Download Advanced Topics in Microbiology 2015 – 2016

Advanced Topics in Microbiology 2015 – 2016
Students are required to select 3 Advanced Topics which will be held between weeks 9-14
of Michaelmas Semester.
LESSONS FROM YEASTS
Ursula Bond
The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has long been used as a model system for the study of
eukaryotic cells. Recent developments have allowed this model system to be used as a
powerful experimental tool to understand complex biological processes, particularly those
associated with human diseases. This course will explore the experimental approaches that
are used to set up a model biological system. With this background information, we will then
review some of the seminal papers where studies in yeasts have led to important discoveries
into the nature of human diseases such as cancer and human genetic disorders such as
Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease and prion-based diseases. Additionally, we will
discuss the many varieties of yeasts and their use in brewing, baking and wine-making and
how different strains have evolved and adapted to the different environments of these
processes.
REGULATION OF BACTERIAL GENE EXPRESSION
Charles Dorman
By examining critically the primary literature, this course introduces students to the key
breakthrough in the development of current concepts of gene regulation in the prokaryotes.
The course will focus on transcription initiation and the factors that modulate it. It will
encompass promoter coupling, the global and local effects of DNA supercoiling, the role of
the factor for inversion stimulation in transcription and the means by which these regulatory
influences are integrated with the stringent response. The relevance of these concepts to
bacterial infection will be discussed using specific bacterial pathogens as examples. The
impact of genomics technology on current views of global control of gene expression will also
be considered. This is a literature-based course and students will have the opportunity to read
and discuss the key papers and to assess the experimental evidence on which current
understanding of these topics is founded.
CHROMATIN, EPIGENETICS AND DISEASE
Alastair Fleming
It is now accepted that chromatin plays key roles in all aspects of DNA biology including DNA
repair, recombination, replication and gene transcription. Arguably one of the hottest topics
in biological science today is the area of ‘epigenetics’. Indeed, current research in this area is
proving pivotal to our understanding of cancer and stem cell biology. Due to its amenability
to genetic manipulation, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has served as an excellent
model organism for the study of eukaryotic chromatin. In this course we will examine the
history of the use of this organism in the study of eukaryotic chromatin. The course will
critically cover the primary literature describing the research in yeast that has led to our
current understanding of chromatin and epigenetics and its relevance to human disease. We
will focus on yeast research in the area of gene transcription in the context of chromatin. The
course will be literature-based, and at the end of the course students will have the
opportunity to read and discuss current publications at the cutting edge of chromatin
research.
LEGISLATION, STANDARDS SYSTEM AND ISSUES
IN CURRENT MICROBIOLOGICAL PRACTICE
Ronnie Russell
Any qualified microbiologist entering the industrial or commercial sector of the discipline is
faced with many legal, regulatory and management issues and are often looked to for
expertise in these areas. Such rapidly changing issues are now becoming central to those
working in pure science and academic research also. This course will cover the detailed
aspects of laboratory design and management, equipment specification and performance,
sampling plans, culture collections and their maintenance, sample custody and shipment; EU,
US and International microbiology Standards; laboratory quality assurance systems,
laboratory accreditation; intra and inter laboratory calibration; Standard Methods, validation
methods and current information technology resources. This is a broad and varied area of
knowledge often difficult to find or access. The course aims to bring this information together
and give guidance to its sources to give you a headstart.
INFLUENZA VIRUS: A MODEL FOR MOLECULAR VIROLOGY
Kim Roberts
This course uses influenza virus as a model to explore molecular virology and the variety of
ways viruses interact with their hosts. Through a mixture of short lectures and student led
critique of recent research the course will provide an in-depth review of critical stages of
influenza virus replication. Topics covered within the course will include: haemagglutinin
structure and function, which is critical for zoonotic transmission and pandemic potential; and
variations in translation of viral genes that have led to newly identified accessory proteins.
This course requires student participation and interaction. Students are expected to read
selected research papers, present experimental data to the class and contribute fully to
discussions.
THE MOLECULAR BASIS OF IMMUNE EVASION BY STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
Joan Geoghegan
This course will deal with the strategies used by S. aureus to twart the human immune system
with particular focus on the arsenal of molecules produced by the bacterium to inhibit
phagocytosis and neutrophil-mediated killing. The topic will be introduced with two lectures
and the remainder of the course will involve student-led discussion sessions. Primary
research articles will form the basis of class discussion of the experimental evidence on which
our understanding of staphylococcal immune evasion is based. Elements of scientific research
practices will be incorporated into the sessions to encourage students to develop skills in
experimental design, analysis and interpretation.
SELECTED TOPICS IN CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Venue: TBC
Lecture Schedule
Pneumonia; Antibiotic resistance in gram negative bacteria; Healthcare associated infections;
MRSA; Meningitis; Tuberculosis; Clostridium difficile; Urinary Tract Infections; Fungal
infections