Content (Syllabus outline)
Introduction to microbiology and the acquaintance with the structure of the microbial cell (morphology, structure of cell envelopes, cell inclusions, endospores, extracellular structures, mobility and taxa, genome organization). Growth, effects of ecological factors on microorganisms and microbial growth control. Microbial metabolism and energetics (the basics of energetics and enzymatics, redox reactions, energy conservation, overview of catabolic pathways, metabolic specificities in microorganisms (anaerobic respiration, litotrophy,…), overview of anabolism (biosynthesis). Microbial and molecular genetics (the specificities of replication, transcription and translation in microorganisms, and gene transfer mechanisms: transformation, conjugation and transduction). Mutations and the overview of gene control mechanisms (induction, repression, global control mechanism). Microbial diversity and the principles of taxonomy and identification. The gut of domestic animals as microbial ecosystem: monogastric animal, ruminants and the rumen microbiology. Nutritional disorders in domestic animals induced by microorganisms and manipulation of microbial metabolism in the gut. Brief review of microbial diseases in domestic animals. Soil microbiology and interactions between plants and microorganisms. Animal food products as microbial environment. Structural and functional elements of the immune system and the definition of the antigens. Principal mechanisms of the immune defence: discrimination between own-foreign, innate – adaptive immune system, immune memory, animal immune status. Strategies and the role of vaccination in animal husbandry. Basic diagnostic immunological tests.
Prerequisites
a) Prerequisites for the inclusion in the work:
Enrolment in the corresponding year of study programme.
b) Prerequisites for performing study obligations:
Upon successful completion of laboratory tutorials, where the presence is mandatory, students will take part in a colloquium, consisting of practical and written tests. Students will write the laboratory notebook and reports, which are going to be examined prior to entering the final exam. The condition for the attendance at the colloquium: laboratory exercises participation at least 75 % and a positive evaluation of the written reports on the work. The condition for attending a written examination: positive colloquium grade.