Defence & Disease: Frontier Technologies (BMSC90019)

This subject will introduce a range of specialised and emerging research techniques and technologies and apply them to understanding contemporary research problems relating to infection and immunity. The principles and scientific basis underpinning methods to study (i) the expression and regulation of host and/or pathogen genes/proteins and (ii) techniques to visualise these factors will be explained. The application of these techniques to current cutting-edge science and technology will be analysed and explored. This subject will be taught by scientists who are research leaders in the discipline using relevant pathogen and disease-specific case examples. Students will engage with the content of this subject through a series of online pre-recorded lectures, live seminars and workshops, and laboratory based practical classes.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Describe the scientific concepts underpinning selected techniques used to investigate current problems in infection and immunity
• Evaluate the utility of advanced techniques and technologies used to study (i) the expression and regulation of host genes/proteins and (ii) to visualise key host and pathogen specific factors associated with infection and immunity.
• Determine the key elements of an investigation into a research question in infection and immunity.
• Select, implement and present experimental approaches to address specific research problem/s in infection and immunity.
• Critically analyse key challenges in delivering research outputs in infection and immunity

Generic skills

• Critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Planning and time management skills
• Communication of new ideas in oral and written form
• Ability to integrate theory and practise and apply to novel situations
• Conducting research in biomedical and health science in a professionally appropriate manner