LSC-40079 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module is one of four that make up the taught content of the MSc Biomedical Science (blended). This module will be delivered using a combination of guided independent study with weekly live sessions and the option of a week-long residential programme that will further develop and enhance your academic, practical and professional skills.
This module is a detailed exploration of Medical Microbiology. As such, you will be exploring the kind of laboratory tests and analyses that take place in these key areas. You will learn how to critically evaluate and assess each of the techniques and understand how they relate to the diagnosis and monitoring of disease states. You will also investigate the clinical and research implications of Medical Microbiology in the field of Biomedical Science.
Alongside this core academic basis, this module aims to further develop key professional skills and nurture new attitudes to the approach, integration and application of new knowledge and problem-solving. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking, innovation, autonomous learning and communication skills to really help prepare you for a lifetime of continued professional development.
The emphasis of this module is to look at health and disease from a patient or population-oriented, case-study-driven perspective. The multidisciplinary approach encourages you to think outside of the box and join all the different pieces of information to get a more holistic level of understanding.
The optional week-long residential, shared with your other core semester 1 module will provide you with a series of advanced laboratory, academic and professional skills alongside providing networking opportunities with other students, the programme team, local researchers and healthcare professionals.

This module aims to develop and enhance students' understanding of the clinical and technical role of medical microbiology laboratories. They will develop key analytical skills used to assess, investigate and evaluate pathophysiology and patient pathways as well as develop evidence-based arguments to support clinical decision-making.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Integrate complex knowledge of microorganisms and the human immune system with their associated pathology and clinical findings to assess patient needs: 1,2,3,4,5
Critically evaluate professional practice within medical microbiology and relate that to current research and publications: 3
Critically appraise scientific publications, test methodologies and screening techniques principally within medical microbiology: 1,2,3,5
Evaluate complex scientific data to accurately interpret and validate clinical findings within medical microbiology: 1,2,3,4,5
Critically reflect on the ways in which current understanding of medical microbiology and infection prevention impact on methodological design and patient health: 1,2,3,5
Justify the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to assessing patient health and clinical outcomes: 1,2,3,5

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
1 x 1hr introduction session
1 x 1hr assessment session
8 x 1 hour online sessions including supporting tutorials aligned with asynchronous topics, case-based learning sessions and student presentations
8 x 8hr engagement with weekly asynchronous content including note-taking, further reading and research on the topic
Independent Study Hours:
3 x 2hr online tasks
3 x 40 hrs independent study and revision for online tasks
65 hrs lab report writing
35 hrs preparation for group presentation
Optional Residential hours:
5 x 3 hours of activities, which may include meetings with the programme team and practical, academic and professional skills sessions

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment