Microbiology and Immunology

Intended learning outcomes

Microbiology & Immunology Major Graduates should demonstrate:

• ability to: describe the diverse range bacteria and viruses, and the ways in which they interact with their hosts, the environment and each other; explain the molecular basis of the ability of various microbial agents to cause disease, together with strategies to interrupt this process, including the development of new antibiotics and other agents; explain the fundamental concepts of bacterial cell division, cell growth and the transfer of molecules and signals across the cell membrane; describe the way in which the immune system responds to defend the body against agents of infection; explain the molecular and cellular responses elicited by vaccination;
• expertise in the describing the principles and procedures involved in the identification and characterisation of bacteria and viruses and in describing the use of molecular techniques to identify and characterise determinants associated with infectious disease;
• expertise in the selection and application of practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation;
• capacity for critical analysis and evaluation of scientific data from a range of sources to form evidence-based conclusions;
• skills to effectively communicate scientific ideas and findings effectively in both oral and written form;
• safe scientific work practices;
• expertise in accurately recording experimental data and the use of this record to construct and present oral and written scientific reports;
• skills for effective participation in group work activities, both within and outside of the laboratory;
• independence and self-directed learning ability and the ability to set their own goals and effectively manage their time and priorities.
• a high level of professional integrity; understand the requirements for personal and collective laboratory safety; understand the ethical requirements regarding plagiarism and accurate data reporting and analysis.