Why are some microbes pathogenic and others not? How do pathogens cause infection? What are virulence factors and how have they evolved and what underpins similarities and differences between pathogens? How do microbes evolve resistance to antimicrobial therapies, and what new therapeutics are in the pipeline? In this module, focusing on key global infections you will explore the molecular pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance of a broad range of clinically relevant microbes including viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. You will delve into the epidemiology of key infections, signs and symptoms of infection, and diagnostic techniques, and apply this to clinical case studies. You will combine immunology and microbiology to discover how pathogens evade the actions of the human immune system and draw on links between pathogens to understand how different pathogens have evolved similar infection processes.
Lecture 24 hours, Workshop 8 hours
1,500 words Short Writing Piece. Assessment Details: Clinical Scenario Case Study worth 30%. This Assessment is Pass Compulsory.
2 hours Exam . Assessment Details: Exam worth 70%. This Assessment is Pass Compulsory.
Reassessment Method: Like-for-like
As a requirement of the IBMS accreditation, this module cannot be compensated or condoned as indicated in the course specification
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Appraise the molecular mechanisms various pathogens use to cause infection
2. Critically evaluate the scientific literature to address controversial opinions in the field
3. Contextualise clinical scenarios and apply logical thinking to case studies
4. Analyse and interpret microbiology related research data
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