Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title MICROBIOLOGY (PART TIME)
Code LIFE246
Coordinator Dr PGG Miller
School of Life Sciences
Pmiller@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
none 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
LIFE241 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24
Two one-hour lectures per week in which key concepts are introduced
12
12 one-hour sessions (1 per week) that are associated with the lecture themes in that week.
        36
Timetable (if known)   The seminars are interactive and students are expected to contribute to class discussions.
  		         
Private Study 114
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  120  Semester 2  80  Yes    Exam 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  1 hour  Semester 2  10  Yes    Online tests 
Coursework  1000 words  Semester 2  10  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Coursework Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 1 is a series of small online tests. Assessment 3 is a coursework essay on a microbiological topic related to the syllabus. 

Aims
1. Develop in students an understanding of how microbes play crucial roles in maintaining the natural environment
2. Explain to students the role of microbes in disease processes and how the immune system protects against infe ctions
3. Develop in students an understanding of the roles of microbes in biotechnological processes
4. Develop in students knowledge and understanding in microbiology, and ability to apply, evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve problems in Microbiology

Learning Outcomes

Identify appropriate techniques for assessing microbial diversity with particular reference to bacteria and fungi

Evaluate the structure and significance of microbial communities involving these species

Evaluate the physiological properties and adaptations that enable microbes to colonise diverse environments

Identify the roles of microbes as commensals and pathogens and mechanisms by which they interact with the host

Discuss the roles that microbes play in nutrient and biomass recycling

Discuss the environmental and biotechnological importance of microbes in specific contexts, including food security and water treatment

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - Two one-hour lectures per week in which key concepts are introduced

Seminar - 12 one-hour sessions (1 per week) that are associated with the lecture themes in that week.

The seminars are interactive and students are expected to contribute to class discussions.

Syllabus
1 

Bacterial Diversity 

Isolating, recovering and identifying bacteria in natural environments. Diagnostics. Principles and practice of biological safety.

Methods to study bacteria in natural environments, activity, detection – non-culture methods, stable isotopes
Bacteria in disease. Commensals and pathogens. The skin as an environment and barrier.
Microbial communities
Metagenomic studies. Functional consortia in biofilms. The gut microbiome.
Biogeochemical cycling - Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulphur.
Fungal Diversity
The fungal mycelium. Structure of fungal hyphae. Apical growth mechanism.
Fungal communities: Molecular responses of fungi to environmental change. Sensing and response to Carbon and Nitrogen.
Microbes in nutrient and biomass recycling
Sewage and wastewater treatment. Integration of aerobic and anaerobic processes
The carbon cycle. Polymer degradation. Energy, biosynthesis, carbon dioxide and methane.
Sustainable Food Security
Microbial colonisation of food for preservation and spoilage.
Biodeterioration: Destruction of materials by microbes (wood, crops, animal products).
Sustainable Food Security II: Fungi in sustainable agriculture (mycorrhiza) and as pathogens of crops. Mycotoxins. Fungicides.
Microbes and hosts
Bacteria and their hosts. Interactions with the host tissues and immune system.
Virulence and Defence
Innate immunity: Overview of the innate response. Phagocytes and their importance in defence. The complement pathway.
Acquired immunity: The humoral response. The role of antibodies.
Virulence factors: Escape from the innate immune system. Invasion of host cells
Evolution of bacterial pathogenicity
Acquisition of virulence genes, pathogenicity islands and resistance. Community and hospital acquired infections.
‘Salmonella’ – a paradigm of bacterial metagenomics and co-existence
Antibiotics; vaccines
sources, assays and modes of action. Characteristics of the ideal vaccine. Future developments.
Food poisoning
Food-borne infections – campylobacters, E. coli and others. Food-borne intoxications (Clostridia, Staphylococci, Bacillus sp.)
A case study of its diverse origins and ways it can be controlled.

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: