This is a core module for Biomedical Science, Biological Sciences (Medical Biology), Medical Biochemistry, Nutrition and Pharmacology, and an option for Biological Sciences (Human Biology). It is a pre-requisite for the level 6 modules LS6003 (Chemotherapy of Infectious and Neoplastic Disease) and LS6006 (Clinical Immunology and Medical Microbiology).
This module provides an opportunity to learn more about the structure and function of microbiological agents in health and disease and the immunological responses raised as a consequence by the human body. Through the lectures a number of microbiological processes will be examined along with methods of controlling the organisms responsible in the laboratory environment as well as within a patient. Students will also become familiar with the different cells and organs of the immune system and how these function and interact to protect the body from infection. The module also introduces some of the molecular processes and signalling events that are important in communication between cells of the human immune system.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Transmission of infection
The purpose of lectures in this module is to introduce and explain concepts and define the areas of knowledge required; these should not be the sole source of information for students. Additional examinable information (including the Microbiology Virtual Lab and blended learning) will be provided on Canvas and in directed reading.
Lectures will introduce topics in a logical progression and these will be used to provide a sound theoretical background in contemporary understanding of both microbiology and immunology. This will be augmented by practical work (6 hours) utilising methods and techniques used in these areas and give the student an opportunity to experience methods employed routinely in clinical settings. Workshop sessions and tutorials will allow students to clarify issues arising and gain experience of interpreting data as well as an opportunity to practise exam-style questions. These sessions may also be used for tutor directed learning (TDL) to develop skills in independent learning and in abstracting scientific information from articles and texts.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 53 one hour lectures 10 one hour workshops/tutorials 2 practical sessions (6 hours) 1 practical MCQ (1 hour) | 70 |
| Guided independent study | Student independent study | 230 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The elements of assessment within the module address not only subject specific material, but also transferable skills such as communication skills, data handling skills, and develop the ability to assess research based literature.
Summative assessment is linked to the practical aspect of the module and comprises a single, timed online MCQ assignment after a microbiology practical whilst a written report is submitted after the immunology practical. These assess knowledge and comprehension of subject material, specifically the methods and techniques used in routine clinical laboratories. Both pieces carry equal weighting and individually account for 25% of the module mark (50% in total). An end of module examination assessing the remaining learning outcomes will account for 50% of the module mark.
Part of the assessment strategy is to provide a feed forward approach as a means to prepare the student for elements of summative assessment with focus on the written components including the exam. A range of formative assessments will be undertaken both in lectures (pop quizzes) and during workshops and tutorials on content determined by the lecturer. These feed forward opportunities will provide immediate feedback to students enabling them to develop key skills such as communication, self-awareness and interpersonal skills by identifying their rate and level of progress along with their strengths and weaknesses within the subject.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1. Demonstrate comprehension surrounding a variety of microorganisms and their importance in health and disease,coupled with an ability to state the sources and routes of transmission of infectious disease | End of module exam (S) |
| 2. Describe the mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity | End of module exam (S) |
| 3. Demonstrate the ability to obtain information from a variety of sources prior to communicating whilst acquiring practical microbiological and immunological skills | Microbiology practical MCQ (S), immunology practical report (S) and end of module exam (S) |
| 4. Discuss the cells and organs involved in carrying out the immune responses | End of module exam (S) |
| 5. Discuss the basic principles of non-specific and specific immunity, explaining the links between these systems | Immunology practical report (S) and end of module exam (S) |
| 6. Analyse the processes occurring during infection and subsequent immunity | End of module exam (S) |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Exam | Written Exam | 50% |
| Online MCQ for microbiology practical | Coursework | 25% |
| Immunology practical report | Coursework | 25% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
The latest versions of the following texts are recommended.
Microbiological Core Text(s):
Prescott, L.M., Harley, J.P. & Klein, DA "Microbiology", McGraw-Hill.
Or
Madigan. M.T., Martinko J.M., Dunlap P.V., and Clark D.P. "Biology of Microorganisms",
Pearson Brock Education, Inc.
Or
Goering, R., Dockrell, H., Zuckerman, M., Wakelin, D., Roitt, I., Mims C. A. and Chiodini, P.
"Mims' Medical Microbiology", Mosby,
Immunological Core Text(s):
Delves, PJ et al "Roitt's Essential Immunology", Blackwell Science
Or
Kindt, Goldsby, and Osborne "Kuby's Immunology" WH Freeman,
Baron S. Medical Microbiology. Text book online.
Denyer, S. P. Hodges, N. Gorman S. P. and Gilmore B. F. Hugo and Russells "Pharmaceutical Microbiology". An E-book held on the Kingston University LRC catalogue.
Hall A and Yates C "Immunology". Fundamentals of Biomedical Science series Oxford University Press
Janeway, C. A., Travers, P., Walport, M., Shlomchik, M. "Immunobiology" Garland Science.
Journals and websites of interest:
These websites and journals are not an exhaustive list and students are encouraged to read around from a variety of reputable sources.
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (USA)
Infection and Immunity
Journal of Hospital Infection
Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
Journal of Clinical Immunology
Journal of Applied Microbiology