Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

none

Co Requisite Comment

none

Aims

This module provides an up to date understanding of how fundamental research in bacterial cell biology helps to elucidate central biological questions such as the control and regulation of cell division and of gene expression in bacteria. It will also provide an introduction into how understanding basic cellular processes can be used to understand the mechanisms by which antibiotics specifically inhibit certain bacteria and permit the identification of new targets for the development of novel antimicrobial treatments.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will comprise of a series of lectures and seminars by active researchers that discuss novel concepts within the field of molecular microbiology mostly in the form of two hour lectures.

The lecture sequence will comprise of a module introduction followed by lectures on specific aspects of bacterial cell biology. The objective being to give an overview of the methods used in the discovery of molecular mechanisms used by model bacteria and the application of this in understanding the basic processes involved in bacterial growth and development in terms of regulation and biological function. It will also look at aspects of the interaction of bacterial spp. and/or bacteriophages with respect to the development of antibacterial strategies.

The topic areas would include, but not restricted to:

Cell envelope and membrane structure and synthesis
Bacterial growth, cell division and coordination mechanisms
Control of DNA replication and segregation in bacteria
Mechanistic aspects of transcription, translation and regulation of gene expression
Bacteriophage predation of bacteria and mechanisms of host defense against infection
Use of antibiotics as tools to understand complex cellular processes
Identification of the mechanisms which antibiotic kill bacteria and development of novel antibacterial agents

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this module students should be able to:

1. demonstrate an appreciation of the tractability of bacteria for studying fundamental processes in biology and how they are targeted by antibiotics

2. discuss recent advances in research that have been made using model organisms

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of this module students should be able to:

1. critically appraise data on bacterial cell biology and molecular microbiology

2. evaluate the significance of, and key elements within, scientific publications that use bacteria to solve problems in the molecular and cellular biosciences

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will be interactive encouraging students to question concepts and ideas and to develop critical analytical skills when interrogating the wider literature. There will be an opportunity in seminars to discuss the contents of the module in a wider context including questions around specific ideas arising from self-directed study.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessments methods are designed to encourage and test key skills that are required for a career in postgraduate research. Specifically:

The interpretation of the content of a research paper is to assess the student’s knowledge of the subject and their analytical skills and capacity to evaluate experimental data and to understand how bacteria underpin research in molecular microbiology.

The oral presentation is to assess the student’s ability to communicate their ideas clearly, effectively and authoritatively on the subject to an informed audience. Oral presentation also assesses the student’s ability to adapt to and answer questions.

General Notes

Original