Diagnostic Microbiology and Laboratory Methods

Code

LIFE4029

School

Life Sciences

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

Practical sessions covering conventional and molecular methods applied in routine and specialised laboratories for the diagnosis of bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections.

Diagnostic microbiology: From Specimen to final report: Blood, CSF, respiratory, enteric, urinary and other tissue specimens. Specimens from sterile sites. Agar-based detection methods; molecular diagnostics; antibiotic sensitivity testing.

Target Students

MSc Clinical & Molecular Microbiology students.

Classes

This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc.

Assessment

• 100% Exam 1 (1-hour-30-minute): Short-answer exam

Assessed by end of summer vacation

Learning Outcomes

The student will gain knowledge and understanding of:

• Laboratory practical aspects of microbial diseases, with particular emphasis on medically important bacteria, fungi and parasites. 

• Students will develop a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights related to Clinical Microbiology, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of professional practice.

• In particular, students will obtain ‘hands-on’ experience of the routine diagnostic tests carried out in a Clinical Microbiology laboratory and in specialised laboratories. 

Intellectual skills: 

• Enhance student's capability to assess and provide leadership in investigating complex clinical scenarios relating to infection. 

• Critically assess laboratory results and make decisions on their significance.

Professional/practical skills: 

• Process laboratory specimens competently and offer sound advice on diagnostic issues. 

Transferable skills: 

• Work closely with colleagues to develop conclusions relating to specific clinical scenarios. 

• Effectively communicate microbiology results to colleagues and patients for the delivery of quality care. 

• Plan and organise workload and time.

• Use available resources (computer programmes, specialised services, etc) effectively. 

• Develop self-education skills and analytical self-assessment. 

• Teach what is learnt. 

• Plan investigations and design experiments.

Conveners

• Dr Neil Oldfield
• Dr David Turner