Infection and Defence
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MGEM1003 | Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine | 1 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- MGEM1003
- School
- Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module provides an overview of medical microbiology and immunology to give a basic understanding of how the body defends itself against pathogens, as well as how and why disease occurs and the principles underlying preventative strategies and disease management.
The content considers microbial biology, pathogenic mechanisms, components of the mammalian immune system, recognition-response mechanisms to foreign agents and infectious organisms, as well as to self. These will help students to understand the principles of the treatment of infections.
Delivery will be via approx. 16 hours of lectures complemented with tutorials and laboratory-based practical sessions. Self-directed learning will make up the remainder of the module activities. The laboratory-based skills are designed to develop the necessary understanding of safe laboratory practice, scientific enquiry and reporting.
Target Students
Students on the Qualifying Year of the BSc in Medical Physiology and Therapeutics
Classes
- One 1-hour tutorial each week for 8 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 8 weeks
- One 2-hour laboratory each week for 4 weeks
Delivery via approx 18 hours of lectures, complemented with tutorials and laboratory-based practical sessions. Online learning and directed components provide an approximate content hourage of approx. 44 hours. Activities take place in nearly every teaching week of the Semester.
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: Lab portfolio, 1500 words
- 50% 24 hour exam (1-hour): Exam to produce one infographic:that combines elements of the microbiology and immunology learning objecives
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
The aim of the module is to introduce students to the biomedical disciplines of medical microbiology and immunology to provide an understanding of bacterial, viral and other important pathogens and the human immune system in health and infectious disease. The module gives a fundamental overview of the spectrum of potential pathogens, the immune system and human cells, and pathogenic processes. Select epidemiological and aetiological studies of systemic diseases helps place the content in medical context, whilst practical knowledge and case studieshelpthe development of the awareness of laboratorypractical methods involved in clinical diagnosis and patient management.Learning Outcomes
describe the key characteristics of bacteria, fungi and viruses in terms of structure, basic metabolism, means of replication and transmission using key human pathogens to illustrate these points
explain, in fundamental terms, basic micro-biological techniques for classification, identifying, detecting and disposing of select micro-organisms
explain the basic pathogenesis of infectious diseases
Understand general pharmacology of the main antimicrobials, and the importance of development of resistance
describe the fundamental characteristics of the immune system (cells, tissues and organs), of antigens and of immune recognition molecules
describe the processes involved in, and the control of, humoral and cellular immune responses to microbial pathogens
know the elements of innate and adaptive immune responses and their role in defence against micro-organisms
explain in basic terms the basis of inflammation, hypersensitivity, tolerance, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency and immunosuppression
outline principles behind vaccination strategies and antibody-based therapies
develop the use of self-directed learning
develop the ability to assimilate information on a specialised topic and present it in a clear structured manner via the write-up of laboratory experiments and associated theory-based questions (coursework)
understand a range of basic immunologically and microbiologically based tests and assays
understand good laboratory practice, including using an understanding of relevant laboratory equipment, safety and accuracy, and being aware of relevant health and safety procedures
explain the principles of basic light microscopy and be able to understand light microscopy to visualise micro-organisms
describe the basic procedures for identification, enumeration and culturing micro-organisms in vitro, and understand the basic techniques for sterilization and disinfection
develop digital study skills associated with literature searching, acquire problem solving and deductive to support life-long learning
take responsibility for their own learning, reflect upon and assess their own progress, strengths and weaknesses
demonstrate good interpersonal skills and team-working abilities to understand practical problems
develop academic writing skills