For the 2020-2021 Academic Year this course is being taught remotely. This means there will be no face-to-face teaching and you will not need to be present in person in Cambridge. The course content will be delivered, and the learning outcomes met, through the use of video-based teaching platforms and a dedicated course Virtual Learning Environment. ”
To transition to remote delivery of the course our academic staff are updating the course structure and timetable. This will allow the course to be academically engaging and of the quality expected from the Institute. A course guide will be available containing this detailed information no later than the end of July. Details of the Unit start dates and assignment submission deadlines are under the Teaching & Assessment tab. For an overview of the course scroll down this page.
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
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
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
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 2020-21 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.