Advanced Molecular Microbiology module (BS42033)

This module will extend your knowledge of advanced molecular microbiology to a research-based level.

​You will study topics such as:

• ​how bacteria interact with their hosts and other organisms
• ​the mechanisms of bacterial protein secretion
• ​microbial cell wall formation and its relevance to pathogenicity and therapy
• ​secondary metabolites
• ​the regulation of slow growth states in bacteria

​In tutorials you will develop your skills in critically appraising primary research papers and evaluating published datasets.

​You will engage closely with the researchers who are actively working on these topics. This will allow you to gain insight into the current state and direction of the field.

​What you will learn

​In this module, you will:

• ​explore various topics at a research level. These include:
• ​pathogen-host interactions
• ​microbiomes
• ​bacterial protein secretion
• ​microbial cell wall biology
• ​examine secondary metabolites, interkingdom interactions and slow growth state regulation in bacteria
• ​develop skills in critically appraising primary research papers and working with published datasets

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

• ​critically discuss how bacteria interact with their hosts, environment and other microorganisms
• ​evaluate how molecular and biochemical mechanisms within bacteria ensure fitness in their environment
• ​analyse primary research papers. You will be able to show understanding of modern microbiology methods and the peer review process

Assignments / assessment

• ​​Paper analysis assignment (40%)
  • ​Given in week 15
  • ​Due in week 20
  • ​10 hours effort expected
• ​Unseen written exam (60%)
  • ​Answer two of the three essay-style questions provided ​

Teaching methods / timetable

• ​​Lectures
• ​Interactive tutorials
  • ​Including a peer review exercise and journal club
• ​Data handling workshops
  • Analyse and interpret real research data, including omics data.