Medical and General Microbiology
| Module title | Medical and General Microbiology |
|---|---|
| Module code | BIO2078 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Sara Burton (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 150 |
|---|
Module description
Through this module you will develop your knowledge of major topics within both medical and general microbiology.
We will cover topics such as:
- The modes of infection of the body by microbial organisms and methods used to counter the effects of pathogens;
- How microorganisms are used to our advantage, and methods for their detection and enumeration;
- Current trends in global human infection rates.
The skills you will develop through this module, which includes both laboratory practical sessions and lectures, will enhance your employability and suitability for working within research and industrial environments.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to develop knowledge of major topics within both medical and general microbiology. Initially, emphasis is given to the modes of infection of the body by microbial organisms and the various methods used to counter the effects of pathogens. In addition this module develops knowledge of how we use microorganisms to our advantage, and methods for their detection and enumeration. Current trends in global human infection rates will be considered. Additionally, the module aims to develop an understanding of, and provide practical training in, the methods used for the safe handling of microorganisms and relevant environmental samples. These lab-based skills will enhance your employability for relevant research and industrial career development.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate, and comment on, procedures and methodologies for the safe handling of microorganisms in the laboratory
- 2. Assess the role of microorganisms in human health and the range of defence mechanisms to combat disease
- 3. Present examples of microorganisms used in specified industrial processes and explain why such microorganisms are used in that capacity
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Describe and evaluate approaches to our understanding of medical and general microbiology with reference to primary literature, reviews and research articles
- 5. Describe in some detail essential facts and theory across a subdiscipline of the biosciences
- 6. Identify critical questions from the literature and synthesise research-informed examples from the literature into written work
- 7. With some guidance, deploy established techniques of analysis, practical investigation and enquiry within the biosciences
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. Communicate ideas, principles and theories fluently by written means in a manner appropriate to the intended audience
- 9. Develop, with some guidance, a logical and reasoned argument with valid conclusions
- 10. Collect and interpret appropriate data, drawing on a range of sources, with limited guidance
Syllabus plan
The module commences with an 'orientation' session to provide full details of the module aims, content and what is expected of students. Use is made of lectures (ILOs 1, 2, 3), practical classes (ILOs 1, 3) and student directed reading over the 12 weeks. Detailed notes are available via ELE in support of lectures (ILO 5). Lectures are organised to introduce topics with practical sessions to allow development of subject specific skills including aseptic technique. The recommended textbook, reading list and library texts provide foundation and background knowledge.
22 x 1 hour lectures covering: General microbiology; Methods in microbiology; Applied microbiology; Medical microbiology; Public health microbiology; Linking humans and environment; Mycological and bacterial pathogenesis.
4 x Laboratory practicals covering: Aseptic technique, bacterial classification through morphological and biochemical analysis and methods of counting bacteria.
1 x Revision session.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | 113 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 12 | Laboratory practicals |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 3 | Revision session |
| Guided Independent Study | 113 | Exam preparation, wider reading |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory book | 3 x 20 minutes | 1, 3, 8, 10 | Oral from demonstrators during practical |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 100 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay examination | 60 | 1 hour | 1-6, 8-10 | Written |
| MCQ and short answer test | 40 | 90 minutes | 1-5, 7-10 | Written and oral |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay examination | Essay examination | 1-6, 8-10 | August Ref/Def |
| MCQ and short answer test | Essay examination | 1-6, 8-10 | August Ref/Def |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to sit a further examination. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will count for 100% of the final mark and will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Prescott, LM, Harley, JP and Klein, DA. 2004. Microbiology. 7th ed. McGraw Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-110231-5
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- ELE page: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=318 (material for support of lectures and practical class schedules, and specific reading material detailed during lectures.)
- American Society for Microbiology website – as directed during the module
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | BIO1337 Microbiology |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/11/2011 |
| Last revision date | 08/03/2018 |