Entry requirements

120 credits including 60 credits biology and 30 credits chemistry.

Learning outcomes

After having completed the course the students 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
• practice different sterilisation techniques and hygienic aspects of infection biology
• explain a general infection process 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
• 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

Content

Bacteriology: The fundamental structure of bacteria, especially structures and mechanisms important for pathogenicity and virulence. Virology: Components and structures of viral particles and the basis of virus classification.

Parasitology and mycology: General and specific properties of infectious protozoa, worms and fungi.

Immunology: Adaptive and innate immunity. Virulence factors: Description of the most common virulence mechanisms. Diagnostics and vaccination: Basal principles for diagnosis and vaccination. The basis for PCR, RT-PCR, immunofluorecsence, ELISA, FACS and Western blotting.

Antibiotics and antibiotics resistance: Principles of antibiotic mechanisms. Mechanisms of the origin of antibiotics resistance.

Laboratory sessions

- Studies of modes of action of antibiotics.

- Diagnostics of parasitic diseases.

- Studies of host parasite interactions.

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.