DEFINITION OF COURSE
The etiology, control, immunology, and pathogenesis of infectious disease related to medical bacteriology, virology, mycology and parasitology.

OBJECTIVES TO BE ATTAINED BY THE STUDENT

• An understanding of the principles of Microbiology and Immunology.
• A knowledge of microorganisms, their identification and relationship to disease with an emphasis on those microbes of particular interest to the practicing podiatrist.
• The maintenance of a sanitary environment with an understanding of sources of infection, contagion, and practice of microbial control.
• A well-rounded scientific approach to the infectious problems of the patient with an appreciation of the contributing medical disciplines.
• An epidemiological awareness of the responsibility of the podiatrist to the patient.
• An understanding of microbiologic clinical laboratory services, their reporting systems and their value to clinical practice.

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE IN THE CURRICULUM
Understanding the cause, transmission, and control of microbial diseases, as well as the specific and non-specific host responses to infection, is a prerequisite to medical competency in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment as well as the use of aseptic technique in office and hospital environments.