Clinical Syndromes in Infectious Diseases

Code

LIFE4115

School

Life Sciences

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

The module will provide a clinical syndrome-focused view of important infectious diseases. It will be delivered primarily using lectures on clinical and scientific aspects of bacterial infections; management of infectious diseases; organ-based microbiology; management of the laboratory service, management of human and financial resources. Clinical syndromes covered: Bone and joint infections, management of infection in immunocompromised hosts, respiratory infections caused by atypical pathogens, viral infections in infants, microbiology of cystic fibrosis, pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO), sepsis and bacteraemia, pathogenesis of foodborne bacterial disease, sexually transmitted infections, infections in returning travellers, rickettsias.

Target Students

MSc Clinical and Molecular Microbiology U7PCLIMM (C516). Offered as a stand-alone for CPD purposes.

Co-requisites

Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:

• Human Pathogens (LIFE4116)

Classes

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

Assessment

• 100% Discussion Forum: Each student will start one thread, to which other students respond. The contributions will reference recent published work in the research area (up to 1,000 words per response, 4 responses per student). Timeframe: 6 weeks

Assessed by end of designated period

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding of theoretical aspects of microbial diseases: 
• Details of key clinical syndromes associated with human infections. 
• Management of patients with infections. 
• Diagnostic tests carried out in routine and specialised laboratories. 
• Anti-microbial chemotherapy. 
• Infection control and management of outbreaks in hospitals and the community. 

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. 
• Understand, assess and assist in management and prevention of outbreaks of communicable diseases. 
• Independently acquire knowledge and utilise it for applied or research purposes 

Professional/practical skills: 
• Recognise signs and symptoms of infection and manage patients effectively. 
• Investigate and manage outbreaks of infection in hospitals and community. 

Transferable skills: 
• Work closely with colleagues to advise on clinical scenarios and outbreaks for the delivery of quality care. 
• Patients for the delivery of quality care. 
• Use available resources (computer programmes, specialised services, etc) effectively. 
• Self-education and analytical self-assessment. Teach what is learnt

Conveners

• Dr Karl Wooldridge