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BSc Biomedical Sciences

Year of entry: 2021

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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.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Assessment written exam	2
Lectures	18

Independent study hours
Independent study	80

Teaching staff

Staff member	Role
Ian Roberts	Unit coordinator

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