Studying at York
Advanced topics in Pathogens & Pathogenesis - BIO00086H
Module summary
Infectious agents impact our daily lives in ways we are only beginnning to predict and properly control. This module examines current molecular biology, host:pathogen interactions and pathogenesis of 3 broad and critical categories of infectious agents; pathogenic bacteria, eukaryotic parasites and viruses. We will focus on active research areas including using evolutionary genomics to isolate key virulence factors and discover how drug resistances arises, key pathogen biology and examine interactions between pathogens and our immune system. This will include discussion of comparative experimental design, model systems, techniques, and data analysis with expectation of up to 2 papers assigned to be read prior to each lecture.
Related modules
Pre-requisite modules
Co-requisite modules
- None
Prohibited combinations
- None
Additional information
BIO00011I Cell Biology and BIO00055I Understanding Health and Disease are recommended modules.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
1. Provide a deeper comprehension of evolutionary genomics as an essential tool in combating and categorising infectious disease.
2. Explore unique genetic characteristics which both promote pathogen survival and make the pathogens vulnerable to targeted drug design.
3. Examine interactions between the host and infectious agents, and how this can lead to disease or protection.
4. Interpret experimental data to support or disprove current theories behind infectious disease causes, spread and combative strategies.
5. Explore key signaling pathways for pathogen survival and pathogenesis; what makes them essential versus tangential pathways, how do we identify and use these toward vaccine and drug design.
6. Build a strong capacity for comparisons of key biological aspects, genetics, survival strategies, diagnostics and resultant disease of different pathogens.
Module learning outcomes
1. Summarise the principles of genomics and evolution, and discuss the value of genomics to solving problems in pathogen biology and disease.
2. Compare the genetics of different pathogens and how this both promotes pathogen survival and presents a useful vulnerability.
3. Explain key terminology in pathogen biology and host immunity with a focus on host:pathogen interactions.
4. Illustrate fundamental concepts pertinent to infectious agents with cutting edge examples from current research in the field.
5. Comprehend and critically assess experimental data and approaches in immunology and infection research.
6. Critique different pathogen survival strategies; the molecular, cellular and regulatory pathways involved.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Module feedback
Cohort-level feedback will be provided on performance in closed exams and made available via the VLE. Individual marks will be made available to you and your supervisor via e:vision. Exam scripts will be made available at the end of either the Spring or Summer terms. You should take the opportunity to discuss your marks and feedback with your supervisor.
During the teaching of the module you will receive feedback that may be at a whole class or individual level. Forms of feedback may include: model answers and discussion of workshop questions, summaries of performance in practicals, VLE-based quizzes, individual spoken comments during workshops, individual written comments on formative work.
Indicative reading
These are available through the VLE module site.