Module Code - Title:
BY4058
-
HOST MICROBE INTERACTIONS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The module will present the key strategies microbes use to establish an interaction with the host. This will be developed in the context of both infection and commensalism. State-of-the-art concepts on the impact of commensal communities on the host will be explored. The module will set out the molecular basis of the interactions where known. The module will also present the tools used to examine the interactions. The module will present new technologies in studying communities of organisms and how to extract meaningful data from large data sets. The course will use extensive reading of primary literature and reviews to embed the knowledge of techniques, capabilities and challenges in the area.
Syllabus:
The syllabus will include Host-pathogen interactions; Mechanisms of pathogenesis; Avoiding the host immune system; Host-commensal interactions; Development of tolerance; The role of microbes in programming the host immune response; Microbial communities of humans; The role of gut microbiota in health and disease; The brain gut axis; Analysis of complex microbial communities
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Students will acquire a detailed knowledge of microbial strategies for living on a host. The student will develop an understanding of the impact that microbial communities have in or on a host. The student will acquire knowledge of the methodologies used to study how microbes interact with their host. Reading of primary literature will develop skills in critical thinking and enable students to evaluate current research experimental strategies and to interrogate data from these studies.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught by a combination of lectures, tutorial/discussion groups and directed reading. The module will incorporate a significant component of reading involving current primary literature, in this context research findings will be incorporated into the learning experience.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
()
This module will utilize primary literature as the main basis of acquisition of new knowledge. This will primarily be from journals such as Science, Nature, Nature Medicine, Cell Host Microbes, Nature Biotechnology, Nature Reviews Microbiology and other Nat Reviews, Molecular Microbiology
,
Other Relevant Texts:
Steffen Rupp, S. and Sohn, K. Eds (2009)
Host-Pathogen Interactions: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology) Softcover reprint of hardcover 1st ed.
,
Wilson, B.A., Salyers, A.A., Whitt, D.D. and Winkler, M.E. (2011)
Bacterial Pathogenesis: a Molecular Approach 3rd Edition
, ASM Press, Washington DC
Fredricks, D.N. (2013)
The Human Microbiota: How Microbial Communities Affect Health and Disease 1st Edition
, Wiley
Marchesi, J.R., Ed (2014)
The Human Microbiota and Microbiome (Advances in Molecular and Cellular Microbiology) 1st Edition
, CABI
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
elizabeth.ryan@ul.ie