GENERAL SYLLABUS

BLOCK 4 MICROBIOLOGY 2016

This years course has been revised. Each of the four modules, Bacteriology,
Virology Mycology, and Parasitology, will have its own syllabus with specific learning
objectives for each module. The following relates to the Microbiology course as a
whole and gives some idea of what each Module will include.
Learning objectives have been included based on the Academic curriculum
subcommittees of the Association of Medical School Microbiology and Immunology
Chairs (AMSMIC). This body has developed a series of core knowledge objectives for
courses in medical microbiology (and immunology). Detailed and specific objectives
were created by separate subcommittees on Fundamental Microbiology, Host
Defenses and Pathogenesis. Core knowledge objectives were formulated into a
condensed set of parameters listing specific academic areas of importance. The
final documents contain core competency objectives and provide a format for
academic medical microbiology departments on a national and international level.
Faculty members in the Department of Human Microbiology at Sackler have taken
these objectives AS WELL AS NBME/USMLE relevant objectives into consideration in
creating your syllabus.
Professor Nir Osherov, Block 4 Coordinator and Dr. Shoham will give an
introduction prior to the course opening on Sunday April 3 at 1300 SHARP.
Attendance is mandatory at this session.
GENERAL COURSE GOALS FOR ALL MICROBIOLOGY MODULES
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
1. Explain relationships and apply appropriate terminology relating to the structure,
metabolism, genetics, and ecology of prokaryotic microorganisms, eukaryotic
microorganisms, and viruses.
2. Explain interactions between opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms and
susceptible hosts in contacts that result in infection and/or disease and apply these
interactions to disease symptoms.
3. Explain innate and adaptive immune responses (requires integration with the
Immunology course objectives) and apply this understanding to the infectious
disease process as well as the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
4. Explain principles of physical and chemical methods used in the control of
microorganisms and apply this understanding to the prevention and control of
infectious diseases.
5. Demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of clinical laboratory skills and
techniques related to the isolation, staining, identification, assessment of
metabolism, and control of microorganisms.

GENERAL SYLLABUS
BLOCK 4 MICROBIOLOGY 2016
6. Interpret and draw appropriate conclusions from laboratory results.
7. Analyze and distinguish therapeutic treatments for microbial infections, and
distinguish when a vaccine, antibiotic, or other therapy is likely to be the most
appropriate response.
8. Specify the role of ecology and evolution in the spread of infectious diseases,
comparing the role of transmission, population size and susceptibility, and virulence
in endemic disease, epidemic disease, emerging diseases, and bioterrorism
9. Develop the ability to work both independently and with others in groups.
10. Develop an information base for making personal health decisions in regard to
infectious diseases.

Grading:
The internal component of the course will be graded as follows (out of
100%):
Online
exe/Other

Bacteriol
ogy

2 online exe * 2%
= 4%

Virology

2 in-class
IRATs*2%
= 4%
1 Lab Quiz * 3%
=3%
-

Mycology
&
Parasitol
ogy

CBL
Exercises*

7 x 6% = 42%
(IRAT=1%; AA=5%)
3 x 13% = 39%

LAB
Rep
ort

Qu
iz

Weight
in
Course
as %
35%

4%

50
%

4%

50
%

35%

4%

50
%

(15%
MYC &
15%
PARA) =
30%

(IRAT=2%; AA=11%)

3 Mycology CBLs x
10% = 30%
(IRAT=2%; AA=8%)
2 Parasitologyy CBLs x
8% = 16%
(IRAT=2%; AA=8%)

QUIZZES:
QUIZ 1 on Sunday April 17, 2016: covering Bacteriology
QUIZ 2 on Sunday May 9, 2016: covering Virology
QUIZ 3 on Thursday May 19, 2016: covering Mycology and Parasitology

GENERAL SYLLABUS
BLOCK 4 MICROBIOLOGY 2016
LABS: Mandatory attendance and submission of a total of 3 lab reports
are necessary in order to pass the course.
Mycology: one lab report worth 4 % of the Internal Module Grade.
Virology: one lab report worth 4 % of the Internal Module Grade.
Bacteriology: one lab report worth 4 % of the Internal Module Grade.

GENERAL SYLLABUS
BLOCK 4 MICROBIOLOGY 2016
BACTERIOLOGY
Module Coordinator: Prof. Nir Osherov

7 mandatory CBL exercises:

o CBL #1: Antibiotics: Part 1 April 4, 2016
o CBL #2: Antibiotics Part 2 April 5, 2016
o CBL #3: Intracellular and miscellaneous bacteria April 7, 2016
o CBL #4: Tuberculosis, April 10, 2016
o CBL #5: Streptococcal & Staphylococcal Infections, April 11, 2016
o CBL #6: Gram negative rods, April 12, 2016
o CBL #7: Gram negative cocci, April 13, 2016
o
two mandatory Bacteriology labs and one lab report

THE NBME EXAM in Microbiology and Immunology will contribute 50% to the
course grade
VIROLOGY
Module Coordinators:

Dr. Rina Rosin-Arbesfeld. Tel. 640-8570 mail: arina@post.tau.ac.il;

Dr. Ella Sklan. Tel. 640 8197 mail: sklan@post.tau.ac.il;

The virology module consists of:

6 frontal lectures. Attendance is mandatory at the first 2
introductory lectures (video of the lecture will be available on
Moodle). 7 self-study lectures, video or power point presentation will be
available on Moodle.
3 mandatory in class exercise sessions (On-line exercises must be
submitted before each session).
3 mandatory CBL Sessions:
o CBL #1: Respiratory Viruses, April 20, 2016
o CBL #2: HIV, April 21, 2016,
o CBL #3: Anti-Virus and Vaccines, May 4, 2016

one mandatory lab and lab report.

MYCOLOGY
Module Coordinator: Prof. Nir Osherov. nosherov@post.tau.ac.il

The mycology module consists of 3 mandatory CBL exercises moderated by

Prof. Nir Osherov:

GENERAL SYLLABUS
BLOCK 4 MICROBIOLOGY 2016
o
o
o

CBL #1 - Intro to Mycology & Antifungal Drugs, May 10, 2016

CBL #2 - Yeast Infections - Candida and Cryptococcus, May 15, 2016
CBL #3 - Opportunistic Mold and Dimorphic Fungal Infections, May 16,
2016

Two mandatory labs (moderated by Dr. Yana Shadkchan). A single lab report
(written by a pair of students) is submitted at the end of the 2 labs. The
grade for the report is the final grade for the lab.
o Lab #1- Yeast Infections May 16, 2016
o Lab #2- Mold infections May 17, 2016

PARASITOLOGY
Module Coordinator: Prof. Eli Schwartz. Eli.schwartz@sheba.health.gov.il

The parasitology module consists

Two High Yield Parasitology lectures given by MS2 students Max Brookman
and Ryan Nasseri. These sessions will prepare you for the Parasitology CBL
sessions and help you focus on extremely board-relevant objectives.
o May 9, 2016
o May 16, 2016
2 mandatory CBL exercises:
o CBL #1 Malaria & Other Protozoal Diseases May 10, 2016
o CBL #2 - Schistosomiasis et. al, May 17, 2016