Description
The module will begin with a look into the historical perspectives of both the discovery and use of antibiotics in the clinic.
The module will then cover the current situation of global antibiotic usage and how misuse and over prescription has lead to the emergence of antibacterial resistance. A series of lectures will cover modern techniques and methodologies that are used to both discover and develop new antibiotic compounds into the next generation of drugs. In this regard, students will gain hands-on practical experience of screening antibiotics and novel natural product extracts (of their own choosing) against a panel of bacterial species. Students will have access to state-of–the-art High throughput Screening facility in the IMI.
By the end of the module students should be able to:
- Recount the major historical milestones that have lead to the discovery and use of antibiotics in the clinic.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of properly controlled use of antibiotics in the clinic and why this is important to halt the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance.
- Explain how modern experimental techniques and methodologies used for the discovery of new antibiotics.
- Confidently handle bacterial cell culture and test for antibiotic susceptibility using High Throughput Screening.
Assessment
Continuous Assessment : Coursework (100%)