Module BIOL2431: MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

BIOL2431: MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY

Prerequisites

• • Level 1 Molecules and Cells (BIOL1281); Level 1 Genetics (BIOL1171).

Corequisites

• • At least one other Level 2 Biological Sciences or Biomedical Sciences Module

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To survey the range of microorganisms with emphasis on viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa with roles in human disease.
• To describe the culture and characterisation of microorganisms.
• To explore features of microorganisms that are causative in the establishment of human diseases.

Content

• An introduction to bacteria; structure and function.
• Viruses.
• Fungi and protists.
• Molecular medical microbiology.
• Control of microbes.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of general microbiology at an intermediate level.
• Knowledge of the importance of microorganisms in the environment, food production, and in disease.
• Knowledge of the molecular bases of disease caused by microorganisms.
• Knowledge of pathogen evolution and antibiotic resistance.

• Practical skills in identifying and characterising bacteria.
• Practical skills in culturing microorganisms, and determining effects of antibiotics.

• Numeracy, in data analysis, and calculations involved in data handling.
• Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in microbiology practical reports.
• Team work, working in small groups in practical classes.
• Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
• Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Practical classes allow students to utilise subject-specific knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• Tutorials give enhancement of the student learning experience, supporting attainment of all learning outcomes.
• Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
• Practical reports are based on subject-specific knowledge and demonstrate subject-specific skills in carrying out experimental work and data analysis, as well as key skills.
• Problem Exercises (Data Handling) demonstrate subject-specific skills in data handling and key skills in numeracy applied to microbiology.
• Unseen examinations demonstrate achievement of the appropriate level of subject-specific knowledge of medical microbiology, with an emphasis on understanding and communication (essay and problem-based questions) or recall of factual knowledge (multiple choice or short answer question tests).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Regular formative assessments including data analysis, interpretation and problem solving throughout the module; 4 assessments over 2 terms.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University