NBIK15003U Advanced Bacteriology1

Volume 2016/2017
Education

MSc Programme in Biology
MSc Programme in Biochemistry
MSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine

Content

Theme 1: Social bacterial interactions

  • Bacterial interactions, Quorum sensing, Socio-microbiology


Theme 2:  Microbial biofilm and evolution

  • Biofilms, Evolution of bacteria


Theme 3: Bacterial mobile genetic elements

  • Plasmids, transposons, and bacteriophages
  • Horizontal transfer of plasmids in natural environments
Learning Outcome

By the end of the course students are expected to be able to master:

Knowledge:

  • describe the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary basis of social bacterial interactions
  • describe the different mechanisms behind horizontal gene transfer among bacteria
  • describe the prokaryotic species concept and evaluate different species definitions


Skills:

  • evaluate the importance of biofilm formation to bacterial survival
  • evaluate quorum sensing in relation to biofilm formation and bacterial pathogenesis
  • evaluate the concept of sociomicrobiology and analyse the importance of bacterial interactions
  • analyse the evolution and phylogeny of bacteria
  • analyse horizontal transfer of plasmids in natural environments


Competences:

  • use and evaluate molecular methods to investigate bacterial biofilm formation and horizontal gene transfer among bacteria, and analyse subsequent data
  • put into a plasmid pespective the evolution of antibiotic resistance, both in human infections and in various environments
  • analyse, put into perspective, and criticize the primary scientific literature
  • perform oral presentation of acquired knowledge and ideas

See Absalon.

Introductory courses in molecular biolgy and microbiology are recommended.
Generally include two weekly 2-hour discussion classes (Tuesdays from 9.15-11.00 and Thursdays from 9.15-11.30), two lectures (Tuesdays from 11.00-12.00 and Thursdays from 11.30-12.30), and a lecture in "New trends in microbiology" (Friday afternoon). Practical take place Thursdays (13.15-17.00)
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Lectures
  • 18
  • Practical exercises
  • 30
  • Preparation
  • 130
  • Seminar
  • 27
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 20 minutes
Final oral exam based on curriculum, 20 minutes without preparation. All exam questions will be published 10 days before the exam.
Exam registration requirements

In order to be allowed to the final exam, the student should have participated actively in the course by being present at the exercises (minimum 80% presence at the exercises), and by performing a satisfactory oral presentation based on a scientific paper.
 

Aid
Only certain aids allowed

Students may bring their own notes.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Re-exam

As ordinary exam.

If the requirement of 80% attendance at the exercises is not fulfilled, the student must take the course again the next year.

If the requirement of performing a satisfactory oral presentation based on a scientific paper is not fulfilled, the student must hand in a scientific paper no later than two weeks before the registration period for reexamination ends.

Criteria for exam assesment

In order to obtain the grade 12 the student must be able to demonstrate an excellent fulfilment of the learning outcome described above.