Syllabus for Molecular Infection Biology

Molekylärmedicinsk infektionsbiologi

Syllabus

  • 15 credits
  • Course code: 1BG326
  • Education cycle: Second cycle
  • Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Biology A1F

    Explanation of codes

    The code indicates the education cycle and in-depth level of the course in relation to other courses within the same main field of study according to the requirements for general degrees:

    First cycle

    • G1N: has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
    • G1F: has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • G1E: contains specially designed degree project for Higher Education Diploma
    • G2F: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • G2E: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements, contains degree project for Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
    • GXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified

    Second cycle

    • A1N: has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • A1F: has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • A1E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (60 credits)
    • A2E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits)
    • AXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified

  • Grading system: Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
  • Established: 2020-02-27
  • Established by: The Faculty Board of Science and Technology
  • Revised: 2022-10-14
  • Revised by: The Faculty Board of Science and Technology
  • Applies from: Autumn 2023
  • Entry requirements:

    Completed courses of 150 credits including 60 credits in biology and 30 credits in chemistry and participation in the advanced course Microbiology 15 credits, of which at least 5 credits completed, or participation in the advanced course Immunology 15 credits. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

  • Responsible department: Biology Education Centre

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

  • account for structure and function of infectious viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi and explain the differences between groups of infectious organisms
  • explain different infection processes and list the different stages
  • account for the most important components of the human immune system and for the components that are important in various types of infections
  • describe the most common virulence factors in bacteria, viruses, parasites and worms and explain how they have evolved and how they can be transmitted
  • account for the most common diagnostic methods and treatments within infection biology and for the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance
  • describe how infections spread in populations and what factors affect this
  • practice adequate methodology for work with infectious microorganisms
  • analyse infection biological research data, draw conclusions, and propose testable hypotheses from the analysed data
  • review critically scientific papers in the field
  • identify and in a structured way discuss aspects related to research ethics, public health ethics, and global justice.

Content

Theory

  • General infection biology
  • Bacteriology
  • Virology
  • Parasitology and mycology
  • Immune system
  • Virulence factors
  • Diagnostics
  • Vaccines
  • Antibiotics and antibiotics resistance

Laboratory sessions

  • Identification of virulence factors.
  • Studies of modes of action of antibiotics.
  • Diagnostics of parasitic diseases.
  • Studies of host parasite interactions. Toll receptors and PAMP (pathogen associated molecular patterns).

Seminars

Reading and critical examination of current scientific articles within infection biology. Teacher-supervised group discussions.

Instruction

Teaching includes lectures, seminars and laboratory practicals. Participation in seminars and practicals is compulsory.

Assessment

Modules: Laboratory practicals and seminars 4 credits; Theory I, 5 credits; Theory II, 6 credits.

Practicals and seminars require active participation. The theory is examined trough two written exams: an examination of more detailed knowledge after the first part of the course (Theory I) and a comprehensive examination (Theory II) at the end of the course.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.

Other directives

This course cannot be included in the same degree as 1BG323.

Syllabus Revisions

Reading list

Reading list

Applies from: Autumn 2023

Some titles may be available electronically through the University library.

  • Schaechter's mechanisms of microbial disease Schaechter, Moselio.; Engleberg, N. Cary.; DiRita, Victor J.; Dermody, Terence.

    5th ed.: Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, c2013

    Find in the library

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