Module title: Introduction to Medical Microbiology and Immunology

Module code: IMMI NQF level: Level 7

Credit value: 20 credits Study duration: 12 weeks

Module description Medical microbiology is the science of identifying and isolating pathogenic organisms to assist in the diagnosis, management

and treatment of patients with infections or infectious disease. A thorough understanding of such matters is essential to practise

in infection control.

This module provides an overview of most aspects of microbiology, beginning with a historical backdrop, and moving on to host

defence mechanisms and the pathogenicity and transmission of micro-organisms. Finally, although this module is primarily

concerned with the control of pathogenic organisms, it also guides students through the general world of the microbe and its

beneficial effects upon our lives.

This module aims to:

The primary aim of this module is to enhance understanding of the world of microbiology, which will then enable the student to

formulate a management strategy to care for the patient and prevent further spread of the disease.

Learning outcomes On completion of this module students will be able to:

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the history of microbiology, and critically analyse the significance of microbiological discovery to current practice and contemporary society.

Demonstrate conceptual awareness of the structure of micro-organisms, their methods of reproduction or replication, and their nutritional requirements.

Critically analyse the relationships between mankind and micro-organisms, and demonstrate an ability to apply this knowledge to practice.

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the mechanism of immunity, and apply this knowledge in practice.

Demonstrate conceptual awareness of the ways that micro-organisms have evolved to evade host defence mechanisms, and critically appraise methods suggested for overcoming this resistance.

Syllabus The history of microbiology: This topic provides the student with a historical backdrop of microbiology, and encourages

the student to critically compare and analyse historical accounts. It makes particular reference to the concept of spontaneous generation and pasteurisation, the search for the magic bullet, and the work of Robert Koch

Microbes and Man: This topic focuses on the characteristics of micro-organisms and their relationship to humankind. By fully understanding these concepts, the student will have a more thorough understanding of the disease process, microbiological methods, and control measures.

Host defence mechanisms: This topic focuses on the complex mechanisms associated with the immune response. It ensures that the students have an understanding of the body's immune responses, the phases of the immune responses, the importance of immunization and the pivotal role that immunology plays in the control and development of communicable diseases.

Pathogenicity and transmission: This topic examines the effect of micro-organisms on the host. Pathogenicity and infection are the basis of infection control management, and so a thorough understanding is required for all prospective and practising infection control nurses.

Learning and teaching methods The Learning and Teaching Methods for the Module follow the intended online delivery Strategy for the Programme as a whole. The module will be delivered by reading materials available on the learning platform supported by discussion forums and online lectures using the Adobe Connect synchronous communication and application sharing facility. Students will be encouraged to identify and share relevant web-based resources. Live lectures will focus on case studies drawn from the reading materials and the results of the web-based field trips. Self-managed learning will supplement lectures and students are given weekly direction on required readings.

Assessment

Description of unit of assessment Length / Duration Submission Date Weighting

2 Assessed Discussion Activities Two Weeks 20% Mid module essay – appropriately referenced and

demonstrating advanced understanding of theoretical

approaches and the integration of theory and practice.

2000 – 2,500 words Mid-term 40%

End of module essay - appropriately referenced and

demonstrating advanced understanding of theoretical

approaches and the integration of theory and practice.

2000-2,500 End term 40%