Module overview
See aims and learning outcomes.
Linked modules
Pre-requisites: BIOL1024 AND BIOL1025
Aims and Objectives
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
Syllabus
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
Learning and Teaching
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.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Wider reading or practice | 117 |
Lecture | 24 |
Practical classes and workshops | 7 |
Total study time | 148 |
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
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.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Project report | 25% |
Written assessment | 75% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External