module specification

BC6060 - Infection Control (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Infection Control
Module level Honours (06)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Human Sciences
Total study hours 150
 
111 hours Guided independent study
39 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 60%   Directed Learning Report (1500 words)
Unseen Examination 40%   Online exam (1.5 hrs)
Attendance Requirement 0%   Practical Attendance
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Wednesday Afternoon

Module summary

This module fosters an understanding of the principles of infection control in the management of infectious disease. It uses paradigms of sources and transmission routes of infection to apply theory to practice. This module uses the identification methods to underpin principles of investigating infection control
The aim of this module is to enhance the understanding of infection and routes of infection. The module will help students appreciate the concepts of pathogens, contaminants, the host and their inter-relatedness in the chain of infection.  Raising students awareness of methods used to control and prevent infections will be explored.
This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and, the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

Prior learning requirements

BC4057

Syllabus

The specified learning outcomes will be developed around a framework based on the following subject matter:
Overview of relationship between mankind and microorganisms in contemporary society.
Overall review of microorganisms and routes of transmission. Susceptibility of microorganisms to chemical and physical antimicrobial agents. Rationale for choice of method for sterilisation and disinfection to decontaminate inanimate and animate objects. Critique of the advantages and disadvantages of sterilisation and disinfection methods. Laboratory investigations identifying the chain of infection and generation of epidemiological data. The role of vaccines and chemoprophylaxis in preventing infections.
(LO1-3)

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Student learning and understanding of infection control will be developed through an integrated programme of lectures, practical sessions and supporting tutorials. 
Lectures will be used to provide a conceptual framework whilst tutorial & practicals will be used to expand knowledge into more applied areas of infection control.  A web based VLE is available to support, reinforce and test student understanding and access to additional learning resources.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1.  Appreciate concepts that inform appropriate infection control procedures and show an understanding of susceptibility of microorganisms to physical and chemical control    systems.
2.  Evaluate infection control measures such as sterilization, disinfection and prevention and display a knowledge of factors that enhance the efficacy of sterilization and disinfection methods.
3.  Be familiar with infection prevention methods such as chemoprophylaxis and vaccination and be aware of the roles that pathogens and contaminants play in the chain of infection.

Bibliography

https://londonmet.rl.talis.com/index.html?lang=en

Journals:
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology
Journal of Hospital Infection
American Journal of Infection Control