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BIOL2431: MICROBIOLOGY

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 2
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Biosciences

Prerequisites

  • Level 1 Molecules and Cells (BIOL1281); Level 1 Genetics (BIOL1171).

Corequisites

  • At least one other Level 2 Biological Sciences module.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To survey the range of microorganisms with emphasis on viruses and bacteria with roles in human disease.
  • To describe the culture and characterisation of microorganisms.
  • To explore features of microorganisms that are causative in the establishment of human diseases.

Content

  • An introduction to bacteria; structure and function.
  • Viruses.
  • Molecular medical microbiology.
  • Control of microbes.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of general microbiology at an intermediate level.
  • Knowledge of the importance of microorganisms in the environmen and in disease.
  • Knowledge of the molecular basis of disease caused by microorganisms.
  • Knowledge of pathogen immune evasion and antibiotic resistance.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Understanding of practical techniques used in identifying and characterising bacteria.
  • Understanding of practical techniques used in culturing microorganisms, and determining effects of antibiotics.

Key Skills:

  • Numeracy, in data analysis, and calculations involved in data handling.
  • Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in microbiology practical reports.
  • Team work.
  • Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
  • Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and the development of key and subject-specific skills.
  • Practical Exercises allow students to utilise subject-specific knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
  • Tutorials give enhancement of the student learning experience, supporting attainment of all learning outcomes.
  • Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
  • Practical Exercises are based on subject-specific knowledge and demonstrate subject-specific skills in understanding experimental work and data analysis.
  • Problem Exercises (Data Handling) demonstrate subject-specific skills in data handling and key skills in numeracy applied to microbiology.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures24Weekly2 hours p/w24 
Practical Exercises31-2 per term4 hours12Yes
Tutorials21 per term1 hour2Yes
Workshops42 per term1 hour4Yes
Preparation & Reading158 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Research proposal50Yes
Analytical Exercise50Yes

Formative Assessment

Formative assessments will be provided to develop the skills for each summative assessment as appropriate.

More information

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Current Students: Please contact your department.