Micro-Organisms and Disease

Code School Level Credits Semesters
LIFE1007 Life Sciences 1 10 Spring UK
Code
LIFE1007
School
Life Sciences
Level
1
Credits
10
Semesters
Spring UK

Summary

Students will be introduced to human infections caused by the main groups of bacterial pathogens and the mechanisms by which they cause disease. The immune system and its roles in prevention and response to infection will be described. There will also be content designed to explain the techniques which are used to isolate and identify some notable bacterial pathogens and students will be made aware of the threat that antibiotic resistance now poses. The basic concepts of vaccination will also be introduced.

Target Students

Those studying Microbiology or related subject who wish to specifically increase their knowledge of bacterial infectious diseases. Students in other areas of Life Sciences where human infectious diseases, pathogenic bacteria or their products may have an impact.

Classes

This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc

Assessment

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

To introduce students to a range of important bacterial pathogens, their interactions with the immune system, mechanisms of disease causation and to provide a basic understanding of the procedures involved in diagnosis and treatment of infections.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module you will be able to: 

Describe the characteristics of some clinically relevant human bacterial pathogens. You will also understand the diseases they cause, and the mechanisms involved in disease causation.  

Describe the components and functions of the immune system and how it interacts with pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms.

Understand the techniques which are used to isolate and identify some notable bacterial pathogens. 

Understand the dangers of antibiotic resistance and how this will impact on healthcare into the future. 

Describe the basic concepts which underpin vaccination. 

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 07/01/2025.