1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of infectious agents, modes of transmission and disease pathology.
Knowledge & Understanding; Learning; Enquiry; Communication

2. Explain the key principles of infection prevention and control including the importance of reflective practice.
Knowledge & Understanding; Learning; Enquiry; Communication; Application

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the methods used to diagnose, manage, and treat infections.
Enquiry; Analysis; Problem Solving; Communication; Application.

4. Apply your learning to communicate effectively on current advances in infection prevention and control. Enquiry; Analysis; Communication; Reflection

Each week participants will receive formative feedback on the progress of their knowledge and understanding via online self-check tests. On the weekly study days, participants will experience formative feedback when discussing case-based scenarios. Participants will receive formative feedback on their written report plan. Example questions to be used in the case-based discussion will be made available to participants ahead of the case-based discussion.
All participants will receive details of the criteria used for each assignment via the Blackboard module pages and included in the participants handbook. The nature of referrals may differ from the original assessment but will assess the same learning outcomes.

You will study the different types of micro-organisms that may cause infections, learn how infections are transmitted and the range of diseases they cause. New and emerging infections will be considered from a global perspective. You will be introduced to the importance of standard precautions in a work environment, and the importance of surveillance, accountability, and management. Policies, procedures, and guidelines for workers will be examined, including the protocols for raising concerns over errors or poor practice.
You will explore how to recognise the symptoms of infection. The use of antimicrobials will be discussed, including how they kill pathogens, and how antimicrobial resistance can develop. Approaches to support the optimal prescribing of antimicrobials will be identified.
The use of a simulated case scenario will allow you to develop an understanding of how infections can be transmitted in different settings and the importance of behaviours and practice on the development of the infection including its diagnosis and treatment. You will explore the factors that need to be considered when selecting treatments and antimicrobials, including an understanding of the common side-effects and impact on the health of the patient. You will explore the importance of following antimicrobial policies and of documenting their use. You will learn when and how clinicians administer different types of antimicrobial treatments.
Self-management strategies for self-limiting infections will be explored, along with a discussion of effective person-centred care in different settings. The behaviour of the individual in infection control will be discussed, as will the importance of global monitoring in the spread of infection. The roles and responsibilities of health and care professionals will be considered along with collaborative inter professional working and how this is essential to the development of effective treatment for infections. You will consider how this approach can be applied in the working environment.
The field of infection prevention and control provides exciting opportunities for scientific research and development. You will explore examples of the latest advances in areas such as diagnostics, vaccine research, UK government supported investment in this area.

Are you interested in how infectious diseases are spread and controlled? This course will introduce you to the science of infection and the application of methods to prevent and control infection in humans. Whether you work in care, retail, food, or hospital settings, or simply have an interest in learning more about infections, this course will take you on a journey, from a patient perspective, to increase your understanding of how we can prevent, control, and treat infections. You will experience ‘behind the scenes’ journey of patient samples, as well as developing your skills in recognising best practice in simulated clinical settings.

Contact: (90 hours = average 7 hours per week = 1 day per week)
Comprising of:
25 hours of scenario-based simulation around infection prevention and control
40 hours key tutor led activity such as lectures and seminars
25 hours group work including reflective focus and directed study

Independent Study: (310 hours)
50 hours Blackboard
180 hours Background reading and study
80 hours Preparation for formative and summative assessment

Where appropriate, guest speakers may contribute to the course to provide applied perspectives from different sectors within infection prevention and control.
Sessions may be online or in person, will be based on a variety of teaching methods including tutor-led, student focused and problem-based group sessions. Simulated sessions will take place in the Centre for Health Innovation in Stafford. Lab based sessions will take place in Science Centre Stoke. Detailed schedule will be available in advance and on application.

1. Courtenay M, Lim R, Castro-Sanchez E, et al. Development of consensus-based national antimicrobial stewardship competencies for UK undergraduate healthcare professional education. Journal of Hospital Infection 100 (2018) 245-256

2. Kennamer, M. Microbiology and infection control for health professionals
ISBN:9781337912297Publisher:Cengage Learning Pub date:31 Jan 2020Edition: Third Edition

Microbiology laboratory, consumables equipment and technical resource, Simulation space for mock clinical setting (and technical resource), input from guest speakers such as relevant employers, library, support from online learning technologist. PTL to facilitate online group sessions.