Throughout this module you will consider the molecular basis of both non-infectious and infectious disease in humans. You will investigate the molecular components of chronic diseases that arise as a consequence of one or more contributory factors i.e. inherited, environmental or behavioural factors. How each of these factors can give rise to a diseased state will be studied and then the consequences of these factors working together will be investigated allowing you to critically evaluate the molecular contribution to these diseases.

You will then go on to study the molecular mechanisms of infectious disease caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and non-conventional agents, protozoa and major parasitic worms. Topics covered will include the examination, at the molecular level, of host surface-pathogen interaction, adhesion mechanisms of pathogens, entry mechanisms and invasion including cell and tissue damage. The physiological and other adaptations that enable a pathogen to survive within a host, from initial encounters with the immune system effectors through to full evasion of the immune response. You will also consider the molecular biology of emerging infectious disease biology and molecular epidemiology research.

In the context of both infectious and non-infectious disease you will consider the current and future roles and importance of molecular genetics and genomics in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of disease. Within this you will evaluate whether the application of genetic and genomic understanding contributes to improved patient safety (for example, through the speed, sensitivity or specificity of diagnosis or through the stratification and personalisation of treatment options).

Assessment 1 relates to learning outcome 1 and 3. You will create an academic poster reviewing the molecular biology of a non-infectious disease, emphasising the multifactorial aspects of the disease aetiology.


Assessment 2 relates to learning outcomes 2 and 3. This written assessment is a critical literature review on a specified topic related to the molecular biology of infectious disease and the role of molecular diagnostics for this condition.

The Masters in Molecular Biology is delivered on campus through a combination of lectures workshops alongside directed self-study. For this module, each week a workshop task associated with the topic to underpin the area covered will be set. Exercises may include quizzes facility and peer-to-peer discussions.

1. Demonstrate critical awareness and evaluation of current research of the genetic basis for the aetiology and symptomatic presentation of a range of medical disorders in humans as well as the evidence that demonstrates many diseases to be of a multifactorial origin.¿¿

Analysis, Knowledge and Understanding. Enquiry, Learning, Reflection.

2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenicity (including immune evasion and subversion) and interactions with host cells of a range of pathogens (including adhesion and invasion) in infectious disease.

Knowledge and Understanding, Learning

3. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding and critical evaluation of the current and future roles and importance of molecular genetics and genomics in clinical diagnosis and treatment of disease.¿

Application Communication Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Reflection

You will need access to a computer with access to the internet.

Microsoft office and adobe creative suite

Library resources with access to journals

Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., Walter, P. (2022). Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th edition. WM Norton. ISBN 978-0-393-42708-0


Wilson, A., Winkler, M., Ho, B., (2019) Bacterial pathogenesis: a molecular approach. 4th edition. Wiley ISBN 978-1-683-67288-3

Dimmock, N.J., Easton, A.J. and Leppard, K.N. (2016) Introduction to Modern Virology (7th Ed.)


Knisely, K. (2017) A student handbook for writing in biology.


An array of electronic media/links including links to relevant primary material will also be provided.

Throughout this module you will consider the molecular basis of both non-infectious and infectious disease in humans. You will investigate chronic multifactorial diseases as well as infectious diseases caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and non-conventional agents such as protozoa and parasitic worms.


In the context of both infectious and non-infectious disease you will consider the current and future roles and importance of molecular genetics and genomics in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of disease.