Medical Microbiology

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• 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.
• 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
• Critically evaluate scientific data. This includes self generated, peer generated data and published literature

1 SAW Introduction to Microbial Life

SAW Bacteriology I

2 SAW Bacteriology II

SAW Bacteriology III

3 ARK Virology and viral evolution I

ARK Virology and viral evolution II

4 FN Bacteriophages

FN Bacteriophages

5 ARK Mycology I

ARK Mycology II

6 ARK Mycology III

ARK Microsporidia

7 CWK Medical Microbiology I Lung infection

CWK Medical Microbiology II Gastrointestinal ecology

8 CWK Medical Microbiology V Skin ecology and indwelling devices

CWK Medical Microbiology VI Hospital infections

9 FN Bacteriophages – medical I

FN Bacteriophages – medical II

10 PHE, or Postdocs Guest Lectures – Topics may vary, depending on current research and hot topics, e.g. AMR.

PHE or Postdocs Guest Lectures - Topics may vary, depending on current research and hot topics, e.g. AMR.

11 SAW Urinary Tract Infections

SAW Sexually Transmitted Infections

12 SAW/ARK Revision Lecture

/CWK/RH Revision Lecture

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 two parts worth equal marks: Part A (one third of examination marks): A compulsory short answer section of 10 questions. Part B (two thirds of the examination marks): An essay section in which students will be asked to answer two, out of a choice of five questions, each worth one third of the exam paper.

Laboratory project: This is a report on the research project that students will carry out in groups as part of their laboratory practicals. The assessment for this project will be a final report submission in week 12 worth 25%.

The final 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. As part of the learning process students will submit an outline (including hypothesis, aims and key methods) and risk assessment to their demonstrator - Demonstrators will provide feedback that will inform students in preparing their final report.

Summative

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

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External