General Microbiology

This course support material provides a balanced and comprehensive introduction to all the major aspects of general microbiology. Because of this balance, it is suitable for common‑core students in the field of natural and life sciences. It makes the vast and complex domain of microbiology more accessible through the use of graphics and illustrations accompanied by detailed explanatory captions.

Each chapter has been made as self‑contained as possible to encourage flexibility. Certain concepts that are essential to microbiology are treated in greater depth. A summary of the data in Chapter 1 gives students an overview of the historical developments that have shaped this discipline and how it continues to evolve. It also covers the contemporary classification of microorganisms — “the place of microorganisms in the living world.”

The content of Chapter 2 is designed to provide a brief overview of the morphological and structural aspects of the bacterial cell. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 include information on bacterial nutrition, growth, antimicrobial agents, and some notions of bacterial taxonomy. Chapter 6 offers a general overview of virology and mycology.