Tasks
One of the Institute's central tasks in patient care is the laboratory diagnosis of microorganisms from human test material. The Institute thus supports the clinical diagnosis of infectious diseases through the direct and indirect detection of infectious agents, in particular bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Microscopic, cultural, serological and molecular biological examination methods are used. By preparing antibiograms after testing in-vitro resistance, targeted treatment of the infection caused by the pathogens detected is made possible. Based on the current state of scientific knowledge, the facilities of Ulm University Hospital are advised on issues relating to the detection, prevention and control of infectious diseases. Special hospital hygiene issues are dealt with specifically by the Institute's Hospital Hygiene Section.
In accordance with the objectives of the Medical Faculty of the University of Ulm, innovative research, particularly in the field of molecular microbiology, carried out by the various working groups of the Institute, should lead to publications in prestigious journals and the acquisition of third-party funding (including DFG, BMBF). The research profile of the institute primarily includes topics relating to molecular pathogenicity mechanisms of microorganisms, including the identification and characterisation of virulence genes, infection immunological issues including the development of DNA vaccines, as well as clinical microbiological issues. Junior scientists are initially integrated into the existing working groups in order to then build up third-party-funded research expertise with the help of the funding concepts of the Hospital Board (modular funding).
In the area of teaching, the scientific principles and systematics of the subject are taught in compulsory and elective courses. In addition, the focus is on teaching practical clinical microbiological skills in the Medical Microbiology and Immunology course. The modernisation of teaching within the framework of the existing licensing regulations with a reduction in the "study load" and an increase in the proportion of interactive forms of teaching takes into account the changed learning behaviour of students and should lead to an increase in intrinsic motivation to study through more self-directed learning.