Keele Badge

LSC-10109 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

LSC-10109 - Microbes: the immune system and the environment
Coordinator: Naqash Masood Room: HUX202 Tel: 01782733056
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

In this module, you will explore the extent to which our daily life is impacted by microbes. This will include the role of human microbiome, and how our immune system protects us against infection and the role microbes play in the diversity of ecosystems.
You will be provided with online material to work through the core concepts. In the case-based learning tutorials, you will work through real-life cases in microbiology and immunology in small groups. The CBL tutorials provide a safe environment for you to gain confidence in your communication skills as you discuss the case, and do active research, with the rest of the group.
Bespoke workshops will guide you through the assessments, helping you develop your own independent study habits and reflect on how you can improve to reach your full potential.

Aims
To investigate the range of microbial interactions with the immune system and the environment. To explore the impact of these interactions on humans, animals and the environment.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/lsc-10109/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe the breadth of microbes and their critical role in global ecosystems: 1,3
explain how the human immune system recognises and interacts with microbes: 1,2,3
describe the impact of microbial associations with plants and animals: 2,3
acquire, analyse, appraise, summarise and present information from a wide range of sources: 1,2

Study hours

Active learning:
16x 4 hours engaging with asynchronous core content release
16 hours interactive lectures/workshops supporting and developing on asynchronous materials
9 x 1hr case-based learning tutorials
2 x 1hr assessment support sessions
2 x 1hr introductory sessions (one per semester)
4 x 2hr drop-in sessions
9 x 4hr preparation for case study tutorial
Independent study:
46 hrs of independent reading, research and composition to complete assessment 1
55 hours of independent reading, research and composition to complete assessment 2
60 hours of independent reading, research and composition to complete assessment 3
2 hour examination

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Poster weighted 25%
Poster
You will independently research and produce an A3 academic poster on a topic linked to microbiology. Poster preparation will be supported through tutorial workshops covering planning and production. The poster will be submitted online via the KLE during semester 1. Typically would not be in excess of 750-1000 words.

2: Report weighted 25%
Case-based report (1500 words)
Students will select one of the three case-based learning scenarios studied across this module as the basis of their case report. The case report will consist of three sections. The first section will require the students to formulate their own intended learning outcomes. In the second they will present the research to address their ILOs. In the final section, they will reflect on how they approached this assessment and how they can further develop their independent research skills. This piece of assessment has a word count of 1500 (excluding figures and tables) and will be submitted mid semester 2.

3: Exam weighted 50%
Closed book exam
The unseen exam will consist of multiple-choice and short-answer questions assessing the core learning materials of the module (semester one and semester two). While the exam is designed to take approximately 1 hour, all students will be given 2 hours to ensure an inclusive and accessible assessment experience. Students will be permitted to take a double-sided A4 memory prompt of notes with them to the exam. Formative tests will also be provided to support preparation.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025