Despite humans being the most prominent living organisms, reality shows that the most common and abundant entities in the world are those hidden from the human eye – bacteria and viruses. This course offers a comprehensive and in-depth look at fascinating aspects of microbiology – a key field in life sciences.

The curriculum will include:

• Taxonomic overview of bacteria and viruses: Presenting the classification into different groups and the unique characteristics of each.
• Applied microbiology: The role of bacteria for human benefit and their contribution to various industries.
• Commensal microorganisms: Introduction to the microbial companions living in our bodies – their quantity, diversity, and importance.

• Bacterial identification methods: Laboratory techniques for identifying and detecting various bacteria.
• Koch's postulates: A scientific procedure for establishing a causal link between a pathogen and a specific disease, essential for effective treatment.

• Immunization and the immune system: Understanding the mechanism of immunization and the role of the immune system in protecting against infections.
• Viruses and infectious diseases: Studying the mechanisms of action of known viruses such as HIV and herpes virus, and their medical implications.
• Zoonoses: Diseases caused by the transmission of pathogens from animals to humans.

The course will expose participants to the wonderful and diverse world of microscopic organisms so prevalent in our environment. Through theoretical and practical learning, students will be able to appreciate the importance and central roles of these microorganisms in various biological systems.

You are invited to join a mysterious, diverse, and wonderful world that exists almost everywhere in our world, about which one can say, "How small are Your creations, O Lord!"

* The course material will be tailored to the age of the learners.