BI2BI45-Infectious Diseases

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Semester 1 / 2
Pre-requisites: BI1S1 Introductory Microbiology BI1BAC2 Bacteriology and Virology BI1S1 Introductory Microbiology and BI1BAC2 Bacteriology and Virology
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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

Module Co-convenor: Dr Aidan J Taylor
Email: a.j.taylor@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Newly evolved viruses, antibiotic resistant bacteria, ineffective malaria drugs continue to cause problems in our fight to control infectious disease.  In this module you will initially study viruses of global significance (including Ebola and Coronaviruses), their transmission, detection and how understanding their different replication strategies helps to develop therapies and prevention methods. This is followed by a tour of bacteria, fungi and protists of clinical significance in the UK, causing for example respiratory infection, meningitis, sepsis, sexually transmitted disease, food poisoning, skin infections and malaria. Influence of the human microbiome, how synthesis of unique microbial structures are targeted by antibiotics and the problem of resistance are addressed. Your knowledge of microbiology in the hospital and community will be enhanced through practicals where you ‘Identify the culprit’. 

Aims:

To provide students with:

1. Knowledge and understanding of infectious microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi and protists) their life cycles, transmission and the consequences of infection.


2. Understanding of the replication of Baltimore groups of viruses, and detailed knowledge of selected examples of global significance


3. Overview of bacteria and eukaryotic microbes of importance in the hospital and community, with detail of important examples


4. Knowledge and understanding of the principle of processes targeted by antibiotics, anti-viral, anti-fungal and antimalarial drugs currently available and the problems of resistance


5. A working knowledge of current bacterial and virological techniques applied to clinical samples including organism detection, quantitation, isolation and identification.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Examples of the type of outcome that students will be able to do include:

• provide examples of infectious bacteria, fungi, protists and viruses and associated diseases


• discuss aspects of epidemiology and practice in public health microbiology relating to these micro-organisms


• discuss current evidence for influence of the gut microbiome in health and disease


• describe the structure and replication of the main virusgroups classified according to Baltimore classification


• discuss, with examples, how knowledge of viral replication has been applied to development of anti-viral drugs


• describe the mechanism of action of antibiotics and anti-fungal drugs and discuss the significance of targeting unique components of each.


• discuss problems of antimicrobial drug resistance and describe example mechanisms of resistance


• describe how to isolate, propagate and quantify human viruses


• suggest ways to reduce the threat of newly evolved microbes, such as the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that emerged in 2019 and E. coli O104:H4


• describe the principles and procedures for traditional and newer methods for detection, isolation, identification and subtyping bacteria and viruses


• demonstrate practical skills used in the isolation and identification of medically important bacteria


• demonstrate application of EUCAST approved antibiotic resistance testing


• describe the work of hospital laboratories and other sites where medical microbiology is carried out

Additional outcomes:

Students will have extended practical skills in aseptic technique, as well as specific laboratory skills propagating viruses and bacterial identification. Collaborative study and interaction will be strengthened through group Virology practicals, while individual practical work on identifying the bacterial pathogen, will reinforce students’ confidence, initiative and time-keeping and provide practice in accurate record-keeping, experimental design and interpretation. Students will have knowledge of the work of hospital and PHE laboratories with an opportunity to discuss potential careers in this area.

Outline content:

This module begins with the autumn term focusing on Virology. Lectures start with bacteriophage and the mechanism of their multiplication before considering viruses of man and animals, factors influencing their transmission and detection, replication and specific drug targets. As lectures progress to consider some major Baltimore groups of virus, their replication and associated disease, many viruses of major International significance are discussed, such as poliovirus; coronaviruses including SARS-CoV and MERS; Mononegavirales including Ebola, rabies and measles viruses, insect borne arboviruses including yellow fever virus and dengue virus; variola virus (smallpox) and the retrovirus HIV.  Autumn term laboratory classes provide a thorough grounding in core virological techniques including virus isolation, amplification and quantification. This culminates in a large group experiment to recreate the seminal one step growth curve experiment performed by Ellis and Delbrück. 

In the Spring term the module continues with a focus on the clinical significance of infectious microbes and prevention of disease, many of particular relevance in the UK. The normal bacterial microflora (microbiome) and associated pathogens together with importance of the balance of health and infectious disease are addressed with particular emphasis on the gut microflora.  Pathogens typically associated with different clinical diseases, (respiratory, meningitis, septic shock, cellulitis, genito-urinary tract infections and gastroenteritis) are covered.  Lectures on traditional and newer methods of isolation and identification of ‘the microbial culprit’ complement practical classes and there is a strong focus on antibiotics – mechanisms of action and the problem of resistance. Examples of eukaryotic pathogens (fungal, protists including the malaria parasite) and treatment of disease are also covered. A lecture from staff at Public Health England (PHE) gives an insight into their work on emerging dangerous pathogens and information from Thames Water extends understanding of applications of clinical microbiology in the community.  In Spring term practicals, students work individually to isolate and identify the culprit microbe in several simulated disease scenarios and test antibiotic sensitivity. As well as putting into practice theory from lectures, practicals reinforce aseptic technique and encourage advanced planning and accurate record keeping.

 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures, practicals (supported by online videos, demonstrations and problem solving exercises).

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A 2 hour examination.  Short compulsory answers (20 % module mark); 2 essay-style answers from a choice of 4; 40 % module mark

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Class tests relate to a Blackboard based test in both Autumn and Spring term, primarily relating to practicals, Reports include one written report (autumn term) on Virology practicals and a second report in the Spring term sessions based on bacterial identification practicals.

Formative assessment methods:

Periodic monitoring of laboratory notes and extensive verbal feedback during practical classes. Formative Blackboard tests, with answers and detailed feedback to practice laboratory based calculations and help monitor your own progress. Specific revision sessions at the end of Autumn term and Spring term for queries on the lectures and to help prepare for summer exam.

Previous years' examination papers are available with feedback on Blackboard. 

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:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be via coursework resubmission and re-examination.

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: 3 September 2024