This course, taught by 5 lecturers will give students an in depth understanding of the genetics, evolution and biochemistry behind the pathogenic properties of parasites and micro-organisms that cause major human disease in the present day. As time is limited, we will concentrate mainly on microbial aspects with one week on the genetics of human susceptibility. Students will learn about the specialised features of parasites and micro-organisms that make them pathogenic, how the genes encoding these features are regulated, and how biological, genetic and chemical tools can be used to develop preventative and curative treatments (2wks). Model organisms to be studied include the agents of malaria (2 wks), leishmania (1 wk), candidiasis (1 wk), aspergillosis (1 wk), Salmonella, Escherichia and Shigella dysenteries (1 wk), and tuberculosis (1 wk). Students will also take part in a group-learning activity to produce a poster on an emerging or persistent pathogen explaining the molecular biology of its virulence. They will learn to use a questioning approach to gain an understanding of microbiological processes in the literature and how to present a scientific poster at a conference by presenting their group's work for peer and staff judging at a poster conference for 35% of the module mark.

To present work on the molecular genetic biochemical and cellular bases of the major infectious diseases of mankind and why they are still such a health problem. To understand the post-genomic progress in determining the molecular mechanisms of transmission, pathogenicity and susceptibility. To understand the progress and prospects for new therapeutics.