General provisions

The course is part of the third semester at the Master's Programme in Infection Biology.

Entry requirements

One year of studies at the Master Programme in Infection Biology or correlative. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to:

• account for how ecological theories and models can be used to interpret and explain infection
• describe the physiological and ecological adaptations of pathogens and other microbes for survival, growth and dispersal in various ecosystems, as well as discuss and evaluate associated risks
• account for and use common laboratory methods and analytical techniques in infection biology and molecular diagnostics
• describe, interpret and critically evaluate cutting edge large-scale methods in infection biology and molecular diagnostics
• apply and critically evaluate experimental models and designs for studies in infection biology from a scientific and ethical perspective
• interpret, critically evaluate, synthesize and communicate scientific findings and other information in the field of study orally and in writing
• optional module (C;ii): fulfil the requirements according to Swedish legislation (SJVFS 2015:38, L150) and directive 2010/63/EU for persons carrying out procedures on mice and rats (function A+D).

Content

The course is part of the third semester (of four) in the master's program in infection biology. Based on previously acquired, molecular and biomedical knowledge in infection biology it will provide a deeper understanding of microbial ecology and laboratory methods used in infection biology. During the course, students will work practically with a number of microbiological methods used in microbiology, infection biology and cellbiology. One third of the course consists of a research project or a module on research animals, during which the students plan their experiments/take an online course and finish with a practical and symposia. The course also provides theoretical concepts and models in ecology and addresses the existence and microbial adaptations.

Instruction

The teaching is provided as lectures, seminars, study visits, internet-based teaching (virtual learning), and laboratory exercises. The course is focused on practical and theoretical training in experimental techniques widely used in molecular genetics as well as to study and characterize microorganisms.

Assessment

(A) Theory 5 hp. Examined by a written examination.

(B) Laboratory training, study visits, seminars 5 hp. Examined by participation and completion of exercises according to teacher instructions and by two written reports and oral presentations in seminars.

(C)

i: Laboratory research projects 5hp. Examined by participation in compulsory moments (project introduction, presentation of project plan, lab work and mini symposium), written report and oral presentation in mini symposium.

ii: Experimental animal module 5 hp. Examined by completed online course and practical training of handling of animals (57 hours, 3 hp) and written report and oral presentation in mini symposium.

To pass the course, all assignments and exams must be completed and approved. The final grade for the course is based on a weighted rating of all obtained grades.

Missed mandatory assignment may be complemented during the next scheduled course occasion and only if there are available slots.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.