Module Specification
An online version of this specification is available to prospective students at
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section3_moduledescript/in
dex.html
GENERAL INFORMATION
Module name
Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
Module code
3169
Module Organiser(s)
Dr Karin Seifert
Contact email
Karin.Seifert@lshtm.ac.uk
Home Faculty
Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases
Level
This module is at Level 7 (postgraduate Masters ‘M’ level) of the QAA
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales & Northern
Ireland (FHEQ).
Credit
LSHTM award 15 credits on successful completion of this module.
Accreditation
Not currently accredited by any other body.
Keywords
Viral diseases; HIV/AIDS; bacterial diseases; TB; parasitic diseases; malaria;
drugs; antimicrobials; biomedical sciences
AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND AUDIENCE
Overall aim
To examine the principles of antimicrobial chemotherapy within areas of
selective toxicity, medicinal chemistry, pharmacodynamics and
pharmacokinetics (pharmacology) and apply these to different classes of
antimicrobials such as antibacterial, antiviral and antiprotozoal compounds.
Intended learning
outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
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Target audience
Explain the principles of chemotherapy, selective toxicity and rational drug
design;
Evaluate the activity and toxicity of potential antimicrobial agents in vitro;
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of drug activity and its relation
to structure;
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of drug
action and drug resistance;
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic pharmacokinetics and
drug delivery;
Critically assess the scientific literature and communicate effectively.
This module is intended for biochemists, biologists, clinicians, immunologists,
microbiologists, molecular biologists, parasitologists and virologists who have
an interest in chemotherapy.
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CONTENT
Session content
The module is expected to include sessions addressing the following topics
(though please note that these may be subject to change):
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Principles of chemotherapy and selective toxicity;
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Drug targets and mechanisms of drug action;
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Drug resistance and mechanisms of drug resistance;
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Methods of drug assays and development;
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Drug uptake and drug delivery;
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Analytical methods for pharmacology;
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Laboratory practicals on drug assays, drug uptake and drug resistance.
The drug discovery and drug development process will be addressed within
above topics.
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
Study resources
provided or required
Electronic files accessible via the virtual learning environment, laboratory
protocols in hardcopy and as electronic files accessible via the virtual learning
environment.
Teaching and learning
methods
A combination of lectures, practicals, tutorials and student presentations.
Assessment details
Assessment will be based on 1) a short multiple choice paper on the session
material and 2) an oral presentation following a scientific question set in a
tutorial. The grades for each will be equally weighted and combined to give an
overall GPA.
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the tasks will be 1) a multiple choice questionnaire; and 2) an essay based on a
different question to the presentation task.
Assessment dates
Assessments will take place in the last week of the module.
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the next assessment date/deadline will be the standard School-recommended
date in mid/late September 2016.
Language of study and
assessment
English (please see ‘English language requirements’ below regarding the
standard required for entry).
TIMING AND MODE OF STUDY
Duration
The module runs for 5 weeks at 2.5 days per week; this module runs between
Wednesday lunchtime and Friday afternoon.
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Dates
For 2015-16, the module will start on Wednesday 20 April 2016 and finish on
Friday 20 May 2016.
Timetable slot
The module runs in LSHTM timetable slot E.
Mode of Study
The module is taught face-to-face in London. Both full-time and part-time
students follow the same schedule. For full-time students, other LSHTM
modules are available in the other half of the week for the C and D slots.
Learning time
The notional learning time for the module totals 150 hours, consisting of:
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Contact time ≈ 48 hours
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Directed self-study ≈ 43 hours
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Self-directed learning ≈ 15 hours
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Assessment, review and revision ≈ 44 hours.
APPLICATION, ADMISSION AND FEES
Pre-requisites
Knowledge of chemistry and biochemistry would be a benefit.
English language
requirements
A strong command of the English language is necessary to benefit from
studying the module. Applicants whose first language is not English or whose
prior university studies have not been conducted wholly in English must fulfil
LSHTM’s English language requirements, with an acceptable score in an
approved test taken in the two years prior to entry. Applicants may be asked to
take a test even if the standard conditions have been met.
Student numbers
Student numbers will be capped at 28 (full participation) due to limitations in
facilities.
Student selection
Equal opportunities will be given to LSHTM MSc students, LSHTM research
degree students and external applicants. External applicants may be placed on
a waiting list and given priority the next time the module is run.
Partial Registration (partial participation) by LSHTM research degree students
is allowed for this module.
Fees
For registered LSHTM MSc students, fees for the module are included within
MSc fees (given on individual course prospectus pages).
If registering specifically for this module, as a stand-alone short course,
individual module fees will apply.
Tuition fees must be paid in full before commencing the module, or by any fee
deadline set by the Registry.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not available for individual modules. Some potential sources
of funding are detailed on the LSHTM website.
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Admission deadlines
For 2015-16:
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For registered LSHTM MSc students, the module choice deadline (for Term
2 and 3 modules) is Friday 20 November 2015.
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If registering specifically for this module, applications may be made at any
time but, as places are limited, applications ahead of the MSc deadline are
strongly advised. All applications should be submitted at the latest 8 weeks
prior to the start of the module. Formal registration will take place on the
morning of the first day of the module.
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This module specification applies for the academic year 2015-16.
Last revised: 20 July 2015 by Karin Seifert; Minor amendments 20 July 15 SDB
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT.
www.lshtm.ac.uk
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