Microbiology Foundations

Explore the fascinating microscopic world of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and prions that profoundly impact human health and disease. Learn evidence-based infection prevention strategies and antimicrobial stewardship principles essential for safe patient care and public health protection. Develop critical skills in microbial identification and infection control protocols fundamental to nursing practice. By the end of this course, you will be able to: Classify and differentiate bacterial structures, including Gram-positive vs. Gram-negative characteristics and metabolic processes Analyze viral biology, replication mechanisms, and the spectrum from pathogenic to beneficial viruses in human health Identify eukaryotic microbes including pathogenic yeasts, molds, and parasitic organisms from protozoa to helminths Evaluate prion biology and unique infectious mechanisms in neurological diseases like BSE and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease Skills: Microbial Identification, Infection Control, Evidence-Based Practice