Infection biology

BIO-477 / 5 credits

Teacher: Blokesch Melanie

Language: English

Summary

Infectious diseases (ID) are still a major problem to human health. But how do pathogens make us sick? How do they evolve and spread? The discovery and use of antibiotics and vaccination has changed the outcome of some IDs. But resistance mechanisms have evolved and are of major concern.

Content

  • Impact of infectious diseases (pandemics, epidemics)
  • Evolution of pathogens and horizontal gene transfer
  • Bacterial infections (intra vs. extracellular bacteria)
  • Virulence factors inclduing toxins and secretion systems
  • Identification of virulence factors using molecular approaches
  • Diarrheal diseases
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Viral infections
  • Symbiosis
  • Human microbiota
  • Vaccines
  • Antimicrobials
  • Eukaryotic pathogens including pathogenic fungi
  • Bioethical aspects of ID research

Keywords

Infection Biology; bacterial pathogens; viruses; eukaryotic pathogens; antibiotics and resistance mechanisms; virulence

factors; global impact of infectious diseases.

 

Learning Prerequisites

Recommended courses

Basic microbiology (prerequisite), immunology, basic cell biology, and genetics and genomics.

 

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra + discussion of relevant publications and presentation to the group + exercises

 

Expected student activities

Participating students are expected to engage in this course by attending lectures, reading additional material,

understanding and presenting recent state-of-the-art publications, and completing exercises.

 

Assessment methods

Written exam

 

Supervision

Office hours No
Assistants Yes
Forum No
Others

Resources

Bibliography

  • "Bacterial pathogenesis: a molecular approach / Brenda A. Wilson ... [et al.]. Year:2011.
  • ISBN:978-1-55581-418-2
  • "Microbiology: an evolving science / Joan L. Slonczewski, John W. Foster. Year:2011.
  • ISBN:978-0-393-11824-7
  • "Principles of virology" / S.J. Flint ... [et al.]. Year:2009. ISBN:978-1-55581-443-4

Ressources en bibliothèque

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Infection biology
  • Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Infection biology
  • Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Infection biology
  • Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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