Unit information: Microbiology in 2014/15

Unit name	Microbiology
Unit code	VETS30002
Credit points	0
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Doug Wilson
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	VETS10100, VETS10200 VETS10300 VETS10400,vets20200,VETS20300,VETS20400
Co-requisites	VETS30006, VETS30005,VPH, FAS, CAS,PATH
School/department	Bristol Veterinary School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

The lecture course will cover the basic morphology, structure and mechanisms of replication of the major bacterial and viral pathogens of domesticated animals. The most important pathogens will be covered individually describing host and parasite factors influence the pathogenesis of diseases associated these microorganisms. In addition the host response to infection along with the basic concepts and techniques utilised in diagnosis of and protection against diseases caused by these micro-organisms will be described.

Aims: • To provide a sound understanding of the relevant scientific principles underlying the subject of microbiology. • To teach the more applied aspects of microbiology, including current knowledge of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi of importance in domesticated animals in this country. • To stimulate and encourage interest in the research application of microbiology.

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the unit students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the basic biology of the major groups of microorganisms

• Describe, with regards to the major pathogens of animals, the diseases they cause, the mechanisms by which they cause disease, their modes of transmission, epidemiology and control

• Describe and apply the principles of laboratory recognition for the identification of a wide range of veterinary pathogens and the laboratory diagnosis of clinical episodes of infectious disease.

Teaching Information

Lectures, practicals and computer-based course work

Assessment Information

A minimum mark of 50% must be achieved in Microbiology to proceed to year 4. This is derived from 3 elements - DSE, the mid-sessional and the sessional written papers (MCQs and /or essays). In addition, students must achieve at least 45% as a combined mark in the written (MCQs and essays) components taken under exam conditions.

DSE - Computer-based quiz; problem-solving exercises in clinical bacteriology; extended essay in virology total = 20% Mid-Sessional (January) 1 hour MCQ paper 15% Sessional (June) 2 hour essay paper 55% Sessional (June) 1 hour MCQ paper 10%

(N.B. The contribution of 15% for the mid-sessional paper is based on the proportion of the Unit’s lectures in the autumn term.)

Failure to achieve these criteria will result in resit examinations in September. In the event of a resit, the mark allocation will be:

DSE carried forward 20%

2 hour essay paper 65%

1 hour MCQ paper 15%

Reading and References

Veterinary Microbiology and Microbial Diseases, 2011, Quinn et al., John Wiley & Sons, Limited.