Overview

Topics that will be addressed include: • The concept of the human normal microbial flora and its role in disease. • Factors affecting microbial pathogenesis including the host’s innate and adaptive immune response, and the increased susceptibility of the immune compromised host. • Clinically significant micro-organisms involved in infectious disease of all major and minor organ systems. • The problem of health care associated infections, antibiotic resistance and cross infection. • The microbiology of food and water and the role of the environment in infectious diseases.

Techniques used to detect and identify micro-organisms including microscopy, culture, serology, gene amplification, along with methods for measuring antibiotic susceptibility in vitro, will be considered.

There will be significant use of relevant current journal articles and in depth review sessions to facilitate skills of critical analysis. The presentation of a synopsis of a piece of current research will form part of the module assessment.

This module will be co-taught alongside MSE-3014 Microbiology & Human Disease

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D (40 - 49%)Basic factual information only based on teaching notes; generally accurate but with errors or gaps.Critical analysis and evaluation elements weak.Focus and/ or structure weak.A few ideas are noted, but few are original.

-good -B (60 - 69%):Comprehensive and largely accurate coverage of learning outcomes, showing good interpretation of teaching material and core readings. Is able to synthesise knowledge of pathology in infectious acquired disease and the role of the immune response. Assessments well structured and focused. Some original ideas noted.

-excellent -A (70 - 100%)Sophisticated knowledge of micropathology in infectious, acquired disease and the role of the immune response. Very comprehensive and accurate coverage of learning outcomes, and the ability to discuss specific examples, indicating that the student has gone beyond the core readings and explored the topic in depth.Evidence of significant wider reading & critical thinking is required for A+ and A* marks.

-another level-C (50 - 59%)Reasonably comprehensive coverage of learning outcomes, indicating generally accurate understanding, only based on lecture material and some core readings. Weaknesses in understanding and/or structuring evident. Generally surface level learning or application of knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

• Assess and interpret the action of common infectious agents at the cellular and molecular level.

• Critically appraise current research into aspects of pathogenic infectious disease and its diagnosis.

• Evaluate the immunological interplay involved in defence against infection, and in the cause of a range of pathologies of different body systems.

• Synthesise learning to examine and communicate current relevant research.