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

Knowledge and understanding

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• compare and contrast different principles behind the emergence and evolution of pathogenic microorganisms.
• apply epidemiological concepts to describe the frequency and the distribution of disease and health in populations and to evaluate causal relationships
• explain how preclinical research can identify and characterise microbial targets and compounds suitable for development into new antimicrobial drugs
• understand and apply the basic principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
• understand the fundamental principles of antimicrobial resistance development and spread
• understand what emerging alternatives to antibiotics exist, such as phage therapy and antimicrobial peptides

Competence and skills

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• apply relevant bioinformatics tools to genetically determine the origin and development of pathogenic microbes
• apply epidemiological methods to evaluate causal relationships
• apply mathematical formulas describing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs
• write and orally defend a research proposal
• interpret, critically analyse and synthesise, both orally and in writing, scientific data and other information relevant for the course

Judgement and approach

On completing the course, the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• communicate information related to the content of the course in a manner that is best adapted to the targeted audience
• understand the economic, environmental and societal impact of antimicrobial resistance
• identify the needs regarding future research and policies related to the content of the course

Content

The course consists of two modules covering:

1. microbial evolution and epidemiology (7 credits)
2. antimicrobial therapy, resistance and drug development (8 credits)

These modules cover antimicrobial therapy and resistance development from a biomedical and social perspective. Questions concerning healthcare-associated infections, economics, ethics as well as information- and knowledge dissemination are discussed.

The emergence and spread of infectious disease agents are studied in detail, from an evolutionary and epidemiological point of view.

The molecular mechanisms of action of antimicrobial drugs of different categories - and resistance to these - 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 course discusses strategies to identify new targets for antimicrobial therapy and the processes of drug development, including the pharmacological aspects of antimicrobial drugs. Topics such as healthcare-associated infections, alternatives to antibiotics, economics of drug development, and antimicrobial resistance, as well as information and knowledge dissemination, are discussed.

Instruction

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

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

Assessment

Written tests with the grade Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction ends the respective course modules. The mandatory course parts are examined at seminars, oral presentations 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.

To pass the seminars, students must show that they have prepared for each seminar, they must actively participate in the seminar group discussions, and they must perform the different tasks designed to target specific learning outcomes of the course.

To pass the symposium assignment, students must complete the different written assignments on time and according to the instructions, and they must perform the oral presentations and lead discussions during the symposium days.

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.