Core Module Information
Module title: Symbiosis

SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: BMS08105
Module leader: Jane Stirling
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

Requisites: AND Pre-requisite: Basic knowledge of microbes at level 7. AND Pre-requisite: [Module MIC07100] Introductory Microbiology

Description of module content:

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.

Learning Outcomes for module:

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.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 2, In Person, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Jane Stirling
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 12 LECTURE
Face To Face Tutorial 6 TUTORIAL
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 3 Practical classes and workshops
Face To Face Centrally Time Tabled Examination 2 Centrally Time Tabled Examination
Online GROUPIND_STUDY 25 Groupwork (Independent Study)
Online Guided independent study 150 Guided independent study
Online Demonstration 2 DEMO
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 60 1~2~3~4 Exam Period HOURS= 2 Centrally Time Tabled Examination
Oral Presentation 40 1~2~3~4~5 Week 10 HOURS= 2000 Oral Presentation
Component 1 subtotal: 60
Component 2 subtotal: 40
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
BMS08105 Symbiosis