Module: BIO4201-20 Infection and Immunity

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Samantha Lane

Module Tutor Contact Details: s.lane@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

The aim of the module is to provide a sound understanding of the biology of non-pathogenic and pathogenic infectious organisms and their role in human health and disease.  In addition to this this module will provide an understanding of the natural defence against infections that humans have as well as the use of antimicrobial therapy. An understanding of how this immunity can go wrong, and result in disease states will also be covered. The role of infectious diseases in society and the role of public health organisations in containing infectious illness will also be covered.  

2. Outline syllabus:

There will be an introduction to microbes and infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, prions), with an understanding of the role of microorganisms in health and disease. There will also be an introduction to human immunity and our defence against infection. The importance of a correctly functioning immune system will be explored more in lecture based on what happens when the immune system is not functioning. Building on this even further, immunological techniques in biomedical science will be covered (and practised in a practical session). Infectious diseases and society also provide understanding of community aspects to infectious diseases and the role of public health organisations in controlling disease. The use of antimicrobial therapies in controlling infection will also be covered.

By taking this module you will fulfil the Bath Spa graduate attributes to become ethically aware: prepared for citizenship in a local, national and global context and to be able to understand and manage complexity, diversity and change.

3. Teaching and learning activities: 

You will have a mixture of lectures and practical/workshop activities each week. Lectures introduce the central topics of the module and these are developed and illustrated through the associated practical work and discussion.

9Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Poster Presentation (2000 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%