BMD2006 : Microbial Mechanisms of Human Pathogenesis (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Elisabeth Lowe
- Co-Module Leader: Professor Tracy Palmer FRS FRSE FMedSci
- Lecturer: Professor Janet Quinn, Dr Phillip Aldridge, Dr Anjam Khan
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
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 | |
Aims
The aim of this module is to introduce the students to key concepts of microbial pathogenesis and commensalism including:
Nasal, respiratory, gut and UTI pathogens
Colonisation resistance in microbiomes
Multi-site infections/polymicrobial infections
Experimental models
Virulence factors and host interactions
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics covered by the module include:
Respiratory pathogens e.g. COVID, TB, Staph aureus
Gut/mucosal and UTI pathogens e.g. Salmonella, E. coli, Candida, Trichomonas
Commensalism and immune modulation, colonisation resistance
Animal models and molecular models
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 70:00 | 70:00 | Research for poster content, making poster. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Computer lab. ‘Gut wars’ game to explain microbial competition. Explanation of topics for poster and how to prepare for poster presentation Time for independent research with support |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 107:00 | 107:00 | Independent study |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures a formal taught session to the whole cohort which consists largely of the exposition of theory, themes, methodologies and techniques. These will form the basis of a student’s understanding of a subject.
Workshops will provide skills training and potentially assessment guidance. Workshops foster active learning, collaboration, and critical thinking. It bridges theory and practice by engaging students in problem-solving, discussions, and hands-on activities, enhancing understanding and retention while developing teamwork and communication skills.
Independent study will allow students to extend their knowledge and prepare for assessments through consolidation of module content, reading of books, journal articles and other recommended references.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 24 | Two-part exam: Part 1: Digital - Inspera invigilated Quiz format exam (60 mins) (24%), max 60 questions Inspera open for duration of the exam 120mins |
| Written Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 36 | Two-part exam: Part 2: Written – SAQs (60 mins) (36%), maximum 10 short answers. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poster | 1 | M | 40 | Poster presentation (10 min per group). Poster presented at a poster session in groups of 2 (max 3). Marked on poster presentation and ability to answer questions on the poster and information used to generate the data |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Poster presentation: this assesses a students’ ability to consolidate and integrate their knowledge and understanding of the topic via a visually appealing platform, and their ability to explain the data presented
Timed exam essay: this tests the application of knowledge, understanding and critical evaluation skills.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMD2006's Timetable