Infection and Allergy (Including Applied Microbiology)

The course provides an overview of the processes of infection caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, their biology, associated diseases and methods of transmission. It investigates how the immune system works at a molecular level employing innate and adaptive responses to pathogens, including the process of antigen recognition and antibody production.

Allergic reactions are examined in relation to the immune system with an investigation of the processes involved in the ‘false’ identification of an antigen and their consequences. The course concludes with an examination of the impact that applied microbiology has on developing knowledge and understanding of infection and the development of innovative approaches to mitigate the impact of the micro-organisms that cause disease.