MMB8016 : Molecular Microbiology
- Offered for Year: 2023/24
- Module Leader(s): Dr Richard Daniel
- Lecturer: Dr Yulia Yuzenkova, Professor Nikolay Zenkin, Dr Alistair Brown, Professor Heath Murray, Dr Kevin Whitley, Dr Henrik Strahl von Schulten, Dr Katarzyna Mickiewicz
- Owning School: FMS Graduate School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
This module provides an up to date understanding of how fundamental research in bacterial cell biology helps to elucidate central biological questions such as the control and regulation of cell division and of gene expression in bacteria. It will also provide an introduction into how understanding basic cellular processes can be used to understand the mechanisms by which antibiotics specifically inhibit certain bacteria and permit the identification of new targets for the development of novel antibiotics.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module will comprise of a series of lectures and seminars by active researchers that discuss novel concepts within the field of molecular microbiology mostly in the form of two hour lectures.
The lecture sequence will comprise of a module introduction followed by lectures on specific aspects of bacterial cell biology. The objective being to give an overview of the methods used in the discovery of molecular mechanisms used by model bacteria and the application of this in understanding the basic processes involved in bacterial growth and development in terms of regulation and biological function. It will also look at aspects of the interaction of bacterial spp. and/or bacteriophages with respect to the development of antibacterial strategies.
The topic areas would include, but not restricted to:
Cell envelope and membrane structure and synthesis
Bacterial growth, cell division and coordination mechanisms
Control of DNA replication and segregation in bacteria
Mechanistic aspects of transcription, translation and regulation of gene expression
Bacteriophage predation of bacteria and mechanisms of host defence against infection
Use of antibiotics as tools to understand complex cellular processes
Identification of the mechanisms which antibiotic kill bacteria and development of novel antibacterial agents
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 9 | 2:00 | 18:00 | Present in person |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Preparation of Presentation |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 44:00 | 44:00 | Preparation and Submission of 2000 word Essay |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Present in person (PIP): module introduction and lecture |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | Present in person (PIP): presentations |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 100:00 | 100:00 | Preparation of Notes from Lectures and Reading |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will be interactive encouraging students to question concepts and ideas and to develop critical analytical skills when interrogating the wider literature. There will be an opportunity in seminars to discuss the contents of the module in a wider context including questions around specific ideas arising from self directed study.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 50 | Written critique: 2000 words |
| Oral Presentation | 1 | M | 50 | 15 minute Oral presentation (present in person) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The assessments methods are designed to encourage and test key skills that are required for a career in postgraduate research. Specifically:
The interpretation of the content of a research paper is to assess the student’s knowledge of the subject and their analytical skills and capacity to evaluate experimental data and to understand how bacteria underpin research in molecular microbiology.
The oral presentation is to assess the student’s ability to communicate their ideas clearly, effectively and authoritatively on the subject to an informed audience. Oral presentation also assesses the student’s ability to adapt to and answer questions.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MMB8016's Timetable