Course unit details:
Understanding Infection
| Unit code | MEDN68621 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 30 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Offered by | |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This unit will develop a student’s understanding of the biology of infectious disease and the host response to infection. Lectures will focus on the following key aspects:
• The structure and function of the human immune system
• Infection and immunity
• Microbial infections in the immunocompromised host
• Broad strategies employed by pathogens in host colonisation, invasion; tissue damage and immune evasion (i.e. key properties of a microbial pathogen)
• Molecular pathogenesis of key microbial pathogens
Aims
The primary aim of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of the biology of infectious disease in both the healthy and immunocompromised host.
Students will also develop an understanding of the components and function of the immune system, the role of virulence factors in microbial infection as well as an understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of key microbial pathogens.
Teaching and learning methods
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Other | 20% |
| Written assignment (inc essay) | 40% |
| Oral assessment/presentation | 40% |
Feedback methods
- Feedback on assignments will be given in accordance with Unviersity guidelines
- Informal feedback on a one-to-one basis in practical sessions
- Verbal feedback in seminar/tutorial sessions
- Formal feedback at the end of the unit from students
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 28 |
| Seminars | 8 |
| Tutorials | 5 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 259 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Jenny Herbert | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
These figures are for guidance only and the number of hours may vary. Independent study may include among others: directed learning, group work, preparation for sessions, follow-up work, PBL and completion of assessment tasks.