Module Details

Module Code: BIOM8004
Title: Diagnostic Microbiology
Long Title: Diagnostic Microbiology
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4213 - Microbiology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides the student with knowledge of the microorganisms most commnonly encountered in infectious diseases. Current laboratory techniques used for isolation and identification of these organisms from clinical specimens are explored. Infection control and disease surveillance are also explored.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Provide an overview of the role and operation of the clinical microbiology laboratory in the pathology service.
LO2 Review and discuss the strategies used for detection, isolation and identification of disease causing organisms from different clinical samples including urine, faeces, blood, sputum and cerebrospinal fluid, using culture, serological and molecular techniques.
LO3 Practice core techniques and use appropriate equipment for the diagnosis of infection from clinical specimens in compliance with appropriate Health & Safety protocols.
LO4 Critically appraise methods for treatment and prevention of infection.
LO5 Understand the methods used for, and the importance of disease surveillance.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Overview of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
Role of laboratory. Safety-classes of pathogens. Specimen collection, transport and processing. Reporting. Quality assurance and control.
Etiologic agents of infectious disease
Classification, identification, epidemiology and pathogenic mechanisms of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.
Infectious diseases and their clinical diagnosis
Urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, septicaemia, meningitis, respiratory tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, mycological and parasitic infections.
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing
Laboratory procedures. EUCAST guidelines. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration determinations.
Overview of virology and serology
Rapid viral diagnostic identification techniques. Enzyme immunoasssays and their uses in clinical microbiology.
Disease surveillance
Overview of notifiable diseases and methods used in disease surveillance.
Laboratory Practicals
Practicals will include the investigation of urinary tract infection, the determination of the prevalence of nasal carriage of Staph aureus, and susceptibility testing of human pathogens.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%
Special Regulation
Students are required to achieve a mark of 40% or greater in the written reports assessment component. Achieving a mark of less than 40 % in this component will require reattendance.

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 3
Assessment Description
Lab reports
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Theory examination
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5
Assessment Description
Theory examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practicals Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Greenwood et al. (eds.). (2012), Medical Microbiology, 18th. Churchill Livingstone, London, UK, p.800, [ISBN: 9780702040894].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Washington C. Winn, Stephen D. Allen, M. D, William M. Janda. (2016), Konemans Color Atlas and Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology, 7th. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, [ISBN: 1451116594].
  • Wilks et al. (eds.). (2008), Infectious Diseases Manual, E book, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, [ISBN: 9780470757239].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SBISC_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical Science 6 Mandatory