PCs with access to the internet, to access genomic databases and analytical programs.
Access to library resources including BIDS, Athens etc

Formative assessment and feedback will be given over the portfolio of tasks associated with the module topics. Peer and tutor feedback from formative assessment is designed to guide your successful completion of summative assessment.

Powerpoint presentation and accompanying notes (40%) [2,3,4]
Portfolio of tasks (60%) [1,2,3,4,5]

PASS CRITERIA Grade points 7 - 9. Coherence and soundness in response. Good understanding of the fundamental concepts, evidence of working beyond delivered material with good use of relevant procedures/examples.
Tasks competently competed.
Structure is appropriate although there are weaknesses.

MERIT CRITERIA Grade points 10 - 12. Showing breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are expressed cogently and lucidly. Work is of good quality, well balanced and relevant, able to represent findings/arguments in a clear, coherent manner with supporting evidence. Well-focussed observations and the addressing of all of the key questions. Evidence of wide reading and a thorough critical analysis of the available literature. Good synthesis and evaluation. Theory and practice well linked.

DISTINCTION CRITERIA Grade points 13 - 15. Substantial evidence of originality and creativity in response. Shows all the qualities of accomplished work, but exhibits them to a high degree. Accurate and thorough understanding of the subject matter. Much evidence of well incorporated background reading from the literature, beyond the study guide. Excellent use of relevant procedures/examples. Tasks thoroughly and comprehensively completed with presentation and structure of a very high quality.

The module will be delivered as a Blackboard. The material will be topic based and learning units will be of either one, two or three week duration. Each learning unit will comprise core reading (with links/references to additional background reading), a task to be completed on an individual basis and a task involving a group discussion. It is a requirement of the module that both individual and group discussion tasks be completed. There will be regular tutor feedback throughout the module.

This module includes study of the molecular mechanisms of disease caused by various pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi, non-conventional agents, protozoa and major parasitic worms. Topics covered will include the examination, at molecular level, of adhesion of pathogens to host cells, the entry mechanisms (invasion), maintenance (molecular response to attack the immune system) and development (reproduction, pathogenesis etc.) of these pathogens in human hosts.
Introduction to the groups of pathogens is reviewed initially and supported via student's independent guided learning. Example pathogens will be selected to illustrate the aspects outlined above. For example, evolution of the influenza virus has been heavily studied and an understanding of this research provides a good example of how a pathogen can maintain its pathogenic status through generations of humans. Evasion of human immune responses is a common feature of parasitic infections and similarly extensive research on malaria, for example, is available for study into molecular mechanisms of parasite survival within the host.

There is no key text for this module. Topics are designed to wrap around key internet based resources, which will be provided during the module. Further texts and references are provided in the module handbook.

Must have studied Principles of Molecular Biology