Life Sciences
Molecular Basis of Infectious Disease
Module code: C7163
Level 6
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Computer based exam, Coursework
You will focus on infectious diseases and their control from an applied molecular perspective. You will discover how specific factors contribute to pathogenesis by enabling pathogen growth, entry into or adherence to host cells and manipulation of host immune responses and direct toxicity to host cells.
You’ll explore both the prophylactic and therapeutic interventions available to limit the impact these diseases have on human and animal health – from the molecular level through to clinical development.
Finally, you will cover one of the major health threats of our time, the development of drug resistant and immune escape variants.
Module learning outcomes
- Appreciate the one health impact of infectious diseases and how host and pathogen factors affect disease severity.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the molecular replication of infectious diseases and how this informs pharmaceutical-based interventions.
- Critically evaluate the current approaches used in discovery and development of existing prophylactic and therapeutic interventions and their role in controlling infectious diseases.
- Appraise the development of a vaccine or treatment and assess the impact it is likely to have on the public health problem it is addressing.