Microbiology

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this major, students should be able to demonstrate:

• Broad knowledge of the diverse range of infectious microbial agents, and the ways in which they interact with their hosts, the environment and each other
• Ability to describe and explain the molecular basis of various infectious microbial agents to cause disease, together with strategies to interrupt these processes, including the development of new anti‐ microbial agents and vaccines
• Understanding of the fundamental concepts of microbial agent replication and transmission
• Understanding of infectious disease in local and global contexts
• Understanding of the immune system, how it responds to defend the body against agents of infection, and the molecular and cellular responses elicited by vaccination
• Understanding of the principles, procedures and techniques involved in the identification and characterisation of microbial agents
• Expertise in the selection and application of practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation
• Skills in accurate recording of experimental data, critical analysis and evaluation of scientific data to form evidence‐based conclusions
• Effective communication of scientific ideas and findings, in both oral and written form
• Understanding of safe scientific work practices in the laboratory, including personal and collective laboratory safety
• High level of professional integrity, and adherence to ethical requirements regarding plagiarism and accurate data reporting
• Independent and self‐directed learning, and effective management of time and priorities
• Capacity to work in groups on activities, both within and outside of the Laboratory.