module specification

The module develops an understanding of infection science from an infection by systems and laboratory diagnostic perspective. You will develop knowledge of the different types of microorganisms and how they cause disease in different body systems including gastrointestinal, respiratory, skin and nervous system infections. Through case studies in tutorials, you will develop vocationally relevant critical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Through laboratory practical exercises you will develop practical laboratory skills. Development of vocational reasoning and practical skills will enhance your employability.
You will be able to show an understanding of pathogenicity and the virulence mechanisms of major groups of microorganisms using a systems approach, including tissue tropism and evasion of the immune system.
You will be able to describe the use of laboratory investigations to corroborate clinical diagnosis  of microbial diseases. You will be able to discuss treatment of infectious disease and the problems of antimicrobial resistance.
Teaching and learning will be delivered via lectures, tutorials and practicals. Lectures will give the required information. Tutorials are designed to reinforce your understanding of the lecture material and develop the application of the knowledge. Seen tutorials will include case studies to develop vocational critical reasoning skills and application of knowledge, a high order skill.
Practicals will build on the information from lectures to reinforce your learning. Practicals are also designed to develop your practical laboratory skills to enhance employability. Learning outcomes are linked to the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) standards and requirements, to allow progression to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration portfolio (IBMS) standards and requirements, to allow progression to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration portfolio.

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You will be able to describe Infectious diseases by bodily systems with emphasis on virulence factors and laboratory diagnosis and treatment.

You will understand the strategies for disease control with emphasis on prevention using vaccines, antibiotics, public health measures including surveillance and public information through education campaigns.

Describe hospital acquired (nosocomial) infection and the problem of antibiotic resistance.

The common themes of health and safety and quality control in the microbiology laboratory will be emphasised throughout the module.

Practical classes will reinforce the lecture materials and allow students to develop laboratory skills (LO1-3).

A combination of lectures, tutorials, practicals, online quizzes, case studies and journal article review give a variety of learning methods for blended learning. Quizzes allow reflection on the lecture and tutorial material.

Practicals and journal article analysis give opportunities for critical reflection and PDP completion to include practical methods. Practical classes promote the learning of laboratory technical skills. They also emphasise health and safety including aseptic technique, correct methods and the correct disposal of laboratory waste.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
1. Describe infectious diseases by organism type (bacteria, virus, fungi, protozoa) and how they affect bodily systems and describe and discuss the aetiology and laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases including the importance of Quality and health and safety in the diagnostic microbiology
2. Describe and explain the virulence factors enabling organisms to evade the immune system and cause pathology in specific bodily systems, including tissue tropism.
3. Compare and contrast the need for different strategies for the control of infectious diseases including, vaccination, antibiotics, public health surveillance and education, the need for safe water supplies and strategies to ensure this and describe the treatment of infectious diseases, nosocomial infections and discuss the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and the clinical problems this presents.

Assessment is designed to promote deep learning and critical reasoning skills.
Weekly online quizzes allow access to lecture materials will promote engagement.
To pass the module, students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 40%.  There will be an attendance requirement for the practical sessions. If the module is passed on reassessment, then the maximum mark awarded will be 40%.
The case study demonstrates analysis and knowledge of microorganisms causing diseases in specific systems, and their laboratory diagnosis. Online quizzes for each topic promote ongoing engagement with the material and demonstrates topic specific knowledge promoting deep learning and provide formative feedback and summantive assessment. Final exam allows students to demonstrate full knowledge of Infection science and gives them a choice of essay to demonstrate deep learning. Practical classes whilst not part of the overall marks are vital in developing student’s technical skills. Practical attendance is required to pass the module. This allows them to relate theory from the lectures to laboratory practice and is employability focused as well as satisfying IBMS and HCPC standards requirements. Tutorials promote group discussion and learning and are designed to consolidate the learning from the lecture material. Case studies in tutorials allow reflection and application of knowledge.

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