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LSC-40119 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 13 September 2026

LSC-40119 - Advanced Research Topics in Infectious Diseases
Coordinator: Roberto Galizi Tel: +44 1782 7 32745
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 7
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

This module will develop skills in the acquisition and critical analysis of primary scientific literature of relevance to a range of research methodologies, tools and techniques in Infectious Diseases and the broader Biosciences disciplines. Research-level content will be delivered by staff and/or invited speakers and you will critically evaluate the primary literature of relevance to your subject area. You will develop a deeper understanding of appropriate experimental design, data analysis, presentation and evaluation, and the application of a wide range of molecular, biochemical, biophysical and/or cell biology techniques in a discipline-specific manner.

Aims
This module aims to introduce students to research topics in Infectious Diseases and the wider biosciences appropriate to level 7. Students will gain experience in the critical analysis and evaluation of the primary research literature, and the application of modern research methodologies, tools and technologies.

Intended Learning Outcomes

critically discuss the structural and functional properties of diverse pathogens and their role within selected infectious diseases of relevance to human and animal health: 2
evaluate and appraise the principles and applications of selected research methods and techniques of relevance to the study of infectious diseases: 1,2
analyse and critically evaluate the context, methodology and results of relevant primary scientific literature: 1
evaluate and discuss the impact of research outcomes in terms of societal, financial and intellectual perspectives: 1,2
present and critique research data in an appropriate manner, communicating outcomes clearly and effectively in different formats, using language and terminology appropriate to the discipline: 1

Study hours

18 hours of practical/skills-based content (developing key skills in use/application of various methodologies, tools and techniques)
12 hours of journal club sessions and supporting tutorials
80 hours independent study, including preparation for journal club sessions and seminars
190 hours for written assessment completion, engagement with directed reading and attendance at relevant school/faculty research seminars

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Presentation weighted 30%
Journal Club Presentation
Students will author, deliver and answer relevant questions on a presentation (20-30 minutes) critiquing a discipline-specific research paper within a journal club session. Assessment will be facilitated through peer and tutor review, with the final mark awarded based 50:50 on the tutor mark and the average of the peer mark.

2: Reflective Diary weighted 20%
Reflective diary of research engagement (1,500 words)
You will produce a reflective diary of five entries (250 words each) detailing areas including key themes, outcomes, broader impact and future development of each research topic chosen from the module and/or school research seminar series. The diary should then include a final 250 word overall conclusion summarising how the chosen research topics are collectively advancing research activity in biochemistry. This will be completed using a provided template and submitted as a single submission towards the end of the semester

3: Review weighted 50%
Essay on Future perspectives in a research topic
You will choose a Research topic from the seminar topics in the module or school seminar series and submit a review of 3,000 words +/- 10% in the form of a "Future Perspective" of that topic. Your review should discuss relevant current Journal publications on the topic to provide an up-to-date, state of the art evaluation of the topic, followed by an outlook on how this research topic could develop in the future to extend its impact to new or existing applications and areas of science

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: 13 September 2026