10535 (v.4) Microbiology 331

Area:

School of Biomedical Science

Credits:

50.0

Contact Hours:

5.0

Lecture:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Practical:

1 x 3 Hours Weekly

Prerequisite(s):

11600 (v.3) Microbiology 232 or any previous version

Syllabus:

The molecular biology and pathogenesis of infectious diseases is one of the most rapidly expanding areas of knowledge. This unit examines viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogenesis at the molecular level and applications that improve diagnosis, treatment, epidemiological analysis, control and prevention of infectious diseases. A brief introduction to the molecular biology and biotechnology of prions, viroids, fungi, algae and protozoa. Some of the commercial applications arising from this knowledge include strategies for the development of antimicrobial agents and vaccines, cloning and expression vectors, biological control of insects and pests, strategies for studying oncogenesis and cell apoptosis and tools for diagnosing infectious agents and analysing the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Antimicrobial agents have become one our most important defences against microbial pathogens. Examination of the action and range of antimicrobial agents, the mechanisms of resistance, spread and epidemiology ofantimicrobial resistance genes and the urgency and approaches for finding antimicrobial agents. Many cutting edge techniques have been developed to study the molecular biology of microorganisms.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit students will have - Discussed the role of molecular biology in elucidating the aetiology and mechanisms of several major infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, protozoa and other pathogenic microorganisms.Discussed the interplay and sequence of interactions between a host and parasite that may lead to infectious disease. Outlined the major approaches to the development of new methods and agents for the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Contributed to research and biotechnology programs using modern techniques of molecular biology. Used many resources available to molecular biologists including kits, software and internet sites. Answered the questions provided in the lecture and practical notes using the language of a microbiologist well versed in the discipline of molecular biology. Performed, observed, interpreted and drawn conclusions from practical exercises in molecular microbiology.

Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.

Unit References:

Van Demark, P.J. and Batzing, B.L. (1987). The Microbes - An Introduction To Their Nature and Importance, Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company. Brock, T.D., Smith, D.W. and Madigan, M.T. (1997). Biology of Microorganisms, 8th ed., Prentice/Hall International. Creager, J.G., Black, J.G. and Davison, V.E. (1990). Microbiology - Principles and Applications, Prentice/Hall. Boyd, R.F. (1988). General Microbiology, 2nd ed., Times Mirror/Mosby College Publishing. Talaro, K. and Talaro, A. (1993), Foundations inMicrobiology, Brown Publishers. Pelczar, M.J., Chan, E.C.S. and Krieg, N.R. (1993). Microbiology - Concepts and Applications, McGraw-Hill. Tortora, G.J., Finke, B.R. and Case, C.L., Microbiology - An Introduction, 5th ed., The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing.

Unit Texts:

Prescott, L.M., Harley, J.P. and Klein, D.A. (2002). Microbiology, 5th ed., McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Salyers, A.A. and Whitt, D.D. (2002). Bacterial Pathogenesis - A Molecular Approach, 2nd ed., ASM Press.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Objective tests (2) 30%. Practical examination 10%. Tutorial presentation 10%. Final theory examination 50%. This is by grade/mark assessment.

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Area External	Central External
2004	Bentley Campus	Full Year	Y