Course Details in 2023/24 Session

Module Title	LM Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
School	Inst Microbiology / Infection
Department	Inst of Microb and Infection
Module Code	02 39085
Module Lead	Prof Willem van Schaik
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-20 hours Tutorial-4 hours Practical Classes and workshops-7 hours Guided independent study-169 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module will provide students state-of-the-art insights into the role of microbes in human health and disease. In this module we will cover the unique biology of bacteria, fungi and viruses and the mechanisms by which they cause disease. Our lectures will also highlight the risks of zoonotic transfer of pathogens between animal reservoirs and humans, and how these have led to epidemics and pandemics. We will also cover how resistance to antimicrobials is threatening the treatment of infectious diseases. In addition, we will discuss recent insights into the role that the microbes which colonise the human body ('the human microbiome') play in our health or predisposition to disease. Tutorials will include the use of modern genomic techniques to study the spread and evolution of infectious agents and cover the COVID-19 pandemic as a case-study into the basics of infectious disease epidemiology and public health response.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Have an awareness of the global impact of infectious diseases Discuss the molecular basis of infectious pathogens and the interplay between pathogens and their host Have an appreciation of current techniques that are used to study the biology and epidemiology of microbial pathogens Understand the role that the human microbiome plays in health and disease Describe the mechanisms by which microbes gain resistance to antimicrobials Demonstrate knowledge of the factors that contribute to the emergence and global spread of pathogens
Assessment	39085-01 : Overall Module Mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: Assessment:3 hr written unseen examination 3 x essays (50%) 2000 word essay, with in-class presentation component, on the biology and virulence mechanisms of and the immune responses to an important bacterial, viral or eukaryotic pathogen (50%) Reassessment: All failed components can be resubmitted at the next available opportunity
Other
Reading List