Who is this course for?
No previous experience in the subject is necessary and the course is open to anyone with an interest in the subject area.
What will I be studying?
The programme is arranged into three complementary termly units.
Unit 1: Viruses
2 Day Schools on Saturday 22nd October 2022 and Saturday 12th November 2022
This unit will provide a broad understanding of virus biology and pathogenesis. It will investigate topics such as: viral replication strategies, antiviral therapy and vaccination, commensal viruses, bacteriophage, emerging viral infections, and viruses and cancer. Investigative strategies will be developed through the consideration of case studies of viruses and disease.
Unit 2: Bacteria
2 Day Schools on Saturday 21st January 2023 and Saturday 11th February 2023
This unit will introduce the different types of bacteria, how they are classified and what this means for how they live, and how they are targeted therapeutically. It will also cover topics such as: bacterial replication; antibiotics and antibiotic resistance; bacterial epidemiology; commensal bacteria and the microbiome. Case studies will be used to support learning and enable the collection of information from a variety of authoritative sources.
Unit 3: Parasites and Fungi
2 Day Schools on Saturday 22nd April 2023 and Saturday 13th May 2023
This unit will explore the major different types of parasitic and fungal pathogens. It will introduce the different classes of parasite and fungi and consider the implications for replication and control of their distinct life cycles. A strong focus will be given to case studies from both human and veterinary parasitic and fungal infections. The epidemiology of infection will be considered in the context of control and human induced environmental changes.
What can I go on to do?
The Institute offers two 60 credit complementary one year Certificate courses in the field of Infectious Diseases and Immunology which are taught and awarded at first year undergraduate level (FHEQ 4). In 2022-23 the Certificate in Infectious Diseases and the Certificate in Immunology are both being offered for teaching.
Students who have successfully completed the Undergraduate Certificate in Infectious Diseases worth 60 credits at FHEQ level 4 and the Undergraduate Certificate in Immunology worth 60 credits at FHEQ level 4 can apply to be awarded the Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education in Infection and Immunity worth 120 credits at FHEQ level 4.
Credit awarded by the Institute can be transferred into the degree programmes of some other higher education providers. The amount of credit which can be transferred into degree programmes varies from institution to institution and is always at the discretion of the receiving institution.