MLTS 1212 Introduction to Clinical Microbiology
This course introduces the core principles, safety protocols, and foundational diagnostic methods used in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Students examine biosafety levels, physical and chemical methods of microbial control, host-microorganism interactions, and pre-analytical specimen collection and processing requirements. The curriculum covers bacterial morphology, cultural characteristics, differential staining, and biochemical identification techniques. Additionally, students explore the mechanisms of action and resistance for major classes of antimicrobial agents, as well as the theoretical principles and practical application of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) to guide infectious disease therapy.