Infection and Allergy (Including Applied Microbiology) Course Descriptor

Course Summary

The course provides an overview of the processes of infection caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, their biology, associated diseases and methods of transmission. It investigates how the immune system works at a molecular level employing innate and adaptive responses to pathogens, including the process of antigen recognition and antibody production. Allergic reactions are examined in relation to the immune system with an investigation of the processes involved in the ‘false’ identification of an antigen and their consequences. The course concludes with an examination of the impact that applied microbiology has on developing knowledge and understanding of infection and the development of innovative approaches to mitigate the impact of the micro-organisms that cause disease.

Course Aims

• To introduce the principles, theory, concepts and processes by which infections occur and gain an understanding of the biology of microbes responsible for disease.
• To examine the operation of the human immune system and its response to infection and the cause of allergic reactions.
• To gain insight into microbiological research that explores epidemiology, and innovative responses to the micro-organisms that cause disease.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Subject Specific Skills

Transferable and Professional Skills

Teaching and Learning

This is an e-learning course, taught throughout the year. 

This course can be offered as a standalone short course.

Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include: 

• Online learning
• Online discussion groups
• Online assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Learners are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Learners are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.

The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:

• Off-the-job learning and teaching (6 days x 7 hours) = 42 hours
• One-the-job learning (12 days x 7 hours) = 84 hours (e.g. 2 days per week for 6 weeks)
• Private study (4 hours per week) = 24 hours

Total = 150 hours

Workplace assignments (see below) will be completed as part of on-the-job learning.

Assessment

Formative

Learners will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide learners with developmental feedback. 

Summative

Assessment will be in two forms:

Feedback

Learners will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Learners will also attend a formal meeting with their Academic Mentor (and for apprentices, including their Line Manager). These bi or tri-partite reviews will monitor and evaluate the learner’s progress.  

Feedback is provided on summatively assessed assignments and through generic internal examiners’ reports, both of which are posted on the VLE.

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to learners; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books

• Murphy, K. P., Travers, Paul, Walport, Mark, & Janeway, Charles. (2008). Janeway’s immunobiology. (7th ed. / Kenneth Murphy, Paul Travers, Mark Walport ; with contributions by Michael Ehrenstein … [et al.].). New York : Garland Science.
• Madigan, M. T., Martinko, J. M, & Brock, T. D. (2006). Brock biology of microorganisms (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ : Pearson Prentice Hall.
• Goering, R. V. (2008). Mims’ medical microbiology. (4th ed. / Richard V. Goering … [et al.].). St Louis : Mosby.

Journals

Learners are encouraged to read material from relevant journals on infection and immunity as directed by their course leader.

Electronic Resources

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant websites on infection and immunity.

Indicative Topics

• The immune system
• Infection
• Microbiology