BI1BAC2-Bacteriology and Virology

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Geraldine Mulley
Email: g.mulley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

This module builds on the Introductory Microbiology module (BI1S1) to explore the diversity of bacteria and viruses and their impact on health, medicine and biotechnology. Phenotypic and phylogenetic methods used to identify and classify bacteria are covered in lectures and practical classes and the impact of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) on the genetic make-up and properties of bacteria considered. Key examples of selected bacteria highlighting their diversity and impact also reinforce understanding of the structure, function and metabolism of bacterial cells. The complexity and dynamic nature of bacterial communities is addressed including infection of bacteria by bacteriophage. Study of viruses continues with examples of viruses that pose a threat to society through their impact on agriculture and human health. The module concludes with a review of key recent viral outbreaks and epidemics.

Summary module description:
This module builds on the Introductory Microbiology module (BI1S1) to explore the diversity of bacteria and viruses and their impact on health, medicine and biotechnology. Phenotypic and phylogenetic methods used to identify and classify bacteria are covered in lectures and practical classes and the impact of HGT on the genetic make-up and properties of bacteria considered. Key examples of selected bacteria highlighting their diversity and impact also reinforce understanding of the structure, function and metabolism of bacterial cells. The complexity and dynamic nature of bacterial communities is addressed including infection of bacteria by bacteriophage. Study of viruses continues with examples of human and/ or animal outbreaks that pose a major threat with focus on respiratory viruses and retroviruses, including HIV. The module concludes with a review of key recent events in Virology.

Aims:

To enhance understanding of the diverse structure, metabolism and impact of microbes with in depth analysis of selected bacteria and viruses. This is built on knowledge of classification and phylogeny of bacteria and viruses.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module students will be able to:

• Outline and compare methods used for classification of bacteria


• Describe properties of selected key bacteria in the proteobacteria, firmicutes and actinomycetes including examples with unusual properties and their benefit; discuss their impact on health and the environment


• Outline isolation and identification of soil-associated bacteria and antibiotic producing bacteria and describe targets of selected antibiotics.


• Calculate bacterial and bacteriophage titres from environmental samples


• Describe the bacteriophage - bacteria infection process


• Describe structure, replication and impact of common respiratory viruses and retroviruses


• Discuss current risks from emerging viral diseases inc. recent viral outbreaks / epidemics


• Explain examples of approaches to preventing/treating bacterial and viral diseases

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop their skills in researching information and interpreting original publications. Students will have improved their aseptic technique and gain practical experience in methods for bacterial identification. 

Outline content:

Example of lecture content:

• Bacterial taxonomy and evolution. Phenetic and phylogenetic classification of bacteria, definition of bacterial species, 16S rRNA typing, horizontal gene transfer and the core genome versus pan genome. 


• Proteobacteria, a tour of the 5 classes of proteobacteria with a focus on Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli as a model organism, commensal and evolving pathogen 


• Firmicutes; examples include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Bacillus, Clostridium, (spore-formers, aerobic versus anaerobic growth), Lactic acid fermenters


• Actinomycetes; examples include Mycobacterium (a slow-growing killer) and Streptomyces, (antibiotic production and discovery).


• Bacteria with unusual properties of environmental and biotechnological significance, examples include production of biogas, nanowires and bacterial organelles


• Bacteriophage; virus-bacterium interactions and applications 


• Agriculturally important plant viruses and zoonotic infections


• Common respiratory viruses: Influenza


• Retroviruses: HIV and AIDS


• Current threats from emerging viruses, including consideration of some ethical issues and new events in Virology. 

Practical content:

Students investigate the quality of lake and river water by quantitating bacteria and viruses. Soil bacteria are isolated, identified using a range of biochemical and phenetic techniques and investigated for antibiotic production. Practicals reinforce good microbiological practice, aseptic technique and light microscopy. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures are complemented by recommended reading and video tutorials to reinforce understanding and extend examples. Practical sessions also complement lectures, include quantitative calculations, scope for student design and evaluation of experiments and practice in efficiently using and evaluating an original publication.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
A one-and-a-half hour examination

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Two open-book electronic Blackboard tests based on directed reading and video tutorials, complementing lecture material and practical classes.

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:

Reassessment will be via coursework resubmission and re-examination.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1.  Required text books: Recommended text books are available in the library, or to purchase if students prefer.  Wider reading of journal articles is also recommended and suitable ones can be accessed for free through the library.


2. Specialist equipment or materials: call necessary equipment including calculator, ruler, paper, pens and pencils will be available in the laboratory during practical classes.


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: Howie style labcoat will be provided in microbiology practical classes


4. Computers and devices with a particular specification: Online assignments will need to be completed on a standard computer with a stable internet connection.  Students can use their own device or one of the university computers in computer rooms around campus.

Last updated: 3 September 2024