    3. Differentiate among the various methods of susceptibility testing, and discuss whether each is capable of determining minimum inhibitory concentration or minimum bactericidal concentration.
    4. Perform antibiotic susceptibility testing on bacterial species, and interpret the results to include whether the antibiotics used were narrow spectrum, broad spectrum, bacteriostatic, or bactericidal.
    5. Determine the composition of the various media used to culture specimens, the categories of them, and the purpose of using them in cultivating pathogens from clinical specimens.
    6. Describe standard immunological, molecular and serological procedures used in the clinical microbiology laboratory.
  4. Describe laboratory operations as related to the clinical microbiology laboratory to include requirements for quality assurance and safety of personnel.
    1. Describe the role of quality assurance in the clinical microbiology laboratory.
    2. Perform and record quality control on organisms, media, equipment, and/or reagents used in the microbiology laboratory, and determine the cause of any outliers.
    3. Discuss the role of quality assurance to quality control and continuous quality improvement.
    4. Use aseptic technique while handling stock cultures.
    5. Explain techniques used to prevent disease transmission in healthcare facilities and in the clinical laboratory.
    6. Use appropriate personal protective equipment in the microbiology laboratory.

 

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Formative: Case studies -(5-10) (equally weighted)

6.5%

Summative: Tests-(5-8) (equally weighted)

45.5%

Formative: Homework Assignments & lecture quizzes-(equally weighted)

 

13%

Formative: Lab exercises-(equally weighted)

17.5%

Summative: Practical-(2-5) (equally weighted)

17.5%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Collect, process and analyze biological specimens and other related substances.
  2. Recognize factors that affect procedures and results, and take appropriate actions within predetermined limits and corrections are indicated.
  3. Perform and monitor quality control within predetermined limits.
  4. Apply basic scientific principles for application in medical laboratory procedures and methodologies.
  5. Employ safety principles according to health and environmental regulations.
  6. Correlate laboratory results with common disease processes and treatments for diagnosis.
  7. Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other healthcare personnel and the public.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Search?q=attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal