General provisions

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

Entry requirements

180 credits in biology, bio-/medicine, biotechnology, pharmacy, pharmaceutical bioscience, (pharmaceutical) chemistry, medical science, agriculture, animal science, veterinary medicine or education giving knowledge in cell biology, genetics (bio)chemistry and molecular biology. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course students should be able to

• explain how preclinical research can identify and characterise microbial targets and compounds suitable for development into new antimicrobial drugs
• know the basic principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
• analyse and discuss the mechanistic action of antimicrobial drugs at the molecular level and during therapy
• analyse and discuss the mechanisms controlling development and transfer of resistance
• compare and contrast different principles behind the emergence and evolution of pathogenic microorganisms.
• apply relevant bioinformatics tools to genetically determine the origin and development of pathogenic microbes
• use epidemiological methodology to describe the frequency and the distribution of disease and health in populations and to evaluate causal relationships
• interpret, critically analyse, synthesise and communicate, both orally and in writing, scientific data and other information relevant for the course

Content

The course consists of four modules covering antimicrobial drug development (4.5 credits (hp)), antimicrobial therapy and resistance (3.5 credits (hp)), microbial evolution (3,5 credits (hp)) and epidemiology (3.5 credits (hp)).

These modules are partly integrated by a recurring theme that deals with antimicrobial therapy and resistance development from a social perspective where questions concerning healthcare associated infections, economics, ethics as well as information- and knowledge dissemination are discussed.

Specifically, the course discuss strategies to identify new targets for antimicrobial therapy and the processes of drug development, including the pharmacological aspects of antimicrobial drugs. The molecular mechanisms of action of antimicrobial drugs - and resistance to - are discussed in detail. Relevant model systems are used to practically illustrate the molecular mechanisms and factors affecting resistance development and global transmission of resistance. The emergence and spread of infectious disease agents are also studied in details, both from an evolutionary and epidemiological point of view. The focus requires relevant knowledge in molecular biology and biochemistry.

Instruction

Instruction is provided in English and consists of lectures, seminars and practical and theoretical tasks. Seminars and assignments are mandatory.

Assessment

Written tests with the grade Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction ends the respective module. The mandatory parts are examined at seminars, oral presentations/reports and through written reports and given the grade of pass or fail.

To pass the course all written exams and mandatory parts must be approved. The final grade of the course is based on a weighted rating of all course sections. Possibility to complete non-approved mandatory assignments may be given at the next course opportunity, at the earliest, and only in case of vacancy.

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 University's disability coordinator.