Qualification objective
The module teaches the basics of medical microbiology. Students acquire an understanding of the relevant bacteria, parasites and fungi that occur as human pathogens. In addition, basic mechanisms, techniques and principles of microbiology are presented.
The lecture provides the theoretical foundations. In the internship, molecular mechanisms are investigated experimentally and students gain an insight into the microbiological diagnosis of pathogens. In the seminar, current research results are deepened and discussed.

Competencies
Lecture: After attending the lecture, students will have a basic understanding of general and specific disease mechanisms and the factors that trigger the molecular pathogenesis of these pathogens (molecular pathogenesis). They know the specific interaction mechanisms of the immune system with microbial pathogens (host-pathogen interaction). After the course, they will be familiar with specific examples, particularly from the field of bacterial pathogenesis. Students will also have developed a basic understanding of current threats posed by human pathogenic microorganisms. They also have an understanding of current problems of human diseases and their prevention (e.g. through vaccines) and treatment (e.g. through antibiotics) and the problems of antibiotic resistance. At the same time, they have developed basic skills in how to combat current problems caused by microbial pathogens, e.g. how to design new forms of therapy and develop vaccines.
Seminar: Students are able to sharpen their critical view of scientific literature and discussion, to engage in scientific discussion themselves and to develop their skills in scientific writing and presentation.
Internship: Students are able to recognize the most important pathogens with the help of classical microbiological methods and molecular diagnostic laboratory methods and to think through a procedure for the exact identification of infectious pathogens.
In addition, students acquire a broad understanding of scientific questions and methodological solutions in the field of infection research using practical examples from the field of microbial cell interaction (adherence, invasion, immunomodulation, intracellular survival of bacteria).