Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to:

• Introduce Microbiology, Immunology, Virology and provide a foundation on which the study of biological, biomolecular and biomedical science disciplines can be developed.

• Increase awareness of the different types of micro-organisms, key characteristics they possess and the differences between them and an appreciation that micro-organisms are both essential for normal health and as pathogens cause infectious disease.

• Provide an understanding of the defence systems that have evolved to combat infection and understand the key components of the immune system and how these function.

Outline Of Syllabus

The lectures and seminars cover the following topics:

1. Microbiology: introduction to micro-organisms; bacterial morphologies; major structural components of bacteria; bacterial cell division and growth; cultivation of bacteria; principles of bacterial identification; eukaryotic micro-organsims; food microbiology.

2. Virology: virus structure and classification; bacteriophage; viruses of animals and man; plant viruses and viroids; assay of animal viruses; prions.

3. Immunity: introduction to immunity; innate defences against infection; cell biology of the specific immune system; humoral specific immunity; cell mediated specific immunity; the immune system in action.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. identify the structural features of prokaryotic cells, and relate these to survival, growth and replication.

2. give examples of different bacteria and pathogenesis mechanisms.

3. classify the different types of eukaryotic micro-organisms.

5. explain the importance of micro-organisms in infectious disease and identify key pathogens.

6. outline the variety of defence mechanisms that protect the body against infection and the importance of both the innate and adaptive immune systems and how they are controlled .

7. define the various components of the immune system and identify what the effector functions of these are.

8. use a range of examples to illustrate the different types of virus, how they infect their host and replicate.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Navigate through module information, content and activities using the VLE (digital skills)

2. Independently locate information about Microbiology and Immunology via the library and internet to support and reinforce material taught in lectures (information literacy).

3. Work with peers in small groups to solve Microbiology, Virology and Immunology related problems in seminars (problem solving & collaboration).

4. Effectively communicate knowledge of Microbiology and Immunology, obtained from lectures and private study, to peers and staff during seminars (oral and interpersonal communication skills).

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1. Lectures will define the scope of the course and communicate basic knowledge as a basis for further study.

2. Seminars will encourage students to develop their understanding of the subject and interpersonal communication skills. They provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas in a small group setting. Skills practiced include critical thinking, numeracy, communication & team working.

3. Private study is used for self-directed learning and includes: reading lecture notes and texts; preparation for seminars; using learning resources on the Web. Skills practiced include critical thinking, active learning, numeracy, planning and organisation and independence.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The end of semester examination assesses knowledge and understanding of the course material. The formative quiz format questions will help students assess their knowledge and understanding of course material as well as familiarise students with the format of a quiz format exam.


MDiet candidates must obtain an overall mark of 40 or above to pass the module, however, if the module has more than one assessment students must also achieve a mark of at least 35 in each component of the assessment to pass the module.


FMS Schools offering Semester One modules as 'Study Abroad' will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.

General Notes

Original Handbook text: