. Course prepares students for the practice of maintaining sterility. Topics include the history of microbiology, taxonomy, types, structure, and characteristics of microorganisms. The difference between prokaryote and eukaryote cells, structure and function, genetic implications, mutations, and the host/microbe relationships are discussed. The principles of chemistry, pH, electricity, and other factors that affect cells are discussed. Microscopy includes the application of microscopes, staining methods, culture media, interpretations, and culture and sensitivity tests. Microbial morphology, growth, metabolism, and transmission are discussed in some detail. Infection control methods are studied, as well as the infectious process, surgical site infections, and the human body's natural defenses. Various significant aspects of common infectious disease for each system, the immune response, principles of wound healing, and how chemotherapeutic agents assist in this task are discussed. HUM – HUMANITIES •*