Host-pathogen interactions

The aim of this course is to familiarize students with host-pathogen interactions and the latest techniques on their studies. Students will know the types of pathogens and their strategies for interaction with the host, molecular mechanisms of virulence, characteristics of the host-pathogen interaction, adaptive properties of pathogens, effect of the anthropopressure on host-pathogen interactions, the Red Queen theory, threats and hopes related to "gain-of-function" research and GMO, and future directions in studying host-pathogen interactions. Additionally, students will have practical training on the detection and analysing of host-pathogen interaction using Galeria mellonella model and selected bacteria and fungi.

PDF materials prepared for the course by the teacher; Black Jacquelyn G. - Microbiology. Principles and Explorations, 8 th ed., 2012; Madigan Michael T., Martinko John M., Bender Kelly S., Buckley Daniel H., Stahl. David A. (Eds) - Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 14th ed., 2015; John Wiley & Sons, New York; Deacon J. 2006. Fungal biology. 4th edition, Blackwell Publishing; Ingold C.T. 1961. The Biology of Fungi, Hutchinson Educational; Male D., Brostoff J., Roth D., Roitt I. (eds) Immunology 8th edition, Imprint: Saunders, Published Date: 17th September 2012.

Learning outcomes for first-cycle biology studies as defined by the resolution of the UMCS Senate of April 25, 2012.

In terms of knowledge the graduate:

W1: Recognizes basic processes occurring in living organisms exposed to pathogens at the molecular, cellular, and organism level: KW_01:

W2: Describes the relationships between organisms and the environmental pollutions as well as anthropogenic factors: KW_02:

W3: Identifies the relationships between host – pathogens interactions and other disciplines of biology and other natural science disciplines, which facilitate understanding of the principles of organism function: K_W04

W4: Acknowledges the development of knowledge in the field of host – pathogens interactions, KW_06

W5: Describes processes occurring in living organisms based on experiments, observations, and literature data KW_11

In terms of skills, graduate:

U1: Uses basic laboratory and field research tools and techniques applied in pathogens recognition: K_U01

U2: Performs simple analyses of biological material with respect to host – pathogens interactions and preparatory procedures K_U02

U3: Has an ability to conduct basic laboratory experiments in biophysics, chemistry, biochemistry, and biology: K_U04

U4: Formulates correct conclusions from analysis of biological materials: K_U07

In terms of social competence, the graduate:

K1: Is able to assess knowledge and skills acquired at the undergraduate level and recognizes the need for continuous improvement of language skills and knowledge from host – pathogens interactions: K_K01

K2: Has an ability to work in a team in order to fulfil tasks efficiently, and prepares presentations: K_K08

On the basis of the Resolution of the UMCS Senate No. XXIV-27.18 / 19 of May 29, 2019, i.e. from the education cycle

2019/2020

In terms of knowledge the graduate:

W1: has advanced knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts, objects, phenomena, and complex relationships between them as well as explanatory theories, which constitute the basic general knowledge in the area of host – pathogens interactions: K_W01

W2: knows and understands the basic research, laboratory, and field methods and techniques used in host – pathogens interactions: K_W02

W3: has advanced knowledge and understanding of detailed host – pathogens interactions issues including basic processes occurring at the molecular, cellular, and organism levels and the relationships between organisms, their pathogens and anthropogenic factors: K_W04

In terms of skills:

U1: The graduate is able to select data resources properly and conduct critical analysis, assessment, and synthesis of information contained therein to solve problems and perform assigned tasks in the area of host – pathogens interactions: K_U02

U2: is able to carry out host – pathogens interactions analyses with the use of a and to interpret study results and formulate conclusions based on acquired data: K_U04

U3: is able to plan and organize individual and team work aimed at completion of assigned tasks: K_U07

In terms of social competence:

K1: The graduate is ready to assess his/her knowledge and acquired information critically, recognize the importance of general and specialist knowledge in the field of host – pathogens interactions in solving theoretical and practical problems, and seek expert opinions in the case of difficulties independently: K_K02