Infection Microbiology, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding
After completed the course, the student should be able to

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

Competence and Skills
After completed the course, the student should be able to

• perform microbiological work,
• 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.

Content

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.

Examinations and grades

Theoretical Part, 5 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Practical Part, 2.5 credits (Code: A002)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

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 determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

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

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

Modes of assessment

• Theoretical Part (code A001): Written exam
• Practical Part (code A002) Oral examination, practical examination and written assignment

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.

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

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

30 credits in Biology including Cell Biology 15 Credits and Physiology 7.5 Credits. And additionally 30 Credits in Chemistry or Biology.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

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

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.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Robert W. Bauman (Latest edition)
Microbiology with Diseases by Taxonomy, Global edition
San Francisco: Pearson Education. 912 pages

Additional 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)

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

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