BI3BC7-Bacterial Pathogens

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: BI1S1 Introductory Microbiology and BI2BI45 Infectious Diseases
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: BI3BQ78 Bacterial Pathogens & Experimental Approaches
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Simon Clarke
Email: s.r.clarke@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of key factors involved in bacterial pathogenesis. Using selected examples of human and animal pathogens, both the disease and molecular basis of pathogenesis will be considered.

Aims:
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of key factors involved in bacterial pathogenesis. Using selected examples of human and animal pathogens, both the disease and molecular basis of pathogenesis will be considered.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the course students will be able to:

• Discuss the association of bacteria with the mammalian host


• Outline disease(s) caused by select bacterial pathogens, covering a wide variety of species and pathologies.


• Describe, at the molecular level, properties and the role of key factors in the pathogenesis of bacteria, using the above as examples.

Additional outcomes:
Students should improve their literature research skills.

Outline content:
A lecture series will cover the basic principles of bacterial pathogenesis at the molecular level. Association of bacteria with the host will be addressed. The role and properties of major virulence associated attributes (toxins, adhesins, factors involved in invasion of host cells, adaptation to the host environment and evasion of the host defence system) will be discussed in detail. Pathogenesis of important human and animal pathogens will be used as examples and approaches to vaccine development discussed. The online tests will be administered on Blackboard and will examine students' understanding of the content of lectures and key, highlighted scientific review articles.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures and directed reading

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	18
Tutorials	0
Guided independent study:	82
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Class test administered by School	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:
Two hour exam

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Two online tests during Autumn Term (each 15% of the total module mark)

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
An overall mark of at least 40 %

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-sit examination August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 22 September 2022