MIC3046 : Microbiota and pathogens: Mucosal Microbiota, Protozoa and Fungi
- Offered for Year: 2023/24
- Module Leader(s): Professor Robert Hirt
- Lecturer: Dr Julian Rutherford, Professor Jeffrey Pearson, Dr Anjam Khan, Dr David Bolam, Professor Janet Quinn
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
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.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 28 | 1:00 | 28:00 | In person lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | In person x3, one run at the end of each respective strand A, B and C |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 169 | 1:00 | 169:00 | 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 strands A, B and C 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).
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
| 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 and C (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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MIC3046's Timetable