LONDON METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
Module Specification template
Section One: ABOUT THE MODULE
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Module title
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Module code
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Module level and credit rating
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Faculty
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School/Subject Discipline
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Teaching locations
northnorth
Introduction to Medical Microbiology
BM7106DL
Level 7Level 7
2020
Life SciencesLife Sciences
School of Human SciencesSchool of Human Sciences
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DayDay
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Teaching period
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Pattern of attendance
Required prior learning
Module description
BM7106DL
Introduction to Medical Microbiology
This module focuses on the structure and classification of a selected range of microorganisms and their
impact on human society.
Semester: Autumn, Spring, Summer (20 credit)
Required prior Learning:
Assessment: Quizzes (500 words) (30%), reflective learning log (500 words) (30%), coursework (2000
words) (40%)
Module aims
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance
Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Study the classification, structure and
function of viruses, bacteria, fungi and protoctista and understand the diverse nature of
microorganisms, their roles in the environment and their impact on human society, as normal flora and
as agents of disease. It will also provide students with an in-depth study of microorganisms in health
and disease; enable students to make ethical evaluations of strategies used for microbial disease
control. Additionally it will enable them to research and evaluate selected topics within the subject
area, and communicate the results in a cogent and balanced manner, reinforce analytical, evaluative
and communication skills, research a topical issue in depth and present it at an appropriate level and
reflect on the topics studied and their application in biomedical practice.
Module learning outcomes
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On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Understand that microorganisms comprise a diverse range of organisms that includes sub-viral
particles, viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, and protoctista and have some understanding of their structural
diversity and classification
2. Explain the aetiology of selected microbial diseases and make ethical evaluations on medical
microbiology laboratory practice and show an understanding of pathogenicity, virulence mechanisms of
major groups of microorganisms and the use of laboratory investigations to corroborate clinical
diagnosis and treatment of microbial diseases.
3. Have knowledge of infectious diseases by laboratory systems and the main pathogenic organisms,
their isolation and identification and display an appreciation of the relevance of epidemiology in the
prediction, control and identification of disease and show relevance of epidemiology in the recognition
and identification of emerging and re-emerging diseases.
4. Understand the processes relating to compliance with health and safety policies, good laboratory
practice, risk and infection control.
Indicative syllabus – for full details see section C in Module Booklet
An introduction to microbiology: historical perspectives. Basic microbiology techniques, including
laboratory cultivation, formulation of growth medium, laboratory-based methods of identification,
safety aspects. Medical microbiology: the role of microorganisms in health and disease.
Paradigms of microorganism-host interactions in health: concepts and types of symbiosis; mutualism;
commensalism and normal microbiota; variation between hosts; spatial and temporal variation in an
individual host; endogenous sources of infection; opportunists.
Paradigms of microorganism-host interactions in disease: concepts and mechanisms of infection;
pathogenicity and virulence; constitutive and induced host defence mechanisms; microbial
evasion/subversion of host defences; rationale diagnostic procedures and antimicrobial chemotherapy.
Paradigms of microorganism-community interactions: exogenous encounter; major transmission routes
of human pathogens; emerging microbial infections; the role of public health laboratories in disease
control; strategies for control of community, health care associated and hospital acquired infections;
rationale of immunisation programmes.
Paradigms of geographic and travel microbial diseases: syndromes of the returned traveller; infections
of the skin and soft tissue, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and systemic infections.
Selected in-depth studies; epidemiology, aetiology and clinical manifestation of infectious diseases;
rationale for laboratory diagnosis. Examples will be selected from indigenous, tropical and emerging
diseases caused by bacteria, parasites and fungi.
Indicative bibliography and key on-line resources – for full details see section D in Module Booklet
Madigan MT, Martinko JM, Dunlap P.V, Clark DP. (2012) Brock Biology of Microorganisms 13th Ed.
Pearson.
Wheelis ML. (2008) Principles of Modern Microbiology. Jones and Bartlett.
Bauman RW. (2012) Microbiology with diseases by body systems. 3rd Ed. Pearson.
Strelkauskas A, Strelkauskas J. (2010) Microbiology a clinical approach. Garland Science
Ford M. (2010) Medical Microbiology. Fundamentals of Biomedical Science series. OUP
Hall A, Yates C. (2010) Immunology. Fundamentals of Biomedical Science series. OUP.
Glencross H. Ahmed N, Wang Q. (2011) Biomedical Science Practice. Fundamentals of Biomedical
Science series. OUP
Brooks GF, Butel JS, Morse SA. (2007) Jawetz, Melnick & Adelberg’s Medical Microbiology 24th Ed.
McGraw Hill.
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Learning and Teaching strategy for the module including approach to blended learning, students’ study
responsibilities and opportunities for reflective learning/pdp
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Information pertaining to the subject matter will be presented through an integrated programme of
lectures and supporting exercises, together with some use of a problem-based learning approach and
the guided use of student-centred learning resources. Lectures will be used to provide a conceptual
framework. Student centred assignments will enable students to reinforce and expand their
knowledge, and develop subject specific skills and competence.
Indicative learning and teaching hours for the module. Learning hours comprise face-to-face and virtual
contact hours plus self-managed and directed learning and time spent on placements (where relevant).
Method
Description and percentage of learning hours
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
Guided independent study
200 (100%)
TOTAL LEARNING HOURS FOR THE
200
MODULE
Assessment strategy
The module will be formatively assessed by in-course online quizzes (30%) and two coursework
components. A reflective learning log (500 words) (30%) and a written assignment (40%; 2000 words).
Criteria for assessment will include an understanding of the subject matter; an ability, both orally and
written, to explain, describe and discuss the work; completeness and conciseness of written reports
and essays with emphasis upon critical ability and scientific rigour. To pass the module students need
to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 50%.
Component
Learning outcomes
Quizzes
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Reflective learning log
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Written assignment
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Arrangements for formative and summative feedback
Written feedback on the coursework will be given at the end of the module
Description of assessment items
Assessment
Method
Practical
ExamPractical
Exam
CourseworkCour
sework
CourseworkCour
sework
Description of Item
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weighting
Week
Due
On-line Quizzes (500 words)
30
Reflective learning log (500 words)
30
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Written assignment (ECA) (2000 words)
40
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Section Two: FACULTY USE
20 Nominated External Examiner
21 Nominated Module Leader at time of approval
22 Courses to which this module contributes and
whether Core or Option
If not pass on aggregate,
explain what is required to
pass the module
William Armour
Section Three: OFFICIAL USE AND CODES – responsibility for completion is as indicated
23 Original date of approval (QEU)
24 Module approved to run from (QEU)
25 Revision date (specify cohort) (QEU)
26 Module specification version number (QEU)
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SITS Mark Scheme (Academic Registry)
Subject Standards Board Name (Academic
Registry)