Molecular Microbiology and CRISPR Systems
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE3032 | Life Sciences | 3 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- LIFE3032
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The module covers the molecular biology of (a) natural CRISPR immunity systems and how these are applied for genome editing (b) host-pathogen interactions, for example cell envelope structure and how bacterial toxins cause disease, and (c) the role of bacteria in the human gut microbiome.
Target Students
Third and fourth year Biochemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry and Genetics and Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry students.
Classes
This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc
Assessment
- 100% Exam 1 (3-hour): The exam requires students to answer two essay style questions from a choice of at least four.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The module aims to present the latest knowledge and understanding of molecular biology in bacteria that focusses on the three main areas shown in the section above.Learning Outcomes
Students will gain detailed knowledge about cutting edge research in bacterial molecular biology and the context of that research that makes it impactful in societies.
This includes how fundamental research in molecular microbiology is directly relevant to promoting human health and to development of biotechnology tools.
Intellectual Skills and curiosity will be developed by encouraging self-directed and independent learning and asking of questions beyond the lecture material.
A small number of cutting-edge research papers and reviews from experts in the research field will supplement lectures, providing the means for interested students to broaden their view of each topic.
Transferable Skills will be promoted through encouragement to work critically and resourcefully, independently but with detailed support from the module lecturers.
Students will gain knowledge and understanding to critically discuss the basic biology and molecular biology of cutting-edge topics in microbiology listed above.
They will be able to understand how fundamental research in molecular microbiology is directly relevant to promoting human health and to development of biotechnology tools.
Conveners
- Prof Edward Bolt