This text is an essential study guide for undergraduates studying microbiology modules on degree courses in pharmacy and the pharmaceutical sciences. Written by two pharmacists each with over 30 years experience of teaching, research and publishing in pharmaceutical microbiology, it distills the subject down into the essential elements that pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists need to know in order to practice their profession, and it covers all the microbiology components of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's indicative syllabus that is at the heart of every UK pharmacy degree.

Table of Contents

• Preface
• Part I Characteristics of microorganisms
• Chapter 1 The microbial world
• Chapter 2 Handling and growing microorganisms
• Chapter 3 Bacterial structure and function
• Chapter 4 Mycology: the study of fungi
• Chapter 5 Protozoa
• Chapter 6 Viruses and viral infections
• Chapter 7 Characteristics of other microorganisms and infectious agents
• Part II Microorganisms and the treatment of infections
• Chapter 8 Infection and immunity
• Chapter 9 The selection and use of antibiotics
• Chapter 10 Antibacterial antibiotics
• Chapter 11 Antifungal agents
• Chapter 12 Antiviral agents
• Chapter 13 Antibiotic resistance
• Chapter 14 Antibiotic stewardship
• Part III Microorganisms and the manufacture of medicines
• Chapter 15 Bioburdens: counting, detecting and identifying microorganisms
• Chapter 16 Antiseptics, disinfectants and preservatives
• Chapter 17 The manufacture of medicines: product contamination and preservation
• Chapter 18 The design of sterilization processes
• Chapter 19 Sterilization methods
• Chapter 20 The use of microorganisms in the manufacture of medicines