The aims of this course are (1) to introduce to the students the basic principles and concepts of medical Microbiology, the various classes of microorganisms that interact with humans; and (2) also give students a general introduction in Immunology and to provide a basis for the advanced clinical course ‘Immunology Diseases’.

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, which are responsible for much of the breakdown and natural recycling of organic material in the environment. Of the vast number of species of microbes, only a few have the capacity to cause disease by invading the tissues of other living organisms and producing toxic substances. Other disease producing multicellular organism such as parasites will also be covered in this course. 

The following aspects in Microbiology will be covered: (1) overview of microbiology in human perspective; (2) diversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms; (3) prokaryotic cell structure and growth; (4) microorganisms identification; (5) virus, viroids and prions; (6) bacterial and viral pathogenicity; and (7) parasites.

Immunology is a basic science about immune system, including immune organs, cells, molecules and clinical relevance involved in immune response.

The following aspects in Immunology will be covered: (1) anatomy and principle of the immune system and organs; (2) cells and molecules of the innate immune system and adaptive immune system; (3) HLA molecules and antigen presentation; (4) laboratory investigations of the immune system; (5) T cell biology; (6) B cell biology; (7) cytokines and cytokine receptors; (8) the immune system acts in concert; and (9) disorders in immune system and immune-based therapies.