Microbiology

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the science behind biology. You'll learn about the molecular biology of the cell through to the level of the whole organism. You'll also gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience of common biological techniques.

Introducing you to the concepts of chemistry as well as the relevant mathematical manipulations. You will develop your knowledge in literature searching, the application of databases, scientific communication, ethics, and health and safety. You will also get the necessary knowledge and skills to support the understanding of biosciences as a discipline and a profession.

The module introduces the professional roles in biosciences. You will study different disciplines within bioscience through lectures and practicals. You will leave with analytical and written skills to present laboratory data. You will explore employability within haematology, clinical biochemistry, clinical microbiology, and cellular pathology, as well as physiology, pharmacology, genetics, and the wider healthcare environment.

During this module, you'll develop your experimental skills and learn about various proteins. You'll examine cell biology, molecular biology, and immunological techniques. You'll also explore biological samples, cellular components, and interactions with external factors.

On this module you'll learn how genomes are maintained, copied and inherited. You'll also learn how gene expression is regulated, how mutations are acquired and the effects mutations have on protein function, maturation and trafficking. Intracellular signalling pathways, the cell cycle and cell death will also be studied.

Gain knowledge of core and specialised concepts of microbiology in relation to global health. You'll develop an understanding of the spread of disease and the development of control measures for public health through history.

In this module you will complete a piece of independent scientific research and will use a range of laboratory and research skills to analyse, interpret and present scientific data. As an outcome you will also gain both personal and professional development.

The aim of this module is to review critically, consolidate and extend a systematic and coherent body of knowledge of core and specialised concepts of infection and disinfection sciences, including pathogenicity and virulence and host-pathogen interactions (including host responses to microbial attack). The module will develop your understanding of the pathology and clinical presentations of the major aetiological groups of microbes including viral, bacterial, fungal, and protist infections. You'll study the strategies employed by different microbial groups to elicit infection, discuss a range of established and new investigative approaches/cultural techniques, including those for high-risk patient groups (as defined by WHO). You'll also learn the underlying principles and the applications of clinical microbiology and infection sciences delivered by specialist laboratory services (provided by Public Health England) in a hospital setting as well as gaining knowledge of treatment strategies (including those for high-risk patients) and microbial resistances that can emerge in response to those treatments. The concept of antibiotic guardianship. Evaluation of laboratory methods used for diagnosis of pathogenic microorganisms in the hospital or wider community setting (public health).

In this module, you will extend your knowledge of applied microbial biotechnology. That includes your understanding of the biotechnology industry and how it can be used to improve health. You will develop core skills in biotechnology application development, including user and regulatory requirements. You will also investigate a range of new and established techniques used for microbiological analysis.