Module Code - Title:
BY4014
-
MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module provides an introduction to Microbiology and Immunology. Students are introduced to the concepts of microbes as mutualists, commensals and pathogens. The module serves to introduce students to the nature of the host pathogen relationship and how the innate and adaptive immune system maintain host defences.
Syllabus:
Microbiology: introduction to micro-organisms; major structural components of bacteria; mutualism, indigenous microbiota; determinants of virulence; Pathogen-associated molecular pattens; Virology: virus structure and classification; viral pathogenesis, viral interactions and immune evasion.
Immunity: introduction to immunity; innate defences against infection; pattern recognition receptors; cell biology of the specific immune system; humoral specific immunity; cell mediated specific immunity; generation of immunological diversity.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
1. Describe the nature of host microbe interactions. Outline the methods by which the host maintains the integrity of tissues. Describe the basic mechanisms of the host immunological response. Understand the molecular basis of activation and regulation of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Explain how the immune system recognizes foreign antigen and the prinicple of self/non-self discrimination.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Appreciate the complexity of host microbe interactions and the importance of the indigenous microbiota. Understand the diversity of immunological responses that operate to maintain the integrity of self.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module is delivered through a combination of lecture and laboratory. Students will receive hands-on laboratory experience in basic microbiological and immunological laboratory techniques. Recent research findings will be incorporated into lecture and laboratory materials.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Murphy, K (2011)
Janeway's Immunobiology
, Garland,
Parija, S.C. (2014)
Textbook of Microbiology & Immunology, 2nd Edition
, Elsevier
Other Relevant Texts:
Abbas, A., Lichtman, A.H., Pillai, S (2014)
Cellular and Molecular Immunology, 8th Edition
, Saunders
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
sinead.odonovan@ul.ie