Modules
Modules
MMB8016 : Molecular Microbiology
- Offered for Year: 2019/20
- Module Leader(s): Professor Waldemar Vollmer
- Lecturer: Professor Nikolay Zenkin, Dr Henrik Strahl von Schulten, Professor Heath Murray, Dr Seamus Holden, Professor Jeff Errington, Dr Richard Daniel, Professor Brendan Kenny, Professor Anil Wipat, Dr Kevin Waldron
- Owning School: FMS Graduate School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
The aim of this module is to provide an up to date understanding of how the use of model organisms representative of the diversity of the bacterial sub-kingdom are helping to elucidate central biological questions, such as the control and regulation of cell division and of gene expression. The module will comprise a series of lectures and seminars that discuss novel concepts within the field of molecular microbiology.
Outline Of Syllabus
Each interactive lecture will comprise a two-hour session
1. Introduction; Bacterial cell wall synthesis
2. Bacterial cell shape; cell wall targeting devices
3. Bacterial cell division; protein localisation tolerance
4. Bacterial cell architecture and coordination mechanisms
5. The bacterial cell wall - and life without it
6. Control of DNA replication in bacteria
7. Mechanistic aspects of transcription
8. Bacterial mechanisms of cellular metal homeostasis
9. The flagellar world - movement, assembly and regulation
10. Bioinformatics and Bacteria
11. Bacterial pathogensis
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Preparation of Presentation and Presentation |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 44:00 | 44:00 | Preparation and Submission of 3000 word Essay |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | Revision for Examination |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | Lectures |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Seminars |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | 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
Exams
Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written Examination | 120 | 1 | A | 60 | Written appraisal of research paper |
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Written exercise | 1 | M | 20 | Writtem critique: 3000 words |
Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 20 | 15 minute Oral presentation |
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. This paper will also provide feedback on key skills required in the exam.
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.
The exam is based on a format that includes assessment of basic knowledge but with an emphasis on analytical skills and critical appraisal of selected research papers from this subject.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MMB8016's Timetable