Course Catalogue

Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences

This module aims to: provide a broad spectrum of knowledge about microorganisms and their activities which will provide a foundation for microbiology modules at Levels 5 and 6.

Outline Syllabus:Position of microorganisms in the natural world with emphasis on bacteria, fungi and viruses. Structural characteristics and growth requirements of the major microbial groups. Practical methods to study microorganisms: cultivation of bacteria; principles of bacterial identification; assessment of cell growth. Microbial signalling and communication. Biofilms. Microorganisms as agents of disease, modes of infectious disease transmission and the methods used to prevent and treat infections. Antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance. Microorganisms of industrial importance. Microorganisms and environmental processes. The biology of plasmids and bacteriophages.

Module Overview:
This module provides you with a broad spectrum of knowledge about microorganisms and their activities which will provide a foundation for microbiology modules at Levels 5 and 6. The module will be delivered through a series of lectures, practicals and workshops.

Additional Information:The module will be delivered through a series of lectures, practicals and workshops. There will be one piece of coursework involving a laboratory practical assessment. The final assessment component will be a written examination. Students will be required to do some independent learning and reading around the topics.