Basic knowledge of microbes at level 7.

In this module we will introduce the concept that many different species can have a close relationship with each other, i.e. symbiotic, and that this has an influence on host biology. Symbiosis can be sub-divided into biological relationships that are commensalistic, mutualistic or parasitic in nature. Indeed many important diseases of humans, animals and plants are caused by a pathogen that has existed in one or more other organisms in its life cycle. In many symbiotic relationships the immune system comes into play. An introduction to immunology will be given with an emphasis on its evolutionary development. We will compare and contrast symbiotic relationships by focussing on a variety of different examples including bacteria (e.g. gut microbiota), fungi (e.g. mycorrhizae), protozoans (e.g. malaria) and helminths (e.g. nematodes). To accommodate specialist areas of interest there will be an opportunity to discuss one of those topics in more depth. The learning, teaching and assessment approach will give a broad grounding in this area of biology and will promote integration of diverse programmes within the biological sciences.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
LO1: Compare and contrast commensalism, mutualism and parasitism.
LO2: Explain the processes that establish, maintain and break down symbioses.
LO3: Describe the strategies used to control infection by pathogens of medical, veterinary and/or economical importance.
LO4: Utilise a problem-solving approach for data interpretation.
LO5: Select, and appropriately communicate, the best evidence found in review and journal articles.