Coordinator: Professor Julian Rood (Department of Microbiology)
Microbiology is an absorbing science that is at the core of exciting new developments that have occurred in modern molecular biology. It involves the analysis and genetic manipulation of bacteria, parasites and viruses.
Recent developments such as mad-cow disease, HIV infection, legionnaire's
disease and the rise of antibiotic resistance emphasise the importance of
understanding infectious diseases for human health. Microbiology is concerned
with the study of these emerging diseases and microorganisms such as bacteria,
fungi, parasites and viruses, their structure and way of life, how they
interact with people and other living organisms in both harmful and beneficial
ways and how they can be exploited to our advantage. All these aspects are
featured in units commencing at level two and which progress at level three to
the molecular biology of bacteria and viruses, bacterial and viral
pathogenesis, and medical microbiology. In the current era of recombinant DNA
technology and genetic engineering, bacterial plasmids and viruses provide the
essential vehicles for genetic manipulation and expression in recipient cells,
emphasising the core role of microbiology in the biomedical sciences. Practical
classes in microbiology are designed to provide laboratory skills in safe
handling of microorganisms, experimental procedures illustrating their
properties and functions, laboratory diagnosis, and genetic manipulation and
expression. There is a strong emphasis on training in the techniques of
recombinant DNA technology.
A sequence that integrates the study of microbiology with molecular biology is
also offered.
Minor sequence in microbiology (24 points):
Major sequence in microbiology (48 points):
Major sequence in microbiology and molecular biology (48 points):
The MOL units, and a related sequence, are described in the `Molecular biology' entry in this section of the handbook.
Students enrolling in MIC2011 and MIC2022 are strongly advised to enrol in the molecular biology units MOL2011 and MOL2022. Useful companion units are biochemistry, immunology, genetics and pharmacology.
Honours studies in microbiology combine the study of advanced topics and a defined research project that continues throughout the year.
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