Molecular Microbiology module (BS32036)

​​Molecular Microbiology covers a range of specialist topics in modern microbiology, from bacterial cell growth and gene regulation to antibiotic resistance, motility and virulence mechanisms. You will examine how bacteria interact with their environment and how molecular processes drive key processes.  You will also develop practical skills in analysing scientific literature, handling microbial genome data and communicating your findings in written and oral formats. This module prepares you for more advanced laboratory project work in Year 4. 

​What you will learn 

​In this module, you will: 

• ​Investigate bacterial growth, biofilm formation and motility mechanisms 
• ​Examine gene expression and communication in bacterial population 
• ​Examine the molecular basis of antibiotic action, resistance and pathogenicity 
• ​Develop skills in data analysis, scientific writing and presenting research 

​By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

• ​Describe the principles of bacterial growth and explain the key molecular mechanisms driving bacterial phenotypes 
• ​Explain antibiotic modes of action and apply this knowledge to resistance mechanisms 
• ​Describe various mechanisms of motility in bacteria 
• ​Explain how bacteria form biofilm 
• ​Communicate microbiology research effectively in written and oral formats​

Assignments / assessments

​​Portfolio assessments (40%)

• This constitutes a Review article and Flash presentation with Q&A on a given topic 

​Written examination, 2 hours (60%)

• Two out of 3 questions are to be answered​

Teaching methods / timetable

• ​​Interactive lectures 
• ​Tutorials with guided assessment support 
• ​Data handling workshops-2 two hours workshops​