Biology of Infectious Diseases, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

Knowledge and Understanding
After completed studies, the student shall have knowledge of

• the biology of pathogenic microorganisms and how they cause disease,
• how environmental factors contribute to the emergence and transmission of new infectious diseases, and
• the current diagnostics and treatment strategies and their limitations.

Competence and Skills
After completed studies, the student shall be able to

• demonstrate skills in microbiology methods,
• assemble, organize and evaluate relevant information in the form of written and oral presentation of laboratory results, and
• give oral presentations and participate in scientific discussions concerning infectious diseases.

Judgement and Approach
After completed studies, the student shall be able to

• critically evaluate scientific and popular science reports on infectious diseases, pathogenic microorganisms and environmental factors associated with transmission, and
• with increasing independence, identify limitations in knowledge on the biology of infectious diseases.

Main content of the course

The course covers the biology of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa and how they cause disease. The students will be familiarized with how environmental factors contribute to the emergence and transmission of infectious diseases. The theoretical component will be complemented with practical and safe handling of microorganisms. Furthermore, the course will examine the science behind current diagnostic methods and treatment strategies with the aim of identifying areas for innovation.

Teaching methods

Teaching is done in the form of lectures, laboratory sessions, project work and seminars.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Theoretical Part, 5 credits (Code: A001)
Written Examination

Practical Moments, 2.5 credits (Code: A002)
Active participation in group discussions, laboratory work, seminars and presentations. Written presentation of laboratory exercises and group exercises.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on examination methods

Absence from Mandatory Course Component
If a student is absent from a mandatory course component, the examiner determines if the student will be able to make up for the component during another scheduled class of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next time the course is offered. As an exception the examiner may decide on substitute assignments. These shall then be carried out before or shortly after the end of the course.

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Theoretical Part
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Practical Moments
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

To obtain a passing grade for the course as a whole, a minimum of grade E is required for all theoretical modules on the course as well as Pass (G) on the practical module including project work, attendance of all obligatory seminars. The final course grade is based on the result of the theoretical part.

Specific entry requirements

University studies in Biology and Chemistry equivalent to 60 Credits comprising at least 15 Credits in Cell Biology and 7.5 Credits in Physiology

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The languages of instruction are Swedish and English.
The course is given in English if there are exchange students registered.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Tortora, Gerard J., Funke, Berdell R. & Case, Christine L. (Latest edition)
Microbiology: An Introduction. (Global or New International edition)
San Francisco: Pearson Education Limited. Approximately 400 pages (of 960)

Additional Reading

Robert W. Bauman (Latest edition)
Microbiology with Diseases by Taxonomy
Pearson Education

Felissa R. Lashley & Jerry D. Durham. (Latest edition)
Emerging Infectious Diseases; Trends and Issues, 2nd Edition.
Springer Publishing Company

Additions and Comments on the Reading List
Laboratory instructions and other material will be provided