Medical Microbiology - Standalone module

Program Overview

This part-time online Medical Microbiology module from Aston University provides a comprehensive overview of microbial infections and their impact in healthcare settings. It covers the mechanisms of microorganisms, laboratory procedures for diagnosing bacterial infections, and principles of antimicrobial therapy. The program is ideal for individuals seeking to advance their understanding of microbiology or pursue careers in biomedical science.

Program Outline

Medical Microbiology - Standalone module

Degree Overview:

This part-time online course allows you to advance your understanding of microbiology and infectious diseases in community and hospital settings. The program is ideal for individuals aiming to "top-up" their existing degrees to become registered Biomedical Scientists or for professionals seeking continuing development in the field. The course provides a comprehensive theoretical overview of microbial infections and their impact in community and hospital environments. You will gain insights into the mechanisms of various microorganisms, primarily bacteria, and their ability to establish and cause diseases. The program emphasizes the practical application of theoretical concepts through the exploration of various infections, including:

• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia, tuberculosis)
• Urinary tract infections
• Sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis)
• Gastrointestinal infections (Clostridium difficile)
• Antibiotics

Outline:

This standalone module is delivered entirely online, allowing flexibility for students. The program delves into various aspects of medical microbiology, including:

• Structure, physiology, and biochemistry of microorganisms
• Identification, classification, and control of microorganisms
• Pathogenic mechanisms of various microorganisms
• Public health microbiology
• Laboratory investigation of various infectious diseases, including microbial isolation and identification
• Antimicrobial and antiviral therapy, including drug resistance
• Infection control
The course is delivered over two weeks in Term 1, with examinations held in January. This schedule allows students to balance their academic commitments with other responsibilities while dedicating approximately 4 hours a week to studying throughout the course.

Assessment:

The program utilizes online essays as the primary assessment method.

Teaching:

The course utilizes an online learning platform called Blackboard. Through this platform, students can access course materials, including recorded lectures, self-assessment quizzes, timetables, and directed readings. They can also submit assignments and receive feedback through Blackboard. The teaching team comprises experienced faculty with expertise in life and health sciences. They actively contribute to research and bring real-world experience to their teaching. Additionally, Aston University received a Gold rating in the recent Teaching Excellence Framework assessment, indicating exceptional teaching quality.

Careers:

The course prepares graduates for various professional opportunities in the field of biomedical science, including:

• Biomedical Scientist roles in hospitals and other healthcare settings
• Research positions in academia or industry
• Scientific communication and policy roles
Graduates can also pursue further studies, such as Master's or PhD programs in related fields.

Other:

This module is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), allowing graduates to meet the academic requirements for IBMS registration and pursue a career as a Biomedical Scientist. The program welcomes international students residing in the UK with valid visas. However, international students cannot exclusively travel to the UK to enroll in this program. All distance learning students must reside within the UK. The course director is Dr. Jonathan Cox, and the module coordinator is Dr. T. Worthington.