Fundamentals of Bacteriology

BIOL21181 Fundamentals of Bacteriology 10 Semester 1 Undergraduate Level 2 James Linton Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Middle part of Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 5.0 Fundamentals of Bacteriology will provide you with a detailed understanding of bacterial cell structure including a particular focus on the cell surface. These surface-located structures mediate a variety of functions (motility, signalling and sensing, transport and attachment) and these will be discussed in some detail. . You will also be introduced to the key emerging technological developments, such as next generation sequencing and the concept of the microbiome as well as the role of CRISPR as a bacterial defence system. This course will provide you with a comprehensive account of bacterial cell structure, function, and regulatory mechanisms. You will also be introduced to the key emerging technological developments, such as next generation sequencing, the microbiome and CRISPR that are shaping the future of bacteriology.  This unit will provide students with a comprehensive overview of bacterial cell structure/function with a particular focus on the key cell surface components. The major signalling and sensing systems will also be discussed. Students will also be introduced to key emerging technological developments such as next generation sequencing, the concept of the microbiome and the CRISPR defence system.    Students will appreciate and be able to describe: • The detailed molecular structure and functioning of the key components of the bacterial cell particularly the cell surface • How to use online tools to investigate protein structure • The principal sensing and regulatory mechanisms employed by bacteria • The concept of the microbiome and its significance • The role of CRISPR as a defence system and its applications  Innovation/creativity Opportunity to be creative in terms of how students address data analysis coursework. Face to face active learning sessions throughout the course will focus on developing scientific interpretation and analysis skills. Research Students are encouraged to read around the lecture material and up to date review articles are recommended in lectures and Softchalk course material. Key online skills in investigating protein structures will also be developed in dedicated sessions. Written communication Students will be required to write an essay as part of final examination. • Cell envelopes: Cell envelope structure of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, peptidoglycan, LPS, S-layers • Cell division & cell shape: processes involved in cell division & variety of cell shapes • Motility: Structure and function of flagella, and control via chemotaxis systems • Bacterial signalling and sensing: Sporulation in Gram-positive bacteria, quorum sensing and two component regulatory systems • Structures associated with bacterial outer membrane: OMPs and porins, pili/fimbriae • Protein secretion systems: diversity of pathways for protein secretion in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria • DNA uptake systems • The emergence of the microbiome concept through next generation sequencing technologies • The role of CRISPR as a bacterial defence system and its significance as a genome editing toole-Learning Activity MCQ-based formative and summative assessments will be delivered online via Blackboard    0 Other 20% 1 Written exam 80% A 2 hour written examination comprising of 30 MCQs (50% of exam mark) and a single essay from a choice of four (50% of exam mark). Exam makes up 80% of unit mark.  The MCQ based summative assessments will develop data analysis using research data relevant to course content (20% of unit mark).       Face-to-face sessions will combine active learning and more didactic lectures. The MCQ-based coursework will also provide feedback when marked. Feedback on exam performance will be made available through a drop-in session to view exam scripts. There will also be an opportunity to write a practice exam-style essay prior to the exam with detailed individual feedback provided by course coordinator.  BIOL10532 Microbes, Humankind and the Environment Pre-Requisite Compulsory BIOL10532 is a mandatory pre-requisite for BIOL21181 N Up-to-date review articles recommended in lectures.Recommended Reading<ol> <li> Brock Biology of Microorganisms - Fifteenth edition. Michael T Madigan et al. (2018)</li></ol> Assessment written exam 2 Lectures 22 0 76