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Module

CMB1003 : Microbiology and Immunology

  • Offered for Year: 2023/24
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Beth Lawry
  • Lecturer: Mr Andrew Watson, Dr Robert Yeo, Dr Elisabeth Lowe, Professor Robert Hirt, Dr Katarzyna Mickiewicz, Dr Damian Parry, Dr James Connolly, Professor Debra Bevitt, Dr Vanessa Armstrong
  • 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 2 Credit Value: 15
ECTS Credits: 8.0
European Credit Transfer System

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.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture261:0026:00In person
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion11:001:00Formative Assessment (mid-semester). Invigilated via Inspera.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching31:003:00In person seminars
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1120:00120:00Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading
Total150:00
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 Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination902A100In person Inspera Invigilated: quiz format questions, maximum 120 questions.
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
Digital Examination2MIn person Inspera Invigilated timed (45 minutes) Quiz Format questions (time tabled, mid-semester) maximum 45 questions
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.

Reading Lists

Timetable