Page 105 - FULL FINAL HANDBOOK 20232024

Faculty of Science Handbook, Academic Session 2023/2024
Faculty of Science Handbook, Academic Session 2023/2024

SIR3019 HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS growth and food spoilage. Microbiology of fermented food.
Characteristics of major foodborne pathogens. Methods in
This course starts by looking at the content and detecting microorganisms in food using conventional and
organization of the human genome. It involves describing molecular approaches.
the gene related sequences (genes, introns, exons,
regulatory regions, pseudogenes etc.)and non-gene related Assessment Methods:
sequences. The student is then introduced to the Human Continuous Assessment: 60%
Genome Project and the processes involved. It includes Final Examination: 40%
physical and genetic mapping. The second part will focus
on the methods of medical genetic research, with old and
new techniques. This includes functional cloning, positional SIR2041 POPULATION GENETICS
cloning and candidate gene approaches. At the end of the
course, students will be familiarised with current issues and The course is a course that covers how population genetics
research technology including SNP, microarray, proteomics concepts (empiral, theoretical and experimental methods)
and NGS technologies. which are based on mathematical models, can be applied
in various fields of study. The students will use their
Assessment Methods: knowledge, and learn to think logically and solve genetic
Continuous Assessment: 40% problems in a systematic manner. The introduction of
Final Examination: 60% coding in line with IR 4.0 with the use of R programming
and other analytical skills will be enhanced in this course.
Lastly the knowledge should be applied and communicated
SIR4001 RESEARCH PROJECT to address problem solving in the community such as
conservation, ecological, medical and management of
This course is intended to introduce practical aspects of the resources.
principles of Microbiology/ Molecular Genetics. Students
will be exposed to research methodology in Microbiology/ Assessment Methods:
Molecular Genetics field, critical scientific thinking, methods Continuous Assessment: 40%
for problem solving, research ethics, record keeping, Final Examination: 60%
presentation and scientific writing skills. Students are
required to: 1) write a project proposal and carry out
literatura review; 2) carry out experiments in the laboratory; SIR3020 PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGY
3) analyse data; 4) write a mini thesis; 5) present the results
of the research orally. Science of epidemiology including methods in
epidemiological study. Disease transmission, types of
Assessment Methods: reservoirs of infectious agents, emerging and re-emerging
Continuous Assessment: 100% infectious diseases, microbiology of water supply and
public health. Prevention and control of infectious
diseases especially foodborne infections. Concepts and
SIR4002 INDUSTRIAL TRAINING applications of molecular epidemiology. Practical
component on laboratory skills.
This industrial training module will provide students with
real on-the-job experience and hands on practical skills in Assessment Methods:
the fields of microbiology and genetics. Students are able Continuous Assessment: 60%
to put into practice the knowledge and skills gathered during Final Examination: 40%
degree studies in a professional environment during the
industrial attachment. Students will undergo 16 weeks of
industrial training in the final semester. SIR3021 DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY

Assessment Methods: In this course, students will consolidate their understanding
Continuous Assessment: 100% of microorganisms of importance in human health and
disease in a series of lectures, laboratory sessions and lab
visit to develop skills on the detection and identification of
SIR4003 SCIENCE COMMUNICATION infectious agents in the clinical laboratory. Topics include
the preanalytical collection and processing of clinical
This module will cover how science is communicated to the specimens as well as the analytical morphology, isolation,
public and in different media, with regards to science- and identification of pathogens, with a focus on colonial,
related issues in society. Topics on the roles and microscopic, biochemical and molecular characteristics and
responsibilities of scientists in communicating scientific additionally the post-analytical interrelationships of
research and science-related issues and the public microorganisms and human hosts and the correlation,
understanding of science; and how science is prevention and control of infectious diseases. Bacteriology
communicated on media will be covered. This module aims is emphasized but the course includes a survey of
to develop students’ communication and teamwork skills by mycology, parasitology, and virology. This course will
showcasing their skills in science communication through provide the necessary knowledge and skills to engage in
various activities. profesional practice in microbiology laboratories.

Assessment Methods: Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment: 50%
Final Examination: 50%

Elective courses
SIR3022 ADVANCED IMMUNOLOGY
SIR2031 FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
This module covers topics on the concepts and
Understanding the sources of microorganisms in food, consequences of the failure mechanism and deficiency of
intrinsic and extrinsic parameters that affect microbial the immune system in providing protection. Topics on

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