The emphasis in this module is on the cultivation, isolation and identification of microorganisms. The impact of variations in growth conditions and the role of host microbe interactions is discussed. Students develop the confidence and competence in handling pathogenic microorganisms.
*Curricular information is subject to change
- The growth kinetics of microbes growing in batch culture and continuous culture.
- The impact of physical and chemical factors that influence microbial growth.
- The composition, preparation and principles of selective and non-selective media for growing bacteria and fungi.
- Methods used for the sterilization and disinfection of media, materials and equipment.
- Host-microbe interactions in health and disease including the innate immune response to bacterial infection and mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity
- Virulence strategies and identification profiles of selected pathogenic microbes.
- Reservoirs of Infection and Disease Transmission
- Specialised staining of bacterial structures.
- Isolation and identification of a selected range of pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, Enterococcus spp, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonads using morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics.
- Data presentation and interpretation of experimental results.
- Rapid identification methods in Microbiology (Analytical Profile Index Latex agglutination kits).
Practical programme to include:
Lectures, tutorials, problem based learning, laboratory based practicals.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |