Newcastle University

Aims

This module aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of selected areas of microbiology and immunology. Students will gain an appreciation of the importance of micro-organisms as infectious agents and the role of the immune system in human disease. The module also aims to develop students skills in essay writing and data interpretation.

Original Summary:
The module covers two main topics: bacterial pathogenesis and the role of the immune system in a range of non-infectious diseases.

Outline Of Syllabus

Bacterial interactions with human hosts; diagnosis of bacterial diseases; immunisation and immunodeficiency; the immune system in non-infectious diseases including allergy, autoimmune disease and cancer; immunotherapy

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures form the mainstay of teaching in support of the knowledge outcomes and students will be required to read widely in support of the lecture material. Seminars will allow students to develop problem-solving and data interpretation skills, group-working and inter-personal communication. Question and Answer sessions will reinforce understanding of course material. The timed essay will help students develop their writing skills in preparation for the examination. A second optional timed essay will allow students to learn from feedback and improve their writing skills.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination will test knowledge and understanding.
The timed essay will assess students’ ability to write clearly, in addition to knowledge and understanding and provide formative feedback in preparation for the examinations.