Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
In this module, you will study the biochemistry of bacteria, viruses and parasites and how specific mechanisms and pathways affect disease. You will be introduced to a range of pathogenic organisms (including SARS-CoV-2), the diseases they cause and strategies used to control them. Topics covered by the module will include: an introduction to epidemiology and managing disease outbreaks; ways in which parasites adapt to changing environments in order to survive; how drugs work to kill a range of pathogens; factors that cause some bacterial strains to be more pathogenic than others; introduction to the biology of viruses; why we can use single vaccines against some viruses and not others; application of selected viruses as research tools. Please note that either LSC-20015 or LSC-20073 is a pre-requisite for taking the module LSC-30036.
Aims
This module aims to introduce students to a range of pathogens and their associated biochemistry. Students will also learn about scientific writing. They will write an essay in the style and format of a textbook section and a report on containment of a disease outbreak.
Talis Aspire Reading ListAny reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/lsc-20073/lists
Intended Learning Outcomes
discuss key biochemical processes in bacteria, viruses and parasites and link these to diagnostic tools and methods of disease control: 1,2locate and analyse information on pathogens and diseases they cause using a range of library-based and online resources: 1,2communicate effectively using a scientific writing style: 1,2discuss ethics and sustainability issues in terms of global health: 1,2describe the adaptations used by a range of pathogens to survive in challenging environments: 1,2
12 x 1 hour tutorials12 x 5 hours engagement with asynchronous content30 hours completion of textbook ICA30 hours completion of report ICA18 hours of independent study
Description of Module Assessment
1: Essay weighted 50%A textbook section (1,200 words)
2: Report weighted 50%Report on containment of a disease outbreak (1,200 words)