Infection biology

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

Keywords

Infection Biology; bacterial pathogens; viruses; eukaryotic pathogens; antibiotics and resistance mechanisms; virulence factors; global impact of infectious diseases.

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

An Introductory Microbiology course is a prerequisite.

Exchange students will only be accepted after presentation of a certificate indicating that they have followed a basic microbiology course.

Recommended courses

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

Important concepts to start the course

Basic microbiology; knowledge of prokaryotic specialities (ribosomes, cell wall etc). 

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra + discussion of relevant publications + 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

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

• Microbiology: an evolving science / Joan L. Slonczewski, John W. Foster.
• Bacterial pathogenesis: a molecular approach / Brenda A. Wilson ... [et al.]
• Principles of virology" / S.J. Flint ... [et al.]

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/BIO-477