May 30, 2026  
2025-2026 Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Catalog

ML 220 - Topics in Clinical Microbiology


Credit Hours: 1

The lectures will focus on procedures for identification of clinically significant pathogens in specialized areas of microbiology with emphasis on parasitology, virology and mycology. This course will be updated annually to reflect new disease trends related to the previously listed areas. Students will be required to research emerging pathogens in these areas of microbiology.  

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Compare and contrast the three major groups of parasites: Protozoa, Nematodes, and Platyhelminthes, including the main identifying features of all. (C, TL I, PC 4)
  2. Describe the parasitic disease(s) each causes, symptoms, the mode of transmission, various procedures performed and specimen type for lab identification. (C, TL I, PC 4)
  3. Categorize the various types of Mycobacteria and list representative members. (C, TL I, PC 4)
  4. Describe the microscopic (acid-fast staining) and macroscopic characteristics (pigment production, growth rate) of Mycobacteria using various culture media, as well as molecular methods. (C, TL I, PC 4)
  5. Describe specimen handling techniques for Mycobacteria with emphasis on the digestion, decontamination, and concentration procedures for sputum specimens. (C, TL I, PC 4)
  6. Compare and contrast Rickettsia, Chlamydia, and Mycoplasma according to their cell structure and metabolic properties, describe the significant pathogens in each group, and determine the appropriate diagnostic procedures for each. (C, TL III, PC 4)
  7. Classify common viral pathogens as either DNA or RNA viruses and state the disease or pathologic manifestations of selected viral pathogens. (C, TL II, PC 4)
  8. Describe the guidelines for viral specimen collection and transport and determine the appropriate laboratory procedures for the diagnosis of viral infections. (C, TL III, PC 4)
     
P = Psychomotor (skills) TL I - Taxonomy Level I - Knowledge
C = Cognitive (knowledge) TL II -Taxonomy Level II - Application
A = Affective (behavior) TL III - Taxonomy Level II - Problem Solving
PC = Program Competencies   


Prerequisites: ML 218, ML 219
F/S (N)