Access to medical microbiology laboratory in the workplace

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of a range of microorganisms and how these relate to infection control.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Demonstrate the ability to perform, analyse and record the results of a range of tests used for the identification of a variety of human pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites).
Application
Analysis
Enquiry
Problem Solving
Communication

3. Critically evaluate the use of qualitative and quantitative techniques used for the isolation and identification of human pathogens.
Knowledge and Understanding
Analysis
Enquiry
Problem solving

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the control of microbial growth and how this can be evaluated and applied for the prevention and treatment of infectious disease.
Analysis
Knowledge and Understanding

Critical review of procedures 50% 1500 words
Laboratory based exam 50% 1.5 hours

Assessment 1 will be a written assessment in which you will critically review specified methods carried out in an infection science laboratory within a workplace, comparing these with the current Standards for Microbiology Investigations (Public Health England). This assessment relates to learning outcome 1 & 3.

Assessment 2 examines learning outcomes 1, 2 and 4. This is a laboratory-based exam assessing practical work, data analysis & interpretation and understanding of medical microbiology, infection control & pathogenesis. The exam will be 1 ½ hours in duration, consist of unseen questions and take place in examination conditions.

To enable feedback on your learning, there will be the opportunity to submit specified work for formative assessment. Indicative exam questions will be available and discussed during this module.

PLEASE NOTE ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENTS FOR SEMESTER 1 AND 2 2020/21 DUE TO COVID-19 AS FOLLOWS:

Assessment 1) 1500 word coursework based upon laboratory testing of antimicrobial susceptibility
Assessment 2) online exam involving interpretation and analysis of a range of laboraory tests.

The content of this module is focused on medical microbiology and the work carried out in clinical microbiology laboratories. It links the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of a range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites to the techniques used to identify pathogens and diagnose infections. You will learn about strategies used to control and treat infections. Antimicrobial chemotherapy, including antibiotics and anti-fungal agents, are important treatment options which need to be evaluated: you will learn the standard methods for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

During the on-campus study days for this module you will carry out a range of techniques used in medical microbiology laboratories for the isolation and identification of infectious agents: where possible these may be supplemented with work placed experience. The range of methods you will carry out will include direct microscopy, use of selective and differential agar, biochemical tests and serological methods. Throughout the module you will consider the procedures for the safe handling of clinical specimens, including collection and storage of appropriate biological samples. You will also consider automated and rapid detection techniques allowing you to evaluate and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each technique and why repeat testing may be required. The control of microorganisms will be investigated using qualitative and quantitative methods. To support your practical work, learning activities will provide you with an overview of common infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) which cause disease in a range of cells, tissues and organs.

You will consider the link between the module content, the standard methods, including Standards for Microbiology Investigations and EUCAST antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and workplace practice in biomedical science laboratories.

The learning strategy is based upon blended learning: a combination of distance learning through guided & self-directed study and face-to-face teaching sessions. Guided distance learning will include learning activities available on blackboard and participation in discussion fora.

Indicative time related to learning activities are as follows:
8 hours - on-campus practical work and assessment
20 hours - reviewing weekly core learning activities
22 hours - literature search/reading/ preparation for practical work and supplementing lecture material
6 hours - on-line tutor led activity/discussion
34 hours - workplace-based activities/practical work
22 hours - writing reports and workshop material, including formative assessment
38 hours – summative assessment preparation

https://staffs.keylinks.org/#/list/900
Ford, M. (2019) Medical Microbiology (Third Edition Ed.) Oxford.
Standards for microbiology investigations (UK SMI)
Greenwood, D., Slack, R.C., Barer, M. and Irving, W. (2012) Medical Microbiology (12th Ed.) Churchill Livingstone.
Strelkauskas, A., Strelkauskas, J. and Moszyk-Strelkauskas, D. (2010). Microbiology: A Clinical Approach. Garland Science.
Wiser, M.F. (2011) Protozoa and Human Disease. Garland Science.
Loker, E. S. and Hofkin B. V. (2015) Parasitology : a conceptual approach.
Dimmock, N.J., Easton, A.J. and Leppard, K.N. (2016) Introduction to Modern Virology (7th Ed.)
Knisely, K. (2017) A student handbook for writing in biology.