MEMI40010 Host-Pathogen Interactions and Medical Microbiology

Academic Year 2023/2024

The aim of this module is to provide students with in-dept understanding of the contribution of host / pathogen interactions in the pathogenesis of a number of medically important infectious agents. Using specific examples, this topic is covered in terms of host immune responses, molecular epidemiology and the influence of co-infection of the host. 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 in order to promote latency and survival within the host. The module consists of 10-12 formal lectures where the students are provided with over views of specific concepts that will be re-enforced by students reviewing related published literature.

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Curricular information is subject to change

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 Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Journal: Present a published paper to the class relating to host pathogen interactions. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

Examination: 3 essays 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

70


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
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
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3 Mon 11:00 - 11:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3 Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn