The aim of this course is to provide Honours students in Microbiology with a firm grounding in the broader scientific skills they will need for the coming year and for their progression in science beyond graduation. 

There is normally 3 hours of teaching on Mondays.

None.

The course will be assessed by a 2-hour examination (67%) and in-course assessment in which students write a short journal article based on data provided to them (33%). 

This option aims to provide Honours students in Microbiology with knowledge of current research methods and skills in this discipline. 

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

■ Explain the key molecular techniques adapted for and utilised in microbiology diagnostics;

■ Conduct basic bioinformatics-based analysis based on amino acid sequence data;

■ Devise strategies for protein over-expression, purification and analysis;

■ Examine how genetics approaches can be used to genetically modify microbial pathogens; 

■ Appraise assays that measure activation of the immune response and demonstrate the importance of antigen/antibody interactions in the study of the immune system in health and disease;

■ Discuss the main modes of research microscopy;

■ Discuss the legal requirements underpinning animal experimentation in the UK;

■ Give an account of the basic principles of transcriptome and proteome analysis of micro-organisms;

■ Discuss methods to generate molecular epidemiology data and key concepts in epidemiological investigations.