Overview

This module will explore the role of bacterial virulence factors in causing disease and will explore the differences between Gram positive and Negative responses. This module will also look at the molecular mechanisms which underpin antibiotic resistance and how these mechanisms have evolved/developed. We will also explore the human immune system and gain an understanding of how the adaptive and innate aspects of the human immune system can protect us from disease.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Primary criteriaA threshold student demonstrates knowledge of key areas & principles, and understands the main elements of the subject area, although gaps and weaknesses in the argument are evident. No evidence of background study and wider reading. Answer focussed on question but also with some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure & argument. Answers have several factual/computational errors. No original interpretation. No links between topics are described. Limited problem solving skills. Some weaknesses in presentation accuracy & delivery.Secondary CriteriaC+ Good within the classExceeds expectations for some primary criteriaStrong factual knowledge with some weaknesses in understandingIdeas/arguments are limited but are well presentedC Mid-levelMatches all primary criteriaModerate factual knowledge with some weaknesses in understandingIdeas/arguments are limited presented with weaknesses in logic/presentationC- Meets requirements of classMatches most but not all primary criteriaModerate factual knowledge with several weaknesses in understandingIdeas/arguments are limited presented with weaknesses in logic/presentation -good -Primary criteriaGood students demonstrate strong knowledge & understanding of most but not all of the subject area. Limited evidence of background study. The answer is focused with good structure. Arguments are presented coherently, mostly free of factual/computational errors. Some limited original interpretation. Well known links between topics are described. Problems are addressed by existing methods/approaches. Good presentation with accurate communicationSecondary CriteriaB+ GoodExceeds expectations for most primary criteriaCommand of subject but with gaps in knowledgeSome ideas/arguments originalB Mid-levelMeets all primary criteriaStrong factual knowledge and understandingIdeas/arguments are well presented by few are originalB- Meets requirements of classMeets most but not all primary criteriaStrong factual knowledge with minor weaknesses in understandingMost but not all ideas/arguments are well presented and few are original -excellent -Primary criteriaComprehensive knowledge & detailed understanding. Clear evidence of extensive background study & originality. Highly focussed, relevant and well structured answers. Arguments logically presented and defended with evidence and examples. Excellent presentation skills with very accurate communication.Secondary CriteriaA* OutstandingExceeds expectations for most primary criteriaComplete command of subject and other relevant areasIdeas/arguments are highly originalA+ ExcellentExceeds expectations for some primary criteriaComplete command of subjectIdeas/arguments are highly originalA GoodMeets all primary criteriaCommand of subject but with minor gaps in knowledge areasIdeas/arguments are mostly originalA- Meets requirements of ClassMeets most but not all primary criteriaComplete command of subject but with some gaps in knowledgeIdeas/arguments are mostly original

Learning Outcomes

• Critically discuss the diagnostic techniques which can be used to identify infection and immune system function.

• Critically discuss the immune system response to infection.

• Critically discuss the role of antibiotic resistance and their molecular evolution.

• Critically discuss the role of virulence factors in establishing infectious disease.