Introductory description

This module will help prepare you for the Yr3 Clinical Sciences Laboratory. It builds upon an understanding of the basic microbiology given in Agents of Infectious Diseases. The module will introduce students to an applied aspect of microbiology and diagnosis of disease. The module gives a more vocational aspect to microbiology and will include a visit to a laboratory carrying out clinical microbiology work to see this in practice. The module contributes to an increasing emphasis on teaching the medical aspects of microbiology in the School. The module will introduce students to how microorganisms invade the body, disrupt human physiology and how we can use this disruption to diagnose disease. The role of the clinical microbiologist in determining the nature of the infection and subsequent treatment will be dealt with.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The role of host and parasite
Clinical medical microbiology
Acute and chronic infections
Infections of the nervous system
Use of antibiotics
Clinical diagnosis and management of an example disease Adaptation and selection at work

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Level 5 understanding of common clinically relevant pathogens
• Level 5 understanding of the key aspects of human physiology which allow microorganisms to become pathogens
• Level 5 understanding of how microbial infections are transmitted and established
• Level 5 understanding of the diagnostic techniques used to identify infective agents
• Level 5 understanding of current treatment strategies for common infections
• Level 5 understanding of the role of clinical microbiologist in determining the nature of the infection and subsequent treatment is dealt with.

Indicative reading list

Struthers and Westran Clinical Bacteriology 2003
Students are directed to the current literature for an up-to-date appreciation of developments in this area

Subject specific skills

Understand the key aspects of human anatomy and physiology which allow microorganisms to become pathogens.
Understand the pathology of common infections.
Understand the role of microorganisms in septicaemia and the detection of such microorganisms in blood samples.
Understand the use of antibiotics to control bacterial infections and how such antibiotics are chosen.

Transferable skills

Self directed learning
Adult learning