Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course focuses on the terminology, epidemiology, disease processes and common etiologic agents associated with cutaneous, subcutaneous, systemic and opportunistic fungal infections.  The macroscopic and microscopic features, required media, biochemical reactions, and other techniques required for identification of the organisms will be included.

Upon successful completion students should be able to:

1. Use an understanding of the normal and common pathogenic fungi associated with human mycoses to make appropriate and effective on-the-job professional decisions.
2. Apply appropriate laboratory techniques, methodologies, instruments and equipment; and accurately calculate, record, and tabulate data to improve patient care.

The material in this course will be presented in a traditional classroom (Campus program), or distance-learning format (Distance learning program). Both traditional and distance learning sections include required laboratory activities. Traditional classroom instruction consists of lecture, discussion, web-based instructional media (tutorials, animations, videos, etc.) and other educationally sound practices. Distance learning sections include similar educational practices and are primarily presented in a web-based format. Both campus and distance learning sections require periodic campus based laboratory exercises. In addition, the distance learning section may have hospital-based laboratory exercises. A laboratory manual will be provided. The laboratory exercises provide an opportunity for students to employ the testing principles and methodologies discussed and allow for discussion, application and correlation of the concepts presented. The student is expected to perform all laboratory procedures according to the criteria established by the department.

The instructor will outline the methods used to evaluate student progress and the criteria for assigning a grade at the beginning of the course. Assessment methods may include written and practical examinations and laboratory write-ups. Evaluation of problem solving skills, teamwork, attendance, laboratory performance and communication skills may also be included.

• Course Themes
  • Theme 1: Introduction to Mycology
    • Cell structure and function
    • Media and growth requirements
    • Methods for microscopic examination
    • Colonial appearance and microscopic features
    • Methods for laboratory identification
  • Theme 2: Human Mycoses, including
    • Dermatomycoses
    • Cutaneous and subcutaneous mycoses
    • Systemic and central nervous system mycoses
    • Opportunistic mycoses
  • Theme 3: Etiology of Disease, including
    • Predilections for infection
    • Transmission of pathogens
    • Symptoms
    • Direct examination
    • Laboratory identification

• Cognitive Skills
  • Cognitive processes, including
    • Formulating a clear, answerable question
    • Predicting expected results
    • Following written protocols and verbal instructions
  • Analysis skills, including
    • Collecting and organizing data in a systematic fashion
    • Presenting data in an appropriate form
    • Assessing the validity of the data (including integrity and significance)
    • Drawing appropriate conclusions based on the results
  • Communication skills, including
    • Discussing and presenting findings
  • Interpersonal and citizenry skills, including
    • Working effectively in teams or groups so that the task, results, and analysis may be shared
    • Effectively managing time and tasks allowing concurrent and/or overlapping tasks to be done simultaneously, by individuals and/or within a group
    • Integrating knowledge and making informed judgments about mycology in the clinical setting and in everyday life