Medical Microbiology

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Critically evaluate scientific data. This includes self generated, peer generated data and published literature
• Describe in detail concepts in microbiology including: a) Diversity in the microbial world including bacteria, viruses, fungi, microsporidia b) The role of microorganisms in a range of diseases, including the nature of the disease-causing organisms as well as their routes of transmission & how we can control them. c) Microbial biofilms, their role in disease, and mechanisms of microbial species-interactions within mixed microbial biofilms and between biofilms and higher organisms d) Factors that limit microbial growth and survival in disease e) Methods for studying microbial populations and their activity in infection f) The application of medical microbiology principles for clinical or public health benefits
• Test hypotheses in microbiology via experimental design, analyse results and discuss outcomes in the light of the current body of knowledge (e.g. published literature)
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal scientific communication skills.

Topics covered in the module include:

Foundations of microbiology - bacteriology, mycology, virology.

Bacteriophages and microbial defence systems.

Healthcare associated infections.

Important clinical infections - gastrointestinal, urinary tract, sexually transmitted, respiratory and oral infections.

Teaching and learning methods

The contact teaching component of this module will be delivered by lecturing (22 lectures) and practical classes. A series of learning outcomes have been established and teaching and non-contact learning are closely aligned with these criteria. A variety of learning methods are employed in order to evaluate student progress and understanding including a mid-module internet-based questionnaire. A number of the learning outcomes are focused on transferrable skills including scientific report writing (the practical write-up will be in the style of a scientific paper).

Practical classes will cover an introduction to microbiology techniques, culture analysis, serial dilutions, staining of bacteria, and will include a comparative study on the susceptibility to antimicrobial agents of planktonic bacteria compared to biofilms.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Joanne Willey, Kathleen Sandman, Dorothy Wood (2020). Prescott's Microbiology. McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math.

Kelly S. Bender, David Stahl, Michael T. Madigan, Daniel H. Buckley, W. Matthew Sattley (March 2018). Brock Biology of Microorganisms.

Assessment strategy

Examination: The paper will consist of three parts worth equal marks: multiple choice questions (part 1), short answer questions (part 2), an essay question (part 3).

Laboratory project: This is a report on the experimental work that students will carry out in groups as part of their laboratory practicals.

This report will be in the format of a scientific paper and aims to assess learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4. Students will be given guidance on scientific report writing during the laboratory sessions.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External