Microbiology is a complex, lab-intensive subject that necessitates conceptual clarity. To ace the subject, you’ll need a lot of memorization and logic, but with the correct books and lectures, you’ll start enjoying it.  When it comes to resources, Dr. Apurba S Sastry’s “Essentials of Medical Microbiology” and “Paniker’s Textbook of Medical Parasitology” (based on the CBME curriculum) are two of the best. You won’t have the right understanding of organisms unless and until you look at them and study them, therefore getting proper exposure to practicals and going to labs is crucial. Read Dr. Apurba S Sastry and Dr. Sandhya Bhat’s “Essentials of Practical Microbiology” to gain a better understanding of practicals. This book will give you a hands-on experience with microbiology practicals.

To get conceptual clarity, the best way to study Microbiology online is by watching Microbiology video lectures by Dr. Apurba Sastry. His video lectures are only available on DigiNerve. The book’s TOC and the TOC of his video lectures are identical, and they complement each other. Microbiology for UnderGrads course is divided into 2 parts- (I) General Microbiology, Immunology, and Hospital Infection Control and (II) Systemic Microbiology. It aids in the development of a solid theoretical and practical foundation for undergraduate students. The lectures take a case-based approach with a discussion of topics, eliminating the need to consult many texts.

The Course includes:

• 150 hours of video lecture on 81 microbiology topics.
• 81 lecture notes with simple advanced-case vignettes.
• The lectures go over a variety of practical case scenarios that aren’t normally included in textbooks.
• Learning methodologies such as SDL and SGDs are based on the new CBME Curriculum.
• A series of 4000 must-know multiple-choice questions help students to assess their knowledge

The course also includes flow charts, diagrams, and graphics for easier recollection; pre-made notes save time when it comes to reviewing. DigiNerve provides Microbiology notes for MBBS preparation because taking notes might be time-consuming. For ease of understanding and memorization, the notes are illustrated by clinical, histological, radiological, and gross images. Furthermore, each topic has tons of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to test your understanding.

CBME-Based Microbiology for UnderGrads Course

While the old curriculum focused on studying microbiology organism-wise, the new CBME curriculum takes a system-based approach to learn microbiology by classifying organisms as per respective systems of the body. This means it concentrates on organisms as a system, which is a more convenient way to understand the subject. Microbiology for UnderGrads is the first online microbiology course to integrate the system-based approach as per the New CBME Curriculum. Dr. Apurba Sastry has thoroughly explained everything as per the CBME curriculum. He has also discussed the most recent improvements, such as COVID-19.

The competencies on which the curriculum is based, are defined by the AETCOM Module, which stands for Attitude Ethics and Communication. This is introduced to ensure that graduates gain the skills needed to meet the demands of patients in society.

How does Microbiology for UnderGrads help you avoid mistakes?

As the MBBS Syllabus is so vast and concepts so complex, students tend to make some mistakes. These could be because of a lack of consistency, overconfidence, or under-confidence that can change the game for any student. There are some typical pitfalls to avoid when studying microbiology online to achieve success in your grades and career.

1. Don’t take notes lightly – Take meticulous notes throughout all lectures so that you retain information faster, and have maximum content to revise. In case you have skipped making notes, you can access lecture notes on high-yield topics on DigiNerve. The content on the app is backed by Jaypee Brothers, a pioneer and global leader in health science publishing with a legacy spanning over 5 decades.
2. Don’t be either insecure or overconfident – Insecurity can lead to trivial mistakes like second-guessing yourself and wasting time reading over answers you’ve already completed, both of which can make studying microbiology way stressful. Overconfidence, on the other hand, might lead to sloppy revision or a careless attempt. Practise maximum MCQs available on the app to gain confidence while assessing your knowledge simultaneously.
3. Wave off any negative thoughts – You must keep in mind that one grade or course result has very little bearing on your overall medical journey to becoming a top doctor. Keep this in mind when you learn microbiology online and focus on conceptual clarity rather than marks. Dr. Apurba Sastry in his systemic approach to Microbiology discusses every topic comprehensively in his course- Microbiology for UnderGrads; this is the best online Microbiology course to gain conceptual understanding. After you’ve completed the needed studying for the day, try to find some time to unwind to help you regain a positive attitude for the next day.
4. Isolating oneself – Socializing while studying microbiology online may not seem easy, but finding methods to connect with people, even if it is just virtually, may be extremely beneficial not only in terms of making you feel better but also in terms of boosting learning. You can meet like-minded people that inspire you to work harder by forming a study group to prepare for either exam or simply study microbiology online with Dr. Apurba Sastry.
5. Ignoring Doubts – Avoid suppressing your doubts for fear of appearing foolish or unimportant. Ask your doubts while you study so that you achieve clarity before appearing for the microbiology exam. This will save you time in the long run, boost your confidence, and broaden your expertise.

The Easiest way to learn Microbiology

Microbiology is a boring subject to study for most students, but doing so from an online platform allows for a more fluid flow of knowledge and a better learning experience. Unlike previous medical microbiology courses, new microbiology courses on online platforms like DigiNerve include high-quality video lectures from India’s best academics, MCQs, notes, and much more. These will make microbiology enjoyable, productive, and engaging. Here are a few ideas to make Microbiology simpler to avoid any form of second-year slump

1. Learn from India’s Eminent Faculty – How about studying from the author of your textbook himself? Luckily, DigiNerve’s Microbiology for UnderGrads Course is mentored by the renowned academician– Dr. Apurba Sastry. He is affiliated with JIPMER and has published 9 successful books, including the best-seller ‘Essentials of Medical Microbiology’, and around 47 specialized medical articles in acclaimed journals. Your education extends beyond simply learning from books when you have faculty like him on your side to guide you throughout your top doc journey.
2. Choose the right reference material – You’ll need a lot of revision material once you’ve attended all of your lectures and the time for your microbiology exam arrives. Microbiology books with MCQs, keynotes, and easy-to-understand graphics are the best way to accomplish this. Apart from exam preparation material, DigiNerve has clinical and systemic Microbiology content that is CBME-based and aims to provide conceptual clarity.
3. Maintain Good Notes – To not forget the vast syllabus of Microbiology, maintain legible and informative notes during all of your lectures so that you can use them later on. While writing boosts memory, visually appealing notes enhance your chance of recalling information instantly at the time of the exam. To boost your memory, refer to notes like those on DigiNerve, that are equipped with flowcharts, tables, diagrams, images, etc.
4. Practise Previous Years’ Question Papers – Solving previous years’ question papers is crucial in microbiology. This can serve as a fantastic pre-exam practise test while also teaching you exam patterns and questioning techniques. By answering as many questions as possible, you will become familiar with the test format as well as the important topics that are asked most frequently in the exam
5. Find a teaching methodology that works for you – If you need comprehensive understanding, leave some time for practicing self-assessment daily. If you want to make learning interesting, DigiNerve’s Microbiology for UnderGrads course adopts a systemic approach as per CBME Curriculum. Access video lectures, IBQs, and VBQs along with flowcharts, tables, and diagrams to stimulate visual memory.

Topics covered in Microbiology for UnderGrads by Dr. Apurba Sastry

Module 1: General Microbiology

1. Introduction and History
2. Microscopy
3. General Bacteriology

• • Bacterial Taxonomy
  • Morphology and Physiology of Bacteria
  • Laboratory Diagnosis of Bacterial Infections
  • Bacterial Genetics
  • Antimicrobial Agents and Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Pathogenesis of Bacterial Infections
  • Overview of Bacterial Infections

4. General Virology and Overview of Viral Infections
5. General Parasitology and Overview of Parasitic Infections
6. General Mycology and Overview of Fungal Infections
7. Normal Human Microbiota
8. Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases

Module 2: Immunology

9. Immunity (Innate and Acquired)
10. Antigen
11. Antibody
12. Antigen-antibody Reaction
13. Complement
14. Components of Immune System
15. Immune Responses
16. Hypersensitivity
17. Autoimmunity
18. Immunodeficiency Disorders
19. Transplant and Cancer Immunology
20. Immunoprophylaxis

Module 3: Hospital Infection Control

21. Healthcare-associated Infections
22. Major Healthcare-associated Infection Types
23. Sterilization and Disinfection
24. Biomedical Waste Management
25. Needle Stick Injury
26. Antimicrobial Stewardship
27. Environmental Surveillance (Bacteriology of Water, Air and Surface)

Module 4: Bloodstream and Cardiovascular System Infections

28. Cardiovascular System Infections: Infective Endocarditis and Acute Rheumatic Fever
29. Bloodstream Infections
30. Enteric Fever
31. Rickettsial Infections
32. Miscellaneous Bacterial Bloodstream Infections
33. HIV/AIDS
34. Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF)
35. Malaria and Babesiosis
36. Visceral Leishmaniasis and Trypanosomiasis
37. Lymphatic Filariasis
38. Systemic Candidiasis and Systemic Mycoses

Module 5: Gastrointestinal (GI) Infections

39. Gastrointestinal Infective Syndromes
40. Food Poisoning
41. Gastrointestinal Infections due to Enterobacteriaceae
42. Cholera, Halophilic Vibrio and Aeromonas Infections
43. Miscellaneous Bacterial Infections of Gastrointestinal System
44. Viral Gastroenteritis: Rotaviruses and Others
45. Intestinal Protozoan Infections
46. Intestinal Helminthic Infections

Module 6: Hepatobiliary System Infections

47. Infective Syndromes of Hepatobiliary System and Abdomen
48. Viruses Causing Hepatitis
49. Parasitic Infections of Hepatobiliary System

Module 7: Skin, Soft Tissue and Musculoskeletal System Infections

50. Infective Syndromes of Skin, Soft Tissue and Musculoskeletal Systems
51. Staphylococcal Infections
52. Beta-hemolytic Streptococcal Infections
53. Gas gangrene and Infections due to Nonsporing Anaerobes
54. Leprosy
55. Miscellaneous Bacterial Infections of Skin and Soft Tissues
56. Viral Exanthems and Other Cutaneous Viral Infections
57. Parasitic Infections of Skin, Soft Tissue and Musculoskeletal System
58. Fungal Infections of Skin, Soft Tissue and Musculoskeletal System

Module 8: Respiratory Tract Infections

59. Infective Syndromes of Respiratory Tract
60. Bacterial Pharyngitis
61. Bacterial Lobar Pneumonia
62. Bacterial Atypical (Interstitial) Pneumonia
63. Tuberculosis and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections
64. Pertussis
65. Infections due to Non-fermenting Gram-negative Bacilli
66. Myxovirus Infections of Respiratory Tract
67. Coronavirus Infections Including COVID-19
68. Miscellaneous Viral Infections of Respiratory Tract
69. Parasitic and Fungal Infections of Respiratory Tract

Module 9: Central Nervous System Infections

70. Infective Syndromes of Central Nervous System
71. Bacterial Meningitis
72. Tetanus
73. Viral Meningitis and Myelitis
74. Viral Encephalitis and Encephalopathy
75. Parasitic and Fungal Infections of Central Nervous System

Module 10: Urogenital Tract Infections

76. Infective Syndromes of Urinary Tract
77. Infective Syndromes of Genital Tract

Module 11: Miscellaneous Infective Syndromes

78. Ocular and Ear Infections
79. Congenital Infections
80. Organisms with Oncogenic Potential
81. Zoonotic Infections

Module 12: Microbiology Practical

1. Introduction
2. Gram Staining
3. Acid fast staining
4. Stool Microscopy
5. Specimen Collection
6. Hospital Infection Control
7. Problem Solving Exercise

Module 13: QBanks

Now that you know the best and most basic tips to help you ace your second year, click here to view DigiNerve’s Microbiology for UnderGrads course.

FAQs:

1. Is Microbiology in MBBS difficult to study?

Microbiology is complex but if you study the right way referring to the best resources, you can ace it in the least amount of time. Access Dr. Apurba Sastry’s Microbiology for UnderGrads course to watch his video lectures, MCQs, and notes. His book – “Essentials of Medical Microbiology” is the most popular book to study Microbiology.

2. What is the scope of studying Microbiology?

Graduates of Microbiology MD can find work in the private and public sectors of a variety of reputable institutions in India and overseas. The wide range of career options includes Biological Scientist, Physical Therapist, Dental Hygienist, Medical Scientist, Surgical Consultant, and so on.

3. Which is the best app to prepare for Microbiology?

DigiNerve is the best app if you need conceptual clarity in Microbiology. Dr. Apurba Sastry’s video lectures and MCQs at the end of each lecture make Microbiology for UnderGrads the most sought-after course among MBBS students.