Module Catalogue

BSA1004 : Practical Skills in Microbiology and Immunology for Study Abroad

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Beth Lawry
  • Practical Supervisor: Dr Vanessa Armstrong, Dr Damian Parry
  • Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 5
ECTS Credits: 3.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

This module introduces students to practical skills essential to students studying microbiology and immunology. Students learn how to culture bacteria and test for antibiotic resistance, how to stain and observe bacteria and immune cells under the light microscope, how to measure antibody activity and how to grow and count viruses.

The module will also highlight the importance of laboratory health and safety.

Outline Of Syllabus

The Microbiology and Immunology practical skills module consists of laboratory-based practicals on the following topics: introductory bacteriology; elements of the immune system; bacteriophage assays.

The module is offered ONLY to Study abroad students. Students on other programmes in the School
of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences may take the same practical classes as part of CMB1011.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion41:004:00Online assessment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical33:009:00In person - 3x3hr (practical1A&B, practical2A&B, practical 3)
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study137:0037:00
Total50:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
CMB1011
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Practicals will provide experience of laboratory work; information presented in practicals will include knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles of essential practical techniques and laboratory health and safety. Students will gain hands-on experience of a range of practical techniques and safe laboratory practice. Practical classes will allow students to develop skills in recording and analysing biological data, carrying out scientific calculations and using computers. Practicals also provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas with peers, demonstrators and academic staff in a relatively informal setting. Skills practised include critical thinking, data synthesis, numeracy & use of computer applications.

Independent study is used for self-directed learning and includes: reading lecture notes and texts relevant to the practicals; preparation for practicals and completing assessments.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Practical/lab report2M100In-course online worksheets pre and post lab sessions.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Practical reports will test the students' knowledge and understanding of practical techniques, ability to record and analyse biological data, ability to carry out scientific calculations and ability to use computer aided learning packages.

Reading Lists

Timetable