
- UCAS course code
- B940
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Bacterial Infections of Man (L)
Unit code | BIOL31361 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 3 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
Offered by | School of Biological Sciences |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
You will study the mechanisms by which bacteria are able to colonise and establish infections as well the bacteria-host interactions that subvert or modify the ability of the host to respond to infections..
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Principles of Infectious Disease | BIOL21192 | Pre-Requisite | Recommended |
Aims
The aim of this unit is to provide students with an in depth, up to date understanding of the molecular biology of bacterial infections of man. Specifically, the mechanisms by which bacteria are able to colonise and establish infections will be addressed as well the bacteria/host interactions that subvert/modify the ability of the host to respond to infections. These processes will be illustrated by studying selected infections in details that will serve as paradigms to illustrate the principles of microbe/host interactions.
Learning outcomes
To understand in detail:
- The mechanisms by which pathogens colonise and subsequently establish invasive infections of man
- The strategies used by bacteria to circumvent host defences by modification of the host's cellular physiology
- The mechanisms used by pathogens to survival inside host-cells
- The impact of genomics on the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections
- The problem of multiple antibiotic resistance and nosocomial infections
Syllabus
• Introduction to the concepts of infectious diseases
• Bacterial attachment-the first step in any infection. The detailed molecular mechanisms by which bacteria adhere to and colonise host epithelial surfaces. Urinary tract infections will be used as paradigms.
• Survival strategies in the host-resistance to host defences. The role of the cell surface in conferring resistance to host defences.
- The resistance of S. aureus to host innate defences
- S. pneumoniae carriage and infections
• Survival strategies in the host-acquisition of nutrients. The ability of bacteria to acquire nutrients in hostile environments, with an emphasis on Fe uptake.
• Bacterial meningitis as a model of invasive bacterial disease.
Employability skills
- Analytical skills
- Analytical skills will be developed when preparing and researching presentations.
- Oral communication
- Each student gives a presentation of eight minutes plus two minutes of questions. Delivered in groups of 6 in the last lecture slot, each assessed by academic.The presentation will be marked (10% of final course mark) on scientific content, clarity of presentation, use of Powerpoint and importantly keeping to time.
- Research
- Research topic for presentation
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Written exam | 90% |
Oral assessment/presentation | 10% |
2 hour written examination (90%) and a 10 minute oral presentation on a selected topic related to the course (10%).
Feedback methods
The students will receive feedback on their oral presentations both in terms of the content and the presentational skills. There is an open surgery one hour per week when students can come and see Prof Roberts to discuss topics raised by the lectures.
Recommended reading
A limited number of review articles will be recommended to support the course.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Assessment written exam | 2 |
Lectures | 18 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 80 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Ian Roberts | Unit coordinator |