Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LH Infection: Bacterial threats and defence
School	Inst Microbiology / Infection
Department	Inst of Microb and Infection
Module Code	02 33910
Module Lead	Professor Tim Mitchell
Level	Honours Level
Credits	40
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	It is a requirement that students achieve a mark of at least 35% in their summative exam
Exclusions
Description	This module will demonstrate the mechanisms bacteria use to invade and colonise hosts and cause disease and will build on the content of the second year infection module. Key events in adhesion and invasion to host cells will be discussed as will toxin mediated damage and the cellular machinery used to transport pathogenic molecules into host cells in order to hijack normal host cell functions. The use of antibiotics and vaccines to control and eradicate infections will be taught as will pathogen strategies to avoid the host immune response. Key techniques used in the study, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases will be described..
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module, students should be able to: Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis Demonstrate an understanding of the interplay between bacteria and the host Critically evaluate strategies to prevent control and treat infections Demonstrate a practical and theoretical understanding of key techniques used in the study of infectious disease / development of novel therapeutics Discuss the implications of current developments in microbiology
Assessment	33910-03 : Overall Module Mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	The module is assessed by a combination of a 3 hour written examination (50%) and course work (50%) - experimental data interpretation Reassessment: Academic failure: If a student fails the module then they will be required to repeat the failed components only. Failure to submit: Submission of coursework is compulsory for the programme. Students are advised that failure to submit without justifiable reason could result in failure of the module. Students will be required to submit outstanding work to meet the module outcomes.
Other
Reading List