| Unit name | Medical Microbiology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PANM33008 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Avison |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
3 level 6/H lecture units and Research Skills unit. |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
This Unit will give an account of several high-profile problems in medical microbiology, focussing on healthcare associated infections. Details of emerging and re-emerging bacterial and fungal infections will be presented, together with an overview of research into the strategies that can be used to track infections, identify infectious agents and develop novel ways of treating infections. One of the main reasons for the rise of infectious diseases, particularly in the hospital setting, is the development of multiple antimicrobial drug resistance by bacteria. Focussing on research within the School, key drug resistance mechanisms will be defined at a molecular level, and our attempts to combat resistance will be discussed. Lectures in weeks 13-16.
Aims:
The unit aims to discuss the mechanisms by which medically relevant bacteria and fungi become resistant to antimicrobial agents and the genetic mechanisms involved in the spread of resistance. It will cover the clinical problems caused by key drug resistant bacteria in the healthcare setting, and how changes in healthcare have exacerbated this problem. Finally, the unit will discuss methods for tracking and controlling healthcare associated infections, and approaches to combating drug resistance, including the development of new antimicrobials.
Knowledge and understanding of current topics in Medical Microbiology with a particular emphasis on the emergence of antimicrobial drug resistance. Knowledge of the scientific literature pertaining to healthcare associated infections, both bacterial and fungal, and an ability to evaluate this literature critically.
Lectures, Data Handling Session.
Independent study: Students are expected to study the recommended literature.
Exam to include 2 essays, one essay to be chosen from each section containing three questions.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PANM33008).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
