Introductory description

This module builds upon an understanding of the basic microbiology given in year 1 (Infection Biology & Microbiology) and year 2 (Microbial Pathogens). The module will introduce students to an applied aspect of microbiology and diagnosis of disease, built around research-led teaching in areas of SLS expertise in bacteriology, AMR and the development of novel antibacterial therapies. The module contextualises current diagnostic and therapeutic standards within current microbiology R&D.

The module will introduce students to how microorganisms invade the body, disrupt human physiology and how we can use this disruption to diagnose disease. The role of the clinical microbiologist in determining the nature of the infection and subsequent treatment will be dealt with, with input from lecturers with professional experience of this area. Antimicrobial tolerance and resistance will be explored from the perspectives of bacterial physiology, bacteria-host interactions and natural selection. Explanations of novel and in-development methods for treating and diagnosing infections are provided throughout the module, drawing on recent primary literature.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The role of host and parasite
Clinical medical microbiology
Acute and chronic infections
CF lungs and UTIs as example infection demonstrating key concepts relating to host-pathogen interaction and treatment failure
Use of antibiotics and proposed alternatives to antibiotics
Clinical diagnosis and management of example diseases
Adaptation and selection at work
How clinical microbiologists work in practice do diagnose infection and suggest treatments

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Level 6 understanding of common clinically relevant pathogens
• Level 6 understanding of the key aspects of human physiology which allow microorganisms to become pathogens
• Level 6 understanding of how antibiotic resistance and tolerance arise
• Level 6 understanding of the diagnostic techniques used to identify infective agents, and assess their susceptibility to antibiotics
• Level 6 understanding of current and in-development treatment strategies for common infections
• Level 6 understanding of the role of clinical microbiologists and research microbiologists in finding effective treatments for infection
• Level 6 understanding of the mechanisms and implications of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in common clinically relevant pathogens

Indicative reading list

Struthers and Westran Clinical Bacteriology 2003
Students are directed to the current literature for an up-to-date appreciation of developments in this area

Subject specific skills

Understanding of common clinically relevant pathogens
Understanding of the key aspects of human physiology which allow microorganisms to become pathogens
Understanding of how antibiotic resistance and tolerance arise
Understanding of the diagnostic techniques used to identify infective agents, and assess their susceptibility to antibiotics
Understanding of current and in-development treatment strategies for common infections
Understanding of the role of clinical microbiologists and research microbiologists in finding effective treatments for infection

Transferable skills

1. Critical thinking. Students will develop critical thinking skills by evaluating evidence, synthesizing complex information, and forming reasoned arguments to support their perspectives.
2. Information literacy. Students will identify and use credible, up-to-date sources to gather information about the etiology, microbiology, and treatment strategies for infectious diseases, ensuring they evaluate the reliability and relevance of the information for informed decision-making in clinical practice and research.
3. Interdisciplinary thinking. The module content draws in part on concepts learned in evolutionary biology modules (how AMR spreads by natural selection) and requires students to understand how some molecular biology tools work (different nucleic acid sequencing platforms).