DOH133 Oral Microbiology (8)

The subject introduces microorganisms, their characteristics and how they affect humans. Infection, inflammation and basic immunology, will be core concepts of the subject. The cultivation, enumeration, and identification of microrganisms, and ways that their growth can be controlled are emphasised. The mechanisms by which medically important microorganisms cause disease, and human defences and precautions against infection are introduced. Classes of microorganisms of specific relevance to the common oral diseases of gingivitis, periodontitis and dental caries will be discussed in detail.

Subject Outlines
Current CSU students can view Subject Outlines for recent sessions. Please note that Subject Outlines and assessment tasks are updated each session.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
On Campus
Orange Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: DOH133. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Dentistry and Health Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Dental Science course.

Incompatible Subjects

BIO118, BMS115, MCR101

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to describe the structure and function of micro-organisms;
  • be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the processes used to study micro-organisms
  • be able to describe the means by which micro-organisms can be cultivated and assayed;
  • be able to demonstrate knowledge of the means by which the growth of micro-organisms can be controlled;
  • be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the interactions of micro-organisms with human beings, with particular emphasis on the micro-organisms of importance to human health;
  • be able to describe in detail those classes of microorganisms of specific relevance to the common oral diseases of gingivitis, periodontitis and dental caries;
  • be able to explain the role infection control plays in managing the spread of infection in clinical practice.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Introduction to the microbial world.
  • Cellular Structure (Composition and structure of micro-organisms including microbial nomenclature and classification; comparison of the major groups of micro-organisms; bacterial anatomy including size, shape, cell membrane, cell wall, flagella, pili, capsules and endospores; microscopy and staining techniques including the Gram stain and the acid fast stain);
  • Methods used to study micro-organisms (including microscopy)
  • Growth and Culturing (cultivation of bacteria: types of solid and liquid media; methods of anaerobic cultivation; the isolation of pure cultures; nutrition of micro-organisms including energy sources and growth factors; environmental requirements including temperature, pH and oxygen);
  • Control of Growth (reproduction and growth: the growth cycle of bacteria; measurement of growth; principles of heat sterilisation including moist heat, dry heat, drying and freezing; antimicrobial chemical agents including characteristics of an ideal disinfectant and factors affecting disinfectant potency; antibiotics including their mode of action, types, and methods of testing antibiotics);
  • Microbial Genetics (structure and function of genetic material: regulation of gene expression: mutation: gene transfer and recombination);
  • The Bacteria (an introduction to those bacteria of medical, environmental or industrial importance: structure and composition; classification; modes of transmission);
  • Mycology (structure, growth and classification of fungi and fungi-like organisms);
  • Virus, Viroids, Prions and Parasites ((an introduction to those organisms of medical, environmental or industrial importance: structure and composition; classification; transmission);
  • Principles of Disease & Epidemiology (interactions between microbes and humans: a description of the various antimicrobial defences of the host; the normal flora of the body; Kochs postulates);
  • Mechanisms of Pathogenicity (pathogens, virulence and infection: pathogenesis of disease; factors influencing infection and virulence);
  • Immunology (antigens, antibodies and Immunity: an introductory description of antibodies and antigens and the types of immunity);
  • Micro-organisms of medical importance: a description of several micro-organisms and the diseases they cause in humans
  • Application of microbiology to dental practice: microorganism classes of specific relevance to the common oral diseases of gingivitis, periodontitis and dental caries; infection control.

Contact

Current Students

For any enquiries about subject selection or course structure please contact Student Central or ask@csu.edu.au or phone on 1800 275 278.

Prospective Students

For further information about Charles Sturt University, or this course offering, please contact info.csu on 1800 275 278 (free call within Australia) or enquire online.

The information contained in the 2018 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: August 2018. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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