VET40080

This aim of this module is to provide students with an overview of current research developments in the infection biology area, and how these are translating into novel therapeutic modalities. Students will learn key concepts in Infection Biology from the bottom up, starting with the molecular basis of host-pathogen interaction, moving to animal models of disease, then to population level studies in epidemiology, and finally to therapeutics. Students will also receive guidance on how to write a grant as this will be the mode of assessment for this module. We will include sessions outlining the process involved in writing an innovative research proposal. The module comprises 8 seminar sessions (3 hours each). Prior to each session students will be given a review or original research paper on the topic to be discussed.

Specified Student activity
1. Students will be given reviews and original research papers on the topics presented during the module. These articles will be from top-ranked journals and will provide material that both underpins and expands on that presented in the course.
2. Students will plan, develop and write a research proposal that encompasses the area of their PhD and that incorporates concepts, techniques and/or approaches learned during the course. Grants will be based on the "Gates Grand Challenges Explorations" model, and will have to include a hypothesis, research background, key objectives, research approach, budget and expected outcomes. Proposals will be submitted for assessments, but also be presented in a 10 min 'elevator pitch' presentation, helping to develop presentation skills.

Assessment:
At the start of the module students will be assessed on their presentation of a short overview of their current research. On completion of the module the student will be assessed on a submitted research grant. The criteria for assessment will be: quality of the written and oral presentations; incorporation of ideas and approaches presented in the module into the written grant; relevance of proposal to (human/animal) health; and opportunity for commercialisation. Written proposals will be assessed by Principal Investigators delivering the module. Formative feedback will be given. Students will pass with distinction, pass or fail the module on the basis of the assessment.