BTH3722 · Medical microbiology

Overview

This unit provides a comprehensive overview of the role of microorganisms in human health and disease. You will explore microbial pathogenicity, host-parasite relationship, mechanisms of infectious disease causation, antimicrobial therapy, and the epidemiology of infectious diseases including patterns of transmission and outbreak control. Through theoretical and practical components, you will gain experience in handling microbiological specimens including the use of serological techniques and specimen processing in clinical laboratory settings.

Areas of study: Applied microbiology Biotechnology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Explain how microbes cause disease, with particular emphasis on bacterial and viral pathogenicity;
2. Discuss the epidemiology of infectious disease;
3. Discuss the role of antimicrobial agents and the importance of drug resistance in the treatment of infectious disease;
4. Describe the role of microorganisms in selected infectious diseases and nosocomial infections;
5. Analyse the role of vaccination in disease prevention and control, including current immunisation strategies;
6. Discuss the host-parasite relationship, including the dynamic interactions between pathogens and host immunity;
7. Demonstrate competence in laboratory procedures for handling and processing microbiological specimens, with a focus on diagnostic serology techniques

Workload

• Three hours of lectures (recorded vidoes) and Two hours of tutorials per week One 3-hour practical class (6 weeks); 5-6 hours of independent study per week

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.