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Molecular Biology of Bacterial Infection

Module description

Bacterial pathogens pose a significant threat to human health, with infectious diseases remaining a leading cause of death worldwide. This, coupled with the growing antimicrobial resistance crisis, requires research into how these pathogens cause disease. In this module we will explore the strategies adopted by bacterial pathogens that allow them to gain entry into a host and subsequently survive within the host environment. In addition, we will explore the role of microbial effectors that subvert host functions and cause symptoms of disease. You will gain insight into how knowledge of the molecular basis of pathogenicity can enable strategies for the control of infectious diseases, including vaccines and novel antimicrobials. The module will also include talks from scientists involved in both public health and biodefence, providing a perspective from both of these environments towards bacterial pathogens.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of the module is to provide you with a grounding in the molecular basis of infection, looking at the process of bacterial pathogenesis from the perspective of the pathogen. The topics presented will increase your understanding of the molecular basis of microbial entry and survival within mammalian hosts, as well as how microbes cause damage to the host through the actions of toxins and secretion systems. The module content is research-led, drawing on the research experiences of the module contributors and the wider developments in the research field.

The programme of lectures will be complemented by two small group tutorials, both of which will be linked to the module’s summative assessments. The first tutorial will be an academic-led round-table discussion of a research paper, supporting students with the skills necessary to undertake the summative research paper critique. The second tutorial will take the form of a debate, with students working in groups to debate a topical issue in the field of bacterial pathogenesis and/or disease control/treatment strategies. Thereafter students will (individually) write a summative debate summary. Through these activities, the module aims to develop your research-level critical thinking skills in molecular microbiology, and build your confidence in sharing and discussing complex research ideas and findings.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Outline and critically evaluate the mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens enter and subsequently survive within mammalian hosts
• 2. Compare and contrast the molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis
• 3. Evaluate the potential to control bacterial disease by having an understanding of the molecular processes that underpin pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Evaluate experimental design and scientific methodologies, with particular reference to those used in the study of molecular bacteriology and host-pathogen interactions
• 5. Analyse and independently evaluate primary scientific literature

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Demonstrate the ability to link and evaluate ideas from different sources to reach independent conclusions
• 7. Effectively communicate evidence-based conclusions orally and/or in written work

Syllabus plan

Through a combination of lectures and small group tutorials, the module will explore a range of topics relating to bacterial infection, including:

• Entry and survival of bacterial pathogens within mammalian hosts
• Bacterial pathogenicity
• Bacterial stress responses
• Biofilms and antimicrobial tolerance
• Bacterial toxins and secretion systems, and their role in disease
• Immunomodulation by bacterial pathogens

Accessibility Statement:
As part of this module, you will work within a small group of approx. 10 students (split into two groups of 5) to debate a relevant topic. The actual debate will take place within dedicated small group tutorials, and will involve group presentation and active discussion within that small group setting.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment 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 (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Relevant primary research articles and review articles that support individual lecture topics will be made available on ELE

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Module-specific ELE page - https://ele.exeter.ac.uk/

Key words search

Bacteria, pathogenicity, virulence, molecular biology, infection, immunomodulation