Infection Biology - Clinical Perspectives, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Specific information

In this course the students will obtain advanced knowledge of infectious medicine, medical microbiology, and virology within the fields of chronic infections, biomaterials, global medicine, and perinatal infections. The course is elective semester two or four in the Master’s Programme in Experimental and Medical Biosciences.

Course offered for

• Master's Programme in Experimental and Medical Biosciences

Entry requirements

The special eligibility requirement is the possession of the Degree of Bachelor of Sciences in a major subject area with relevance for biomedical sciences. This could include previous studies at faculties of medicine, technology/natural sciences, odontology or veterinary medicine. A major part of courses included in the Bachelor degree should be in subjects such as biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, gene technology, microbiology, physiology, immunology, histology, anatomy, and pathology.

Applicants must also have documented skills in English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (English B). For applicants who have not studied in Swedish upper secondary education, skills in English are normally attested to by means of an international language test.

Intended learning outcomes

By the end of the course the students will be able to:
Knowledge and understanding

• Describe the mode of action of different microorganisms pathogenic to humans
• Define the interactions between the human host and the infectious agent, from molecular to clinical level and apply this knowledge to describe clinical manifestations
• Apply the principles of mode of actions of virulence factors on the defence of the human body

Competence and skills

• Design and carry out laboratory experiments to investigate molecular mechanisms in the interactions between microorganisms and human cells

Judgement and approach

• Understand, analyze and critically discuss scientific papers in the field of infection biology

Course content

• Microorganisms infecting the human body
• The host response to infectious micro organisms
• Virulence strategies and mechanisms exerted by the pathogenic micro organism
• The ecology of human flora of microorganisms - normal flora and pathogens
• Microorganisms and the immune system
• Vaccines and vaccine development
• Antimicrobial agents and resistance to them
• Epidemiology of human infectious diseases
• Zoonosis
• Infectious diseases in the perspective of global medicine
• Emerging infectious diseases
• Infections and human genetics

Teaching and working methods

General: Linköping University Master’s Programme in Experimental and Medical Biosciences applies student-centered learning among which Problem Based Learning (PBL) is one pedagogical philosophy and method. To prepare the students for future employment, practical and experimental work in laboratory settings are important parts of the programme in courses as well as in individual projects.
Specific: In this course lectures, tutorial groups, seminars, study visits, demonstrations and laboratory work are used.

Examination

Compulsory items

Active participation in the compulsory parts is necessary to pass the course, and assessment of them is carried out continuously. Compulsory parts in this course are: tutorial groups, laboratory work, and demonstrations.

Examination

Individual written examination.
Literature assignment including a written report and oral presentation of an in-depth study (group assignment with individual assessment).

Grades

The grades for the course are either fail (F), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). A weighting of the grades on the individual written exam and in-depth literature study form the basis for the final grade of the course.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

Application for examination

Instructions on how to apply for examinations are given prior to the beginning of each course.

Re-examination

The date for re-examination should normally be announced by the date of the regular examination at latest; in which case the scope must be the same as at the regular examination.

Examination for students with disabilities

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives. 

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course. 

Nomination of another examiner

A student who has taken two examinations in a course or a part of a course without obtaining a pass grade is entitled to the nomination of another examiner, unless there are special reasons to the contrary.  

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of the course is to be based on the wordings in the course syllabus. A course evaluation is compulsory for each course and should include how the course is in agreement with the course syllabus. The course coordinator will analyse the course evaluation and propose appropriate development of the course. The analysis and proposal will be returned to the students, the Director of Studies, and as needed to the Education Board, if related to general development and improvement.

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If the course is cancelled or undergoes major changes, examination is normally offered under this course syllabus, at a total of three occasions, within/in connection to the two following semesters, of which one in close proximity to the first examination.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department