Advances in Infection Biology I - MB140S50E
Title: Advances in Infection Biology I
Czech title: Aktuality v infekční biologii
Guaranteed by: Department of Genetics and Microbiology (31-140)
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Actual: from 2024
Semester: winter
E-Credits: 2
Examination process: winter s.:
Hours per week, examination: winter s.:0/2, C [HT]
Capacity: unlimited
Min. number of students: 5
4EU+: no
Virtual mobility / capacity: no
State of the course: taught
Language: English
Level: specialized
Note: priority enrollment if the course is part of the study plan
Guarantor: Sandra Huerfano Meneses, Ph.D.
Teacher(s): RNDr. Tereza Čaban, Ph.D.
RNDr. Michal Čáp, Ph.D.
prof. RNDr. Ivan Hirsch, CSc.
Sandra Huerfano Meneses, Ph.D.
Mgr. Martin Kuthan, Ph.D.
RNDr. Petra Lišková, Ph.D.
RNDr. Jan Mach, Ph.D.
RNDr. Jaroslav Nunvář, Ph.D.
RNDr. Petr Rada, Ph.D.
RNDr. Martina Saláková, Ph.D.
RNDr. Magdaléna Skaličková, Ph.D.
Opinion survey results   WS schedule   
Annotation -
This course is designed to develop a working knowledge of reading and undertanding the scientific literature that
relates to various aspects of infection agents and relate them to human health. Students will read, understand,
interpret and critique primary scientific literature relating to the human pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi and
parasitc agenst in general. Students will deliver presentations, and answer questions
about the paper. They are expected to attend all Journal Club meetings on weekly basis, participate in discussion
and engage in critical questioning and scientific exchange.
Last update: Huerfano Meneses Sandra, Ph.D. (09.03.2026)
Literature -

Current work published in prestigious scientific journals: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Last update: Huerfano Meneses Sandra, Ph.D. (09.03.2026)
Requirements to the exam -

Requirements for Completion

  • Mandatory attendance: A minimum attendance rate of 80% (at least 10 classes) is strictly required-- only specific, well-documented exceptions will be considered upon formal justification.

  •  Evaluation of Assigned Tasks: The lead teacher will design specific tasks for each student (e.g presentaiton of figures results section 1 from the article)  Failure to achieve the assigned objectives will result in a negative point. At the end of each session, a final point will be awarded to every student based on their performance and participationtudent in every class. 

Last update: Huerfano Meneses Sandra, Ph.D. (09.03.2026)
Syllabus -

This course consists of 13 sessions covering several specialties: virology, bacteriology, parasitology, and mycology. The entire curriculum is based on the critical discussion of high-impact research articles. The course is overseen by a Lead Teacher and supported by nine additional instructors/moderators with expertise in the aforementioned fields. Moderators are responsible for selecting the specific research articles for their respective sessions and defining the tasks for each student during their assigned 'Journal Club' day.

The Lead Teacher coordinates the entire course and will deliver the introductory lesson. This first session includes: 1) a course overview (where the article titles for the whole course will be provided to the students in an Excel table); 2) an explanation of the principal considerations for evaluating and critiquing scientific literature; and 3) a discussion of the first virology article, serving as a model for how students should analyze and present subsequent papers. Following this introduction, there will be two further sessions on virology, three on parasitology, three on bacteriology, and two on mycology. Furthermore, the final two classes will be dedicated to student-led presentations, where students will provide a full analysis of an article of their own selection under the supervision of the Lead Teacher.

Last update: Huerfano Meneses Sandra, Ph.D. (09.03.2026)
Learning outcomes -

After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature

  • Deconstruct primary research articles to identify the core hypothesis, experimental design, and key findings.
  • Evaluate the validity of data and the strength of the conclusions drawn by the authors.
  • Identify limitations and potential biases in studies related to human pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

2. Specialized Knowledge in Infectious Agents

  • Relate molecular and cellular mechanisms of infection to broader impacts on human health.

3. Scientific Communication and Presentation

  • Synthesize complex data from primary sources into a coherent and professional oral presentation.
Last update: Huerfano Meneses Sandra, Ph.D. (16.01.2026)