BL4211 Antimicrobials Mode of Action and Resistance
(BL4211 online module handbook version 25)
This module will commence by establishing the fundamental basis of antimicrobial efficacy in terms of selective toxicity, with a brief history of antimicrobials and factors that make the ideal antimicrobial. This will be followed by study of the known inhibitory action of antibacterial and antifungal drugs at the molecular level, and study of the molecular basis of microbial resistance to these drugs. Lastly, potential new sources of antimicrobials will be considered, particularly antimicrobial peptides and 'natural' antimicrobials.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 1†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL3311*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4211: Assessment
1-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4211: Contributing Staff †
BL4211: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL4211 successfully should be able to:
- written communication - essay writing
- oral communication - preparation and delivery of individual presentations
- information literacy - sourcing and interpretation of relevant primary literature
BL4211: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
Transferable Skills
- Group discussion - participating
- Long group presentation on given topic (>15 min)
- Short individual presentation on given topic (up to 15 min)
- Review article on given topic
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding literature
- Sourcing figures/tables
Policies †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/
