This course will introduce the students to the fundamentals of microbiology. They will study bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoans and their role in the acquisition and dissemination of infectious diseases. The students will also learn how microbial infections are controlled by hygiene, antimicrobial therapies and the immune system. Infections of each of the body systems will be surveyed. The lecture material will be supplemented with case histories in order to simulate real world situations.