Bacteriology and Virology

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: BI1S1 Introductory Microbiology bI1Bec1 Building Blocks of Lie
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Summary module description:
This module builds on the Introductory Microbiology module (BI1S1) to explore the diversity of bacteria and viruses and their impact on health, medicine and biotechnology. Phenotypic and phylogenetic methods used to identify and classify bacteria are covered in lectures and practical classes and the impact of HGT on the genetic make-up and properties of bacteria considered. Key examples of selected bacteria highlighting their diversity and impact also reinforce understanding of the structure, function and metabolism of bacterial cells. The complexity and dynamic nature of bacterial communities is addressed including infection of bacteria by bacteriophage. Study of viruses continues with examples of human and/ or animal outbreaks that pose a major threat with focus on respiratory viruses and retroviruses, including HIV. The module concludes with a review of key recent events in Virology.

Aims:
To enhance understanding of the diverse structure, metabolism and impact of microbes with in depth analysis of selected bacteria and viruses. This is built on knowledge of classification and phylogeny of bacteria and viruses. Understanding of microbes and disease is extended to include principles of vaccination.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students will typically be able to:
- outline and compare methods used for classification of bacteria
- demonstrate an overview of bacteria from the proteobacteria, firmicutes and actinomycetes
- describe properties of selected key bacteria including examples with unusual properties and their benefit; discuss their impact on health and the environment
- discuss the human microbiome and bacterial interactions
- overview soil as a source of antibiotic producing bacteria and describe targets of selected antibiotics. Outline isolation and identification of soil-associated bacteria
- explain methods and perform calculations relating to bacterial and bacteriophage quantitation
-overview the bacteriophage - bacteria infection process
- describe properties and impact of common respiratory viruses
- discuss retroviruses and AIDS
- discuss current risks from emerging viral diseases and recent events in Virology
- explain examples of approaches to preventing/treating bacterial and viral disease.

Outline content:
Example of lecture content:

- Bacterial Taxonomy and evolution. Phenetic and phylogenetic classification of bacteria, definition of bacterial species, 16S rRNA typing, horizontal gene transfer and the core genome versus pan genome.
- Proteobacteria, a tour of the 5 classes of proteobacteria. Focus on Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli ? a model organism, commensal and evolving pathogen
- Firmicutes, examples might include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Bacillus, Clostridium, (spore-formers, aerobic versus anaerobic growth), Lactic acid fermenters
- Actinomycetes, Mycobacteria, a slow-growing killer. Streptomyces, antibiotic production and discovery.
- Bacteria with unusual properties of environmental and biotechnological significance, examples might include production of biogas, nanowires and bacterial organelles
- Bacterial interactions and microbiomes
- Bacteriophage ? virus:bacterium interactions
- Common respiratory viruses
- Retroviruses and AIDS
- Current threats from emerging viruses, including consideration of some ethical issues and new events in Virology.

Practical content:
Students investigate the quality of lake and river water by quantitating bacteria and viruses. Soil bacteria are isolated, identified and investigated for antibiotic production. Practicals reinforce handling microbes, aseptic technique and routine light microscopy.

There is a laboratory visit to the Department of Clinical Biochemistry.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There are two lectures a day and on one day a one-hour laboratory visit.

Contact hours:
Spring
Lectures 14
practicals classes and workshos 12
Guided independent study 74
Total hours by term 100.00
Total hours for module 100.00
Summative Assessment Methods:
Method Percentage
Written exam 80
class test administered by School 20
Other information on summative assessment:
Assessment includes: a class-administered test based on practical methods, results and understanding of an assigned paper; also, open-book electronic exercises based on directed reading, complementing lecture material.

Length of examination:
A one-and-a-half hour examination

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in August/September

Last updated: 9 January 2015