General provisions

The course is part of the third semester at the Master's Programme in Infection Biology.

Entry requirements

One year of studies at the Master Programme in Infection Biology or correlative. Proof of skills in English at a level corresponding to English B in the Swedish secondary school.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to

• explain how infectious processes can be linked to and interpreted from central ecological theories and models.

• describe adaptations of pathogens and other microorganisms for survival, growth and proliferation in different ecosystems and to discuss and evaluate the risks associated with this.

• describe some important human, animal, and plant pathogens and their biology and interactions with other microorganisms.

• explain and apply basic laboratory methods and analysis techniques in infection biology and molecular diagnostics.

• describe, interpret and critically evaluate new and large-scale analysis techniques in infection biology and molecular diagnostics.

• apply and critically evaluate experimental models and experimental setups for infectious biological studies from a scientific as well as an ethical perspective.

• interpret, critically evaluate, synthesise, and communicate scientific data and other information in the main field of studies orally and in writing

Content

The course is part of the third semester (of four) in the Master's program in infection biology. Based on previously acquired, molecular and biomedical knowledge in infection biology it will provide a deeper understanding of microbial ecology and laboratory methods used in infection biology. Both theoretical concepts and models in ecology and applications in plant pathology, water contamination, probiotics and the human microflora will be discussed in the course. The course provides a basic introduction to microbial diversity and existence of pathogens in different ecosystems, and addresses the microbial adaptations for proliferation, survival and growth in different environmental conditions. During the course, students will work practically with a number of microbiological methods used in microbiology and infection biology.

Instruction

The teaching is based on laboratory research projects, which are carried out in small groups of students using a problem-based teaching model. Complementing this, the course contains lectures by specialists, compulsory laboratory sessions, seminars and study visits.

Assessment

The examination consists of three parts:

(1) a theoretical exam (5 credits) dealing with microbial ecology and diversity including plant pathology, probiotics, water contamination and human microflora.

(2) Participation in mandatory laboratory tasks, seminars and study visits (5 credits).

(3) Report of a laboratory research project (5 credits)

To pass the course, all assignments and exams must be completed and approved. The final grade for the course is based on a weighted rating of all obtained grades.

Missed mandatory assignment may be complemented during the next scheduled course occasion and only if there are available slots.