PHPS41270 Introduction to Microbiology for Infection Control

Academic Year 2024/2025

Infection control is vital in healthcare settings to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and maintain public and patient safety. Professionals should have the knowledge and skills to implement best practices, adhere to proper hygiene protocols, and ensure effective infection prevention and control measures are in place during infectious disease outbreaks. In addition infection control measures play a crucial role in protecting public health by preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Public health efforts have to be based on evidence-based strategies to mitigate the transmission of pathogens, thereby safeguarding the well-being of individuals and communities.

With the increasing importance of infection control, there is a growing demand for professionals with specialised knowledge and skills to reduce risks in both non-medical and medical settings. This introduction to microbiology for infection aims to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills and expertise to effectively understand infections, how they spread and how they can be prevented or managed.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

● Define the fundamental principles and concepts of microbiology, including the characteristics of microorganisms and their classification.
● Describe the importance of the environment in the transmission of microorganisms
● Discuss common infections and control measures
● Describe the investigative process in the diagnosis of infections
● Define the role of antibiotics in the treatment of infections
● Discuss the emergence and threat of antibiotic resistance
● Describe the risk and spread of bloodborne viruses
● Discuss the concepts of immunity and vaccination
● Outline the transmission and spread of HAI
● Identify and explore sources of (inter)national surveillance
● Describe the implementation of infection prevention and control in healthcare settings.
● Identify and summarise scientific literature in relation to infection prevention and control.

Indicative Module Content:

1. Biology of microorganisms
2. Infections
3. Diagnosis of infection
4. Antibiotics
5. Bloodborne viruses
6. Healthcare Associated Infections
7. Infections and Immunity
8. Infection control

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

20
Autonomous Student Learning

75
Lectures

10
Total

105
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
* active/task-based learning
* lectures
* critical reading
* enquiry & problem-based learning
* Quizzes
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Level 9. Accommodation for Prior Learning


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Participation in Learning Activities: Online, sequential learning activities n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

40
Exam (Online): Online, end of term exam, MCQ n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale Yes

50
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Online, asynchronous, sequential quizzes n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

10

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Conor Buggy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Alison Connolly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Penpatra Sripaiboonkij Lecturer / Co-Lecturer