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Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


BB40139: Pathogenesis and immune evasion by microbes

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 2
Click here for further information Assessment: EX 70%, SM 30%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take BB20033
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
To outline current understanding of the interactions between the immune systems of vertebrates and microbes.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* give a detailed oral presentation describing and explaining an example of a host-pathogen relationship;
* discuss a wide variety of aspects of pathogenic mechanisms and host defences to pathogens;
* discuss how such interactions affect the evolution of virulence.

Skills:
Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Oral communication T/F/A, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F.

Content:
This lecture course will consist of a brief review of vertebrate immunity to infection, followed by specific case studies where the interactions that occur between a named pathogen and its host will be presented (e.g. how a pathogen causes disease, how the host protects itself and how the pathogen evade this host immunity). The final lecture will take the example of Staphylococcus aureus (the MRSA superbug) and will discuss disease management and how this is likely to influence the future evolution of the pathogen.
In their seminars the students will be asked to present a named pathogen and discuss the following: its disease, how the host protects itself from it, how the pathogen can evade this immunity, how the disease is usually managed and what effect this may have on the future evolution of the pathogen.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

BB40139 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
  • USBB-AFB02 : BSc (hons) Biochemistry (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USBB-AKB06 : BSc (hons) Biochemistry with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USBB-AFB03 : BSc (hons) Biology (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USBB-AKB07 : BSc (hons) Biology with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USBB-AFB05 : BSc (hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USBB-AKB08 : BSc (hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USBB-ANM02 : MBiochem (hons) Biochemistry (Full-time with Thin Sandwich Placements) - Year 4
  • USBB-AKM05 : MBiol (hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • RSBB-AFM07 : Integrated PhD Postgenomic Biosciences (Biosciences Route) (Full-time) - Year 1
  • RSBB-AFM16 : Integrated PhD Postgenomic Biosciences (Molecular Microbiology Route) (Full-time) - Year 1
  • TSBB-AFM03 : MRes Biosciences (Full-time) - Year 1
  • TSBB-AFM16 : MRes Molecular Microbiology (Full-time) - Year 1
  • TSBB-AFM06 : MSc Biosciences (Full-time) - Year 1
  • TSBB-AFM09 : MSc Medical Biosciences (Full-time) - Year 1
  • TSBB-AFM10 : MSc Molecular Microbiology (Full-time) - Year 1

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.