20 Credit Modules

Module title:	Microbiology Testing
SCQF level:	09:
SCQF credit value:	20.00
ECTS credit value:	10
Module code:	MIC09608
Module leader:	MR IAN MACRAE
School	Life Sport & Social Sciences
Subject area group:	Biomedical Science & Microbiology

Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Timetables

Click here to view the trimester 2 teaching timetable

Click here to view the trimester 3 teaching timetable

2012/3, Trimester 3, Blended,

Occurrence:	001
Primary mode of delivery:	Blended
Location of delivery:	U_HK
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module:	MR IAN MACRAE
Module Organiser:

Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:

Learning & teaching methods including their alignment to LOs
This module will be delivered mainly through a combination of face-to-face lectures, tutorials, online support (LO1-4) and laboratory sessions (LO5). Questioning is encouraged during face-to-face teaching in tutorials, on-line using Moodle discussion forums, and in laboratory classes. Personalised feedback is given during tutorials and for laboratory reports.

Assessment (Formative and Summative)
Formal examination will be used to assess learning (LO1-4) while coursework will provide both formative and summative assessment (LO3-5). Formative assessment occurs during tutorial sessions when students have the opportunity to discuss with their peers and the local tutor. Summative assessment takes the form of laboratory reports (LO 5), a critical review of methodology literature, and a formal examination (LOs 1 - 5).

Embedding of Employability/PDP/scholarship skills
Key employability skills are embedded and assessed including laboratory skills, problem-solving, critical appraisal (LO1-5). Critical thinking and written communication skills are required in the laboratory report writing and examination. Group work and oral communication skills are required for both tutorial work and the laboratory component. IT skills are required for the use of Moodle and for on-line searches associated with the preparation/submission of coursework (laboratory reports). Scholarship skills are required for the directed reading associated with the subject programme.

Research/Teaching Linkage
Recent developments in the testing methodology of microbiological organisms and pathogens and any review of International Guideline of Standards will be emphasised using peer-reviewed scientific literature.

Supporting equality and diversity;
Online support via Moodle will ensure that all students have equal access to support by tutors. Lecture handouts / Powerpoints will also be provided when necessary to all students to ensure access to core content.

Internationalisation
The content of this module is contextualised so that pathogens of local interest are highlighted.

Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activity	Learning & Teaching Activity	NESH (Study Hours)
FACE TO FACE	Lecture	15
FACE TO FACE	Tutorial / Seminar / Class Groupwork	6
FACE TO FACE	Practical / Labs	12
Independent Learning	Individual Learning Activities	164
	Formal Exam	3
	Total Study Hours	200
	Expected Total Study Hours for Module	200

Assessment
Type of Assessment	Weighting %	LOs covered	Week due	Length in Hours/Words
Centrally Time Tabled Examination	60.00	1-4	15	HOURS= 3 WORDS=
Report	20.00	1	14	HOURS= WORDS= 1000
Report	20.00	5	13	HOURS= WORDS= 1000
Component 1 subtotal:	60
Component 2 subtotal:	40
Module subtotal:	100

What you will learn and what this module is about:

In this module you will learn about the principles of bacterial diagnosis, the indicator organisms and pathogens of the environment and in food. The module also covers the identification of these organisms and the related laboratory tests. Laboratory classes will help develop your knowledge on biological safety control measures, the practical issues and international standards for microbiology testing laboratories.

Description of module content:

Sterilization and disinfection; bacterial diagnosis; presumptive identification of specific bacterial pathogens; Laboratory setup and safety; indicator organisms for environmental water microbiology; indicator organisms for indoor air quality; food-borne pathogens and indicator organisms; staining techniques; specimen sampling and processing; protozoa and its examination; identification of specific bacterial pathogens including serological and molecular methods, and also rapid methods of detection; statistics in microbiology testing, precision and uncertainty; estimation of test results; International Guidelines of Standards for Microbiology criteria of food, water and air sample testing.

Learning Outcomes for module:

LO1: Apply laboratory techniques in performing integrated laboratory diagnosis of specific bacterial pathogens in the environment and in food;
LO2: Provide a rationale for the selection of a chosen method for testing of a specific pathogen;
LO3: Evaluate laboratory tests and methods;
LO4: Compare test results with International Guideline of Standards.
LO5: Evaluate experimental observation and develop a laboratory report of the finding.

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:

13. Indicative References and Reading List
T1: Forbes, BA, Sahm DF, & Weissfeld AS. (2007) Bailey & Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology. (12th Edition) Mosby Publishing
T2: Hart, CA & Shears, P. (2004) Colour Atlas of Medical Microbiology (2nd Edition) Mosby Publishing.
T3: Willey, J., Woolverton, C., & Sherwood, L.Prescott's Principles of Microbiology (2008). McGraw-Hill

Click here to view this module's reading list.

Related information

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