Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Microbiology
O1 · General Microbiology
O1.i · Bacteria
Describe the classification of bacteria.
Written examination
SAQ history
Antibacterials — Gram+ & Vancomycin
1 exam appearance
Classify gram positive bacteria with examples (20% of marks). Outline the pharmacology of vancomycin (80% of marks).
75%
Microbiology & Resistance — Gram & Resistance
2 exam appearances
Classify bacteria according to the Gram stain system and their shape. Give two examples for each classification. (40% of marks) List with examples the mechanisms of bacterial antibiotic resistance. (60% of marks)
63%
Classify bacteria according to the Gram stain system and the shape of the bacteria, and give two examples for each classification (40% of marks). Outline the different mechanisms of bacterial antibiotic resistance and an antibiotic for which that mechanism may apply (60% of marks).
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Microbiology & Resistance — Gram–Drug Resistance
1 exam appearance
(a) Categorise bacteria by their gram stain appearance and shape. Give TWO examples of bacteria for each group (30% of marks). (b) Provide TWO examples of antimicrobials used against each group and outline their mechanism of action (20% of marks). (c) Outline the mechanisms of bacterial resistance with ONE example for each (50% of marks).
49%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2026A · VIVA 8
Relevant examiner prompts
This is a gram stain (Gram -ve Bacilli image provided). What class of bacteria is demonstrated and why is it that colour?
This organism was cultured from a patient’s urine. Name 4 likely organisms?
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2021B · Day 1 · VIVA 8
This viva will assess your knowledge on microbiology and antimicrobials. The microscopic image (pink colour) above is from a septic patient. How are bacteria classified? (Image removed from report).
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2020B · Day 1 · VIVA 8
This viva will explore your knowledge of bacteria and antibiotics. What type of bacteria are demonstrated in the above gram stain? How can bacteria be classified? (Image removed from report.)
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2018B · Day 1 · VIVA 4
This viva will explore your understanding of infection. Classify the microbial pathogens that infect humans.
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2017B · Day 1 · VIVA 6
This viva will explore classification of micro-organisms and antimicrobial pharmacology. What types of micro-organisms are demonstrated on the Gram Stain? (Image removed from report.)
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2017A · Day 1 · VIVA 4
This viva will examine the classification of bacteria. What is illustrated in this picture? (Image removed.)
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2012A · VIVA 5
This Viva will explore your knowledge of microbiology and antibiotics What do these pictures show? (Candidates were shown pictures of Gram +ve cocci above; Gram –ve bacilli) Subsequent questions explored knowledge of classification of bacteria, examples of medically important bacteria, classification of antibiotics and pharmacology of gentamicin.
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2009A · VIVA 4
This station will explore your knowledge of bacteria and anti-bacterial agents. How do bacteria differ from the majority of normal human cells (eukaryotes)?
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2008A · VIVA 4
Classification of bacteria. Answers included shape, staining, atmosphere and presence and position of spores. Mechanism of antibiotic action. Answers included inhibition of cell wall synthesis and interruption of mRNA/DNA Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Answers included production of beta lactamase, impermeable cell wall and developing alternative metabolic pathways. Syllabus M2a Reference: Medical Microbiology and Infection at a Glance; Gillespie and Bamford, pp. 8- 21.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.