Anatomy BSc/MSci

Microbiology and Immunology 2 BIOL2044

  • Academic Session: 2019-20
  • School: School of Life Sciences
  • Credits: 30
  • Level: Level 2 (SCQF level 8)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Available to Erasmus Students: Yes

Short Description

This course will provide a comprehensive overview of microbiology and immunology, ranging from microbes in diverse environments to the cells and molecules that make up the immune system, and how these act in health and disease. Students will have an opportunity to explore the wider context in which microorganisms exist as microbial communities, followed by a focus on core molecular and cellular principles of both microbiology and immunology. Students will learn how infectious agents combat host immune defences and how aberrations in the immune response can lead to disease.


Normally, five lectures per week at 1pm (Monday to Friday) plus one 3-hour lab per week for 6 weeks at 10am or 2pm (Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday or Friday). In addition, non-timetabled directed-learning tasks also have to be completed.

Requirements of Entry

Normally, grade D in both the Level-1 Biology courses and grade D in EITHER Chemistry-1 OR in Science Fundamentals-1X and -1Y.

Excluded Courses



BIOL2039 Fundamental Topics in Biology 2


The course will be assessed by means of a 2-hour examination paper in the April/May diet (50%), two class tests (2 x 5%), a group oral presentation (20%) and a lab report assignment (20%). The written examinations will normally comprise MCQ and short-answer questions.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? No



Re-assessment is not available for the lab report or the group oral presentation.

Course Aims

The aims of the course are:

■ To introduce the main principles of microbiology from the wider context in which microbes exist to the intrinsic processes that allow their survival;

■ To provide an overview of the immune system, how it responds to infection, how it can be manipulated, and how aberrations in it can lead to disease;

■ To develop appropriate skills in data interpretation and analysis;

■ To develop practical laboratory skills in microbiology and immunology; 

■ To develop key transferable skills and graduate attributes.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course


■ Describe the main principles and core concepts of microbiology;

■ Describe the key cellular and molecular components of the immune system and how they interact to both prevent and cause disease;

■ Interpret information from relevant literature;

■ Analyse scientific data, including data collected in the laboratory;

■ Communicate scientific ideas effectively.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits
