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M.Sc. MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY

 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

M.Sc. Medical Microbiology program has been initiated at Era University in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences to promote state-of-art medical teaching, training and research. This program aims to mentor students in the field of biomedical specialization so that they can become valuable members of the medical community.

ELIGIBILITY
  • Candidates who have passed the three years B.Sc. degree course with Zoology and Chemistry as the major subject or B.Sc. in Life Sciences or B.Sc. with Anthropology as major subject or a degree equivalent to the above from any recognized university would be eligible for admission to the program.
  • PROVISION OF LATERAL ENTRY: Admission will be taken directly into 3rd semester of the course which will be opened to those having MBBS/ BDS/ BHMS/ BUMS/ BAMS or B.P.T. qualification from the recognized institute.
COURSE DURATION

The duration of the program is 3 years (six semesters for Regular Students and 4 semesters for Lateral Entry Students). The full term course will comprise of 6 semesters of 6 months each.

PROVISION OF LATERAL ENTRY

Admission will be taken directly into 3rd semester of the course which will be opened to those having MBBS/ BDS/ BHMS/ BUMS/ BAMS or B.P.T. qualification from the recognized institute.

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT

THEORY EXAMINATION
Each theory question paper will comprise of long answer questions, short answer questions and brief answer questions with maximum of  80 marks.

PRACTICAL EXAMINATION
It will be of 100 marks and comprise of Practical exercise and Viva voce.

DISSERTATION
Every student has to complete a dissertation which will comprise of a time bound research study to be conducted under supervision of a faculty from the respective department. The maximum duration for dissertation completion shall be of 6 months during 5th semester. Dissertation report shall be submitted before the commencement of 6th semester. This report will carry a maximum of 50 marks.

CAREER PATHWAYS

M.Sc. Medical Microbiology has some great future scopes. After getting the degree on M.Sc. Medical Microbiology, the students have available for them plenty of job opportunities such as Lab Technician, Research Associate, Medical Representative or a Microbiologist in the following industries or sectors –

  • Government Hospitals and Private Hospitals
  • Public Health Organizations
  • Environmental Organizations
  • Food and Drink Industries
  • Petroleum Industries
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Water and Biotechnology Companies
  • Forensic Science Laboratories
  • Public Funded Research Organizations and
  • Higher Education Institutes
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

FIRST YEAR: SEMESTER – I

ANATOMY
THEORY
Anatomical Terms, General Anatomy of Muscles, Cartilage, Bones, Joints, Cardiovascular & Central Nervous System ▪ Pectoral Region, Arm, Forearm, Hand ▪ Shoulder Joint, Elbow Joint, Wrist Joint, Radioulnar Joint ▪ Front of Thigh & Femoral Triangle ▪ Gluteal Region ▪ Back of Thigh & Popliteal Fossa ▪ Leg & Foot ▪ Hip Joint, Knee Joint, Ankle Joint ▪ Thoracic Inlet, Thoracic Wall, Thoracic Outlet ▪ Mediastinum & its Contents, Pericardium & Heart, Pleura & Lungs ▪ Joints of Thorax ▪ Histology of Epithelium, Connective Tissue, Muscle, Bone & Cartilage, Vessels ▪ Histology of Respiratory & Cardiovascular System ▪ First, Second and Third week of development ▪ Placenta ▪ Development of Respiratory & Cardiovascular System

PRACTICAL
Spotting ▪ Viva-voce on gross anatomy, surface anatomy, radiological anatomy, microscopic anatomy and developmental anatomy of the concerned part

PHYSIOLOGY
THEORY
General & Cellular Physiology ▪ Nerve & Muscle Physiology ▪ Blood, Reticulo-Endothelial & Immune System ▪ Respiratory System ▪ Cardiovascular System ▪ Renal System & Fluid Balance ▪ GIT ▪ Nutrition & Metabolism

PRACTICAL
Haematology Lab: Collection of Blood, Microscope ▪ Preparation & Staining of Blood Smear ▪ Identification of Cell ▪ Differential WBC Count ▪ Arneth’s Count ▪ Haemocytometer ▪ Total WBC Count of Blood ▪ Total RBC Count of Blood ▪ Haemoglobin Estimation ▪ Blood Groups ▪ Hemin Crystals ▪ Platelet Count ▪ BT and CT ▪ ESR & PCV (Demonstration) ▪ Osmotic effects on RBC (Demonstration)

BIOCHEMISTRY
THEORY
Introduction to Biochemistry ▪ Cell Biology & Transport ▪ Overview of Chemistry of Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids & Nucleo-Proteins ▪ Enzymes ▪ Vitamins ▪ Hemoglobin ▪ Hormones ▪ Xenobiotic ▪ Basic Immunology ▪Food & Nutrition

PRACTICAL
General Instruction of Students ▪ Carbohydrate ▪ Protein ▪ Urine

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND BIOSTATISTICS
Research Methodology (Foundation, Basic Concepts, Principles & Definitions) ▪ Design of Experiments (Lab & Animal), Concepts of Clinical Trials, Epidemiology Studies ▪ Probability & Non-Probability Sampling Methods, Sample Size Determination

FIRST YEAR: SEMESTER – II

ANATOMY
THEORY
The Anterior Abdominal Wall ▪ Inguinal Canal: Boundaries & its Contents ▪ Peritoneum ▪ Abdominal Cavity & Abdominal Viscera ▪ Posterior Abdominal Wall ▪ Pelvis & Perineum, Pelvic Viscera, Joints of Pelvis ▪ Scalp, Face, Posterior Triangle, Anterior Triangle of Neck, Parotid Region, Temporal & Infratemporal Regions, Submandibular Region & Submandibular Gland, Meninges, Orbit, Deep Structures of Neck- Thyroid Gland, Root of Neck & Cranial Nerves, Pharynx, Larynx, Tongue, Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses & Ear ▪ Spinal Cord, Brainstem, Cerebrum

PRACTICAL
Spotting ▪ Viva-voce on Gross Anatomy, Surface Anatomy, Radiological Anatomy, Microscopic Anatomy & Developmental Anatomy of the concerned part

PHYSIOLOGY
THEORY
Endocrines ▪ Reproductive system ▪ Growth, Development & Genetics ▪ Integumentary System ▪ Autonomic Nervous System ▪ Central Nervous System ▪ Special Senses

PRACTICAL
Human Lab: BMI, Pulse and General Examination ▪ Examination of Respiratory System ▪ Examination of Abdomen ▪ CVS Examination ▪ Lung Volumes, Capacities ▪ Effect of Deglutition, Coughing, Sneezing, Hyperventilation and Breath Holding on Respiration ▪ Determination of BP, Effect of Posture and Exercise on BP, Pulse Rate and Respiratory Rate ▪ Recording of ECG ▪ Examination of I TO XII Cranial Nerve ▪ Examination of Motor, Sensory Nervous System & Reflexes
Demonstrations: Demonstration of Pulse & BP ▪ Demonstration of Cardio-Respiratory adjustment during exercise

BIOCHEMISTRY
THEORY
General Aspects of Metabolism ▪ Intermediary Metabolism of Carbohydrates ▪ Overview of Lipid Metabolism ▪ Overview Of Protein & Amino Acid Metabolism ▪ Disposal of Nitrogen - Urea Cycle ▪ Synthesis & Breakdown of Hemoglobin ▪ Purines & Pyrimidines ▪ Overview of Metabolism of Minerals and Trace Elements ▪ Basic Concepts of Hepatobiliary, Thyroid, Adrenocortical and Medullary Pancreatic Function Tests ▪ Elementary Knowledge of Molecular Biology ▪ Cancer Free Radical and Antioxidants

PRACTICAL
Colorimetry ▪ Blood Glucose ▪ Centrifuge, Electrophoresis ▪ Total Serum Cholesterol ▪ Blood Urea ▪ Serum Bilirubin ▪ Serum Calcium ▪ Serum Alkaline Phosphatase ▪ Serum Creatinine

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND BIOSTATISTICS
Descriptive and Summary Statistics ▪ Elements of Demography, Fertility & Mortality Indicators ▪ Statistical Inference and Hypothesis Testing and Tests of Significance

SECOND YEAR: SEMESTER – III
History of Microbiology ▪ Microscopy ▪ Bio-safety including Universal Precautions ▪ Physical & Biological Containment ▪ Sterilization & Disinfection ▪ Morphology of Bacteria and Other Microorganisms ▪ Nomenclature & Classification of Microorganisms ▪ Normal Flora of Human Body ▪ Growth & Nutrition of Bacteria ▪ Bacterial Metabolism ▪ Bacterial Toxins, Bacteriocins ▪ Microbiology of Hospital Environment ▪ Microbiology of Air, Milk & Water ▪ Host-Parasite Relationship ▪ Antibacterial Substances & Drug Resistance ▪ Bacterial Genetics & Bacteriophages ▪ Molecular Genetics Relevant for Medical Microbiology ▪ Quality Assurance & Quality Control in Microbiology ▪ Accreditation of Laboratories

IMMUNOLOGY
Components of the Immune System ▪ Innate & Acquired Immunity ▪ Cells Involved in Immune Response ▪ Antigens ▪ Immunoglobulins ▪ Mucosal Immunity ▪Complement ▪ Antigen & Antibody Reactions ▪ Hypersensitivity ▪ Cell Mediated Immunity ▪ Cytokines ▪ Immunodeficiency ▪ Auto-Immunity ▪ Immune Tolerance ▪ MHC Complex ▪ Transplantation Immunity ▪ Tumor Immunity ▪ Vaccines & Immunotherapy ▪ Measurement of Immunological Parameters ▪ Immunological Techniques ▪ Immunopotentiation & Immunomodulation

SECOND YEAR: SEMESTER – IV
SYSTEMATIC BACTERIOLOGY -1
Isolation & Identification of Bacteria ▪ Gram Positive Cocci of Medical Importance including Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Streptococcus, Anaerobic Cocci etc. ▪ Gram Negative Cocci of Medical Importance including Neisseria, Branhamella, Moraxella etc. ▪ Gram Positive Bacilli of Medical Importance Coryneform Organisms ▪ Bacillus & Aerobic Bacilli, Actinomyces, Nocardia, Actinobacillus & other Actinomycetes, Erysipelothrix, Listeria, Clostridium & other Spore Bearing Anaerobic Bacilli etc. ▪ Non-Sporing Anaerobes ▪ Gram Negative Bacilli of Medical Importance including Vibrios, Aeromonas, Plesiomonas ▪ Haemophilus, Bordetella, Brucella, Gardnerella, Pseudomonas & other Non-Fermenters, Pasturella, Francisella, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Leptotrichia & other Anaerobic Gram Negative Bacilli etc. ▪ Enterobacteriaceae ▪ Miscellaneous Bacteria Including Lactobacillus

SYSTEMATIC BACTERIOLOGY II
Mycobacteria-MTB ▪ M.leprae ▪ Atypical Mycobacteria ▪ Spirochaetes-Treponema ▪ Leptospira ▪ Borrelia ▪ Chlamydiae ▪ Mycoplasmatales: Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, Acholeplasma and other Mycoplasmas ▪ Rickettsiae ▪ Coxiella, Bartonella etc. ▪ Helicobacter, Campylobacter & Spirillium ▪ Miscellaneous Bacteria

THIRD YEAR: SEMESTER – V
VIROLOGY
General Properties of Viruses ▪ Classification of Viruses ▪ Morphology: Virus Structure ▪ Virus Replication ▪ Isolation & Identification of Viruses ▪ Pathogenesis of Viral Infections ▪ Genetics of Viruses ▪ DNA Viruses of Medical Importance including Poxviridae, Herpesviridae, Adenoviridiae, Hepadna virus, Papova & Parvo Viruses etc. ▪ RNA viruses of medical importance including Enteroviruses, Togaviridae, Flaviviruses, Orthomyxoviruses, Paramyxoviruses, Reoviridiae, Rhabdoviridae, Arenaviridae, Bunyaviridae, Retroviridae, Filoviruses, Human immunodeficiency virus, Arboviruses, Coronaviridae, Calci viruses etc. ▪ Slow viruses including prions ▪ Unclassified viruses ▪ Hepatitis ▪ Viriods ▪ Vaccines & anti-viral drugs

PARASITOLOGY
General Characters & Classification of Parasites ▪ Methods of Identification of Parasites ▪ Protozoan Parasites of Medical Importance including Entamoeba, Free Living Amoebae, Giardia, Trichomonas, Leishmania, Trypanosoma, Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Sarcocystis, Cryptosporidium, Microsporidium, Cyclospora. Isospora, Babesia, Balantidium etc. ▪ Helminthology of Medical Importance including those belonging to Cestoda (Diphyllobothrium, Taenia, Echinococcus, Hymenolepis, Dipyllidium, Multiceps etc.) ▪ Trematoda (Schistosomes, Fasciola. Fasciolopsis, Gastrodiscoides, Paragonimus, Clonorchis, Opisthorchis etc.) and Nematoda (Trichiuris, Trichinella, Strongyloides, Ancylostoma, ▪ Necator, Ascaris, Toxocara, Enterobius. Filarial worms, Dracunculus etc.) ▪ Entomology: common arthropods & other vectors viz. mosquito, sandfly, ticks, mite, cyclops, louse, myasis ▪ Antiparasitic Agents.

THIRD YEAR: SEMESTER – VI
MYCOLOGY
General Characteristics & Classification of Fungi ▪ Morphology & Reproduction of Fungi ▪ Isolation & Identification of Fungi ▪ Tissue Reactions to Fungi ▪ Yeasts & yeast-like fungi of medical importance including Candida Cryptococcus, Malassezia, Trichosporon, Geotrichum, Saccharomyces etc. ▪ Mycelial fungi of medical importance including Aspergillus, Zygomycetes, Pseudoallescheria, Fusarium, Piedra, other dematiaceous hyphomycetes and other hyalohyphomycetes etc. ▪ Dimorphic fungi including Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Paracoccidioides, Sporothrix, Penicillium marneffei etc. ▪ Dermatophytes: Fungi causing mycetoma, keratomycosis & otomycosis, Pythium insidiosum, Prototheca, Pneumocystis carinii infection, Rhinosporidium seeberi & Lacazia loboi, Actinomycetes &.Nocardia, Common laboratory contaminant fungi, Mycetismus & mycotoxicosis, Antifungal agents & invitro antifungal susceptibility tests

APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND RECENT ADVANCES IN MICROBIOLOGY
Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases ▪ Hospital Acquired Infections ▪ Management of Hospital Waste ▪ Investigation of An Infectious Outbreak ▪ Quality Control in Microbiology ▪ Laboratory Control of Antimicrobial Therapy ▪ Infections of Various Organs & Systems Viz. RTI, UTI, CNS Infections, PUO etc. ▪ Opportunistic Infections & Emerging Infectious Diseases ▪ Sexually Transmitted Diseases ▪ Vaccinology: Principle, Methods of Preparation, Administration of Vaccines Information Technology (Computers) in Microbiology ▪ Gene Cloning ▪ Automation in Microbiology ▪ Statistical Analysis of Microbiological Data & Research Methodology ▪ Animal & Human Ethics involved in Microbiological Work ▪ Immunoprophylaxis Against Diseases ▪ Bioterrorism ▪ DNA Amplification Techniques, Diagnostic PCR, Different Methods Of PCR Product Detection ▪ Genotyping of Microbes & Viruses