Techniques in Microbiology (MIIM30016)

This subject provides an overview of:

(i) methods used to identify and characterise infectious microbial agents;

(ii) methods for studying the replication, gene function and evolution of pathogenic microbes and the interactions between infectious agents and their mammalian hosts;

(iii) strategies used in constructing and presenting scientific reports, both oral and written.

Laboratory techniques covered include molecular methods and functional assays used for the identification and characterisation of bacteria and viruses, such as regulation of gene expression, gene expression following DNA transfection, flow cytometry, enzyme immunoassays, protein electrophoresis, bioinformatics and viral neutralization assays. Non-Laboratory sessions will be used for the introduction of practical topics, data analysis, critical discussion of scientific research publications and discussion of strategies used in constructing and presenting scientific reports, both oral and written.

Upon completion of the subject students will have:

• used molecular methods and functional assays to identify important characteristics of microbes;
• used common bioinformatics methods to analyse DNA and protein sequence data;
• experience in the methodologies used to understand host-pathogen interactions;
• developed skills in constructing and presenting scientific reports, both oral and written;
• participated in group work activities, both within and outside the Laboratory; and
• developed safe scientific work practices