LSC-40083 - 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 the treatment and control of infectious diseases at an individual, public and global level. You will learn how to critically evaluate and assess different methods of control and treatment for infectious diseases. You will also investigate the clinical and research implications of infectious disease 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 and 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 2 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 prevention, treatment and control of infectious diseases.
They will develop key analytical skills relating to the assessment, investigation and evaluation of infection prevention programmes, outbreak investigations and treatment options.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Evaluate the role of epidemiology in the investigation and prediction of communicable disease outbreaks: 1,2,3,4,5
Critically assess the use and stewardship of antimicrobial therapy and alternatives: 1,2,3,5
Appraise the current published guidance to disease outbreak management on a local and global scale and relate that to current research and publications: 1,2,3,5
Explain the requirement of a multi-disciplinary approach to clinical outcomes of communicable disease: 1,2,3,5
Critically assess scientific publications, test methodologies and clinical guidelines regarding the treatment and prevention of communicable disease: 1,2,3,5
Evaluate the current and proposed reduction and eradication programmes to tackle infectious disease: 1,2,3,5
Incorporate data science and bioinformatics into the investigation of infectious diseases: 1,2,3,4,5

Study hours

Scheduled study 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
Optional Residential hours:
5 x 3 hours of activities, which may include meetings with the programme team and practical, academic and professional skills sessions
Independent Study Hours:
3 x 2 hr online tasks
3 x 40 hrs revision for online tasks
65 hrs lab report writing
35 hrs preparation for group presentation

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment