MIC3046 : Microbiota and pathogens
MIC3046 : Microbiota and pathogens
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Robert Hirt
- Co-Module Leader: Dr David Bolam
- Lecturer: Professor Jeffrey Pearson, Dr Anjam Khan, Dr Elisabeth Lowe, Professor Janet Quinn, Dr Kate Beckham
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
- Capacity limit: 85 student places
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
None
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
None
Aims
The module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamental importance of the interactions between the host and the intestinal microbiota in maintaining health as well as in disease development in relation to selected pathogenic viruses, bacteria, protozoa and fungi. It will provide an up-to-date review of the molecular cell biology, genomics and evolution of the human mucosal microbiota and selected pathogens and how their interactions between one another and with the mucosal immune system influence health and disease.
Outline Of Syllabus
The main topics covered include: The human mucosa microbiota of the gut, taxonomic diversity and functions; interplay between the microbiota and pathogens including viral, bacterial and microbial eukaryotes with both parasitic protozoa and fungal pathogens; gut mucosal immunology. Molecular cell biology, genomics and pathobiology of parasitic protozoa and fungal pathogens and drug resistance among fungal pathogens.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
By the end of the module the students will be able to:
K1) Recognise the fundamental role of the human digestive tract microbiota in health and disease and elaborate on its relationship with our mucosal immune system and how this influence the pathobiology of selected viruses, bacteria, protozoa and fungi
K2) Relate cellular, genomic and evolutionary biology of selected parasitic protozoa with their pathobiology.
K3) Contrast the biology and principles of selected fungal pathogens
Intended Skill Outcomes
By the end of the module students will be able to:
S1) Critically interpret and synthesise complex information relating to human-microbes interactions across the spectrum ranging from mutualistic to pathogenic outcomes and their impact on human health and disease
S2) Efficiently search and critically read the scientific literature
S3) Communicate efficiently in writing
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 25 | 1:00 | 25:00 | In person lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | In person x2, one run at the end of each respective strand A and B |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 173 | 1:00 | 173:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will provide students with key information (K1-3).
The seminars associated with the two strands (A&B) will encourage increased understanding of the material through discussion of journal articles (S1-2) and will also include Q&A sessions, which together will help the student in preparing the written essay and formal examination (S3).
Private study will allow students to extend their knowledge through reading of journal articles and other recommended references (S2).
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 70 | Invigilated examination (2 essays from choice of 4). |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 30 | Invigilated Timed Essay (1 hour) |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | Short questions on a given research article - one for each seminar/1 per strand A & B (5-10 words per question) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The timed essay will test students' knowledge, understanding and written communication skills and prepare them for the invigilated examination.
FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as 'Study Abroad' will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examination that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submission dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MIC3046's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- MIC3046's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Original Handbook text:
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.