Molecular Microbiology

This module equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to conduct independent scientific research, from critical literature evaluation to experimental design and data analysis.

You’ll study topics such as:
• Conduct an independent literature review to enhance critical analysis and understanding of research topics.
• Design a structured research proposal with clear aims, ethical considerations, and safety protocols.
• Develop practical lab skills through structured experiments, including data analysis and troubleshooting.
• Understand and apply statistical methods for data analysis.
• Gain an understanding of the ethical and appropriate use of artificial intelligence in research.
• Help identify and articulate your employability skills

Engaging with these core areas will prepare you for the demands of independent research and professional scientific practice.

This module aims to equip you with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge of laboratory-based research and examine the important issues that make good laboratory practice. Within the programme, this module will prepare you for the semester two laboratory module and the semester three independent research project.

You’ll study topics such as:
• Fundamental practical laboratory training (including reagent preparation, accuracy and precision in performing experiments, health and safety) which will be underpinned by subject module theoretical knowledge.
• A range of course focussed laboratory methodologies and, where appropriate, other practical procedures.
• Effective communication and presentation skills development via the preparation of visual and written work in an appropriate context.
• Introduction to ethical issues and foundations of scientific integrity forming the implications of good laboratory practice.
• Understand and apply fundamental statistical methods for data analysis.
• Employability skills and career preparation (including CV development, application process).

This module will explore the manipulation and the use of microorganisms for specific biotechnological applications. It will include the application of cutting-edge microbiology to address real-world biotechnological problems and give environmentally compatible solutions to a wide range of commercial and societal challenges. As well as developing breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of microbial biotechnology, this module will encourage creativity and “thinking outside the box” in applying that knowledge and understanding to key current challenges. This will be supported by a programme of lectures, discussion sessions and guided independent reading and electronic information gathering.    

Topics in this module may include: 

• Recombinant microbial expression systems 
• Principals of fermentation and its application 
• Secondary metabolite production of antibiotics, hormones, enzymes 
• The use of bacterial enzymes in biocatalysis 
• The development and spread of antimicrobial resistance 
• Principals of wastewater treatment 
• Production of Biofuels 

The content will be flexible to enable coverage of core topics but allow for subject developments, changing professional/world situations and student choice. 

This module explores the fundamental principles of microbiology on a molecular level that underpins both environmental and medical microbiology. How microbes sense their environment will be explored and how this information alters the microbes on the levels of the transcriptome, proteome and metabolome with be investigated. The virulence mechanisms and strategies that microorganisms apply throughout the infection cycle will be examined. Including, how the pathogen comes into contact with the host, how it establishes infection, the direct and indirect toxic effects on the host caused by the pathogen and strategies that can be employed to mitigate these effects will all be discussed. This will be supported by key knowledge surrounding microbial structure, metabolism and virulence with relevant lab classes, seminars and lectures.   

You’ll study topics such as: 

• Prokaryotic cellular physiology 
• Transcriptional control systems 
• Microbial metabolism 
• Cell signalling pathways 
• Biofilms 
• Viral physiology and pathogenesis 
• Factors affecting transmission of a pathogen from host to host, from the environment to the host or from vector to host 
• Attachment and invasion of host cells/host tissue by microorganisms 
• The secretion of toxins or other extracellular virulence factors 
• Microbial evasion of the host immunological response 
• The development and spread of antimicrobial resistance 
• The use of vaccines, antibiotics and other therapeutic approaches for the prevention and/or treatment of infection 

To provide the student with the opportunity to carry out a substantial research project over a period of eight weeks. The vast majority of projects will be lab-based, all within the bioscience and chemistry research areas. Projects will be appropriate to the specific degree programme on which the student is enrolled. This will be followed by a writing-up period during which the student will prepare an article-style written report.

You’ll study topics such as:
• Literature review, relevant to the area of study, using information databases
• Planning of an agreed research project
• Acquisition and demonstration of practical skills
• Critical analysis of research results
• Preparation of written report
• Oral scientific communication
• Contributing to a research community