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BB40139: Pathogenesis and immune evasion by microbes

[Page last updated: 02 August 2022]

Academic Year: 2022/23
Owning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: EX 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (EX 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you are advised to take BB20027 OR take BB20202 OR take BB20203
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.

Aims: To outline current understanding of the interactions between the immune systems of vertebrates and microbes.

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.

Programme availability:

BB40139 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2022/23 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2023/24 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2022/23.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.