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  5. Biology
  6. BI25M5: MICROBES, INFECTION AND IMMUNITY

BI25M5: MICROBES, INFECTION AND IMMUNITY (2015-2016)

Last modified: 25 Mar 2016 11:35


Course Overview

  • if you were to count the number of bacteria in your gut, you might be surprised to find that you have 10 times more of them than you have cells in your body;
  • from the moment we are born, we become infested with microbial life that has an enormous impact on our lives;
  • in this course we explore the positive and negative aspects of our relationship with microbes, and how our immune system helps to maintain a fragile peace with our closest neighbours

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 2
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Frank Ward

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses occupy all niches of this planet, from the deepest oceans to the human body. Their success in such a wide variety of environments is dependent on their diversity and adaptability. This course is an introduction to the biology and ecology of micro-organisms, and an introduction to the immune system and its role in protecting against microbial disease. The course stresses the importance of man's relationships with micro-organisms, from disease to biotechnology and in particular, describes how we build immunity by meeting all of the challenges that arise in combating infection.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour extended matching question (EMQ) examination (70%) and in-course assessment (30%). Continuous assessment comprises: 4 written practical reports (15% in total), 4 homework assignments (15% in total). Resit: 1 two-hour EMQ examination (70%) and previous continuous assessment (30%).

Formative Assessment

PRS questions during lectures and practice questions on WebCT. EMQ Mock Exam

Feedback

Practical reports will be marked with written comments. Students will be given general feedback on performance during timetabled exam information sessions. PRS MCQ assessment answers discussed during lectures. Immediate feedback on practice questions available on WebCT.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.
 

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