Aims

This module aims to:

Introduce Microbiology, Immunology, Virology and provide a foundation on which the study of biological, biomolecular and biomedical science disciplines can be developed.

Increase awareness of the different types of micro-organisms, key characteristics they possess and the differences between them and an appreciation that micro-organisms are both essential for normal health and as pathogens cause infectious disease.


Provide an understanding of the defence systems that have evolved to combat infection and understand the key components of the immune system and how these function.

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 lectures and seminars cover the following topics:

Microbiology: introduction to micro-organisms; bacterial morphologies; major structural components of bacteria; bacterial cell division and growth; cultivation of bacteria; principles of bacterial identification; eukaryotic micro-organsims; food microbiology.

Virology: virus structure and classification; bacteriophage; viruses of animals and man; plant viruses and viroids; assay of animal viruses; prions.


Immunity: introduction to immunity; innate defences against infection; cell biology of the specific immune system; humoral specific immunity; cell mediated specific immunity; the immune system in action.

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 and exchange 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 Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will define the scope of the course and communicate basic knowledge as a basis for further study.

Seminars will encourage students to develop their understanding of the subject and interpersonal communication skills. They provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas in a small group setting. Skills practiced include critical thinking, numeracy, communication & team working.

Private study is used for self-directed learning and includes: reading lecture notes and texts; preparation for seminars; using learning resources on the Web. Skills practiced include critical thinking, active learning, numeracy, planning and organisation and independence.

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 Rationale And Relationship

The end of semester examination assess knowledge and understanding of the course material. The formative quiz format questions will help students assess their knowledge and understanding of course material as well as familiarise students with the format of a quiz format exam via Inspera.

Formative pre and post practical quizzes will support student's understanding of the theory and practical skills associated with each of the 3 labs.

The lab report will help students knowledge and understanding of practical techniques, alongside their ability to record and analyse biological data.