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MEMI40010

Academic Year 2024/2025

Host-Pathogen Interactions and Medical Microbiology (MEMI40010)

Subject:
Medical Microbiology
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Medicine
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Noreen Sheehy
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The overall aim of this module is to provide students with an overview of the contribution of host / pathogen interactions on the pathogenesis of a number of medically important viruses and bacteria . This topic is covered in terms of host immune responses to infection, molecular epidemiology and the influence of co-infections on clinical outcomes. In addition lectures cover mechanisms involved in the development of drug resistance and how this is monitored in the lab. Students are also provided with insights of how pathogens manipulate host cellular processes to promote latency and survival within their host.

The module consists of 10-12 formal lectures where the students are provided with overviews of specific concepts that will be re-enforced by students reviewing related peer reviewed publications.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe host pathogen interactions involved in the pathogenesis of oncogenic viruses• Describe passive, active and aggressive immune evasion strategies by pathogens• Describe characteristics, pathogenesis of the MUMPs virus and implications of recent outbreaks of this infection in vaccinated individuals• Describe mechanisms and strategies used by Helicobacter pylori to promote chronic infection of gastric mucosa resulting in disease development• Describe the effect of HIV/HCV co infection on clinical outcome• Describe the host pathogen interactions involved in HIV latency and latency reversing strategies• Describe the mechanisms, contributing factors, diagnosis and clinical implications of anti-viral drug resistance• Describe the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis of Mycobacterial infections and recent advances in drug development• Describe host interactions involved insect borne viral infections• Describe the clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of EBOLA virus

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12

Specified Learning Activities

30

Autonomous Student Learning

70

Total

112


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Semi-formal lectures provided by Principal Investigators from the School of Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine in UCD under the One Health theme . These PIs are actively involved in research on the topics covered. The students are also provided with relevant research publications to support key aspects of what is being covered in lectures. Active participation of students in discussions in class is strongly encouraged

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

It is recommended that students should have completed the Medical Microbiology module MEMI 30010


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Individual Project: Presentation of relevant peer reviewed publication Week 10 Graded No
30
No
Exam (In-person): End of trimester exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Graded No
70
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

In class and following presentations on published papers

Name Role
Dr Gerald Barry Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Koon-Meng Chan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Marguerite Clyne Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Stephen Gordon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3 Fri 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3 Mon 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3 Wed 11:00 - 11:50