ProfCert Infection Control - University Coll

The Professional Certificate in Infection Control at University College Dublin is an online program that equips students with the skills to prevent, manage, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Through modules in microbiology, infection prevention theory, and applied practices, the program prepares graduates for careers as public health practitioners, healthcare workers, and infection prevention specialists. The program is problem-based, workplace-situated, and flexible to accommodate working adults.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Professional Certificate in Infection Control is a fully online, part-time program delivered at the student's pace. It is designed for working adults, particularly those seeking to begin or advance their careers in public health, healthcare, facilities management, occupational safety and health, or university technical roles. The program aims to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to effectively prevent, manage, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks in various settings.

Objectives:

The program's objectives are to:

Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of microbiological concepts related to infection control.
Enable students to provide real-life examples of outbreaks and discuss various infection control measures at individual and population levels.

Outline:

The program is structured as a one-year certificate course delivered between September and May. It consists of two modules:

PHPS41270: Introduction to Microbiology for Infection Control (5 credits), Autumn trimester:

Content:
Biology of microorganisms
Infections
Diagnosis of infection
Antibiotics
Bloodborne viruses
Healthcare Associated Infections
Infections and Immunity
Infection control
Delivery and assessment:
Online, asynchronous learning
Learning outcomes:
Define fundamental principles and concepts of microbiology, including characteristics of microorganisms and their classification.
Describe the importance of the environment in the transmission of microorganisms.
Discuss common infections and control measures.
Describe the investigative process in the diagnosis of infections.
Define the role of antibiotics in the treatment of infections.
Discuss the emergence and threat of antibiotic resistance.
Describe the risk and spread of bloodborne viruses.
Discuss the concepts of immunity and vaccination.
Outline the transmission and spread of HAI.
Describe the implementation of infection prevention and control in healthcare settings.
Identify and summarize scientific literature in relation to infection prevention and control.

PHPS41280: Applied Infection Prevention and Control (10 credits), Spring trimester:

Content:
Infection prevention and control theory and policies
IPC in different healthcare settings (Case studies)
Antibiotic resistance and stewardship
Outbreak control
Emerging infections
Quality improvement initiatives in IC
Surveillance of infections
Risk Assessing for Infection Control
Workplace Communication on Infection Control
Environmental Infection Control
Research in Infection Control
Learning outcomes:
Define the principles and theories of infection prevention and control, including the chain of infection and modes of transmission.
Identify common pathogens and their associated infections, including their epidemiology and risk factors.
Discuss the implementing infection prevention and control measures in various healthcare settings and workplaces.
Summarise the effectiveness of different infection prevention strategies, such as hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) use and environmental cleaning.
Describe the role of (healthcare) workers in preventing and controlling infections, including their responsibilities in surveillance, outbreak management and adherence to standard precautions.
Critically appraise research findings and evidence-based practices in infection prevention and control.
Discuss principles of quality improvement and risk management to continuously monitor, evaluate and enhance infection prevention practices.
Delivery and assessment:
Online - live online or pre-recorded lectures?
Review of literature on chosen topics OR develop ‘IC intervention protocol’
Presentation of intervention
MCQ

Assessment:

Quizzes
Online assessment of literature
Project

Teaching:

The program is delivered entirely online, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
Teaching and assessment are problem-based and workplace-situated.
The flexible learning modules align with the fourth objective of the HEA, to enhance equality of opportunity to the diversity of abilities, learning modes and lifestyles in modern society.

Careers:

The program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in infection control, including:
Public health practitioners
Healthcare workers and support staff
Facilities managers
OSH personnel
University technical staff
Infection prevention specialists

Other:

The program is suitable for working adults with a level 9 degree as their minimum qualification.
Previous learning and experience are recognized if the minimum qualification is not met.
Students should be able to write reports and have computer literacy.
The program is delivered by the School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science at University College Dublin.
The program is fully accredited by the Irish Quality Assurance System (IQAS).

About University

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University College Dublin

Overview:

University College Dublin (UCD) is a leading research-intensive university located in Dublin, Ireland. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and global engagement. UCD offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCD provides a vibrant and diverse campus experience for its students. The university emphasizes the holistic development of its students, offering a range of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Key Reasons to Study There:

Research Excellence:

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Transformational Learning:

Other:

UCD is actively involved in promoting sustainability and social responsibility. The university is committed to creating a positive impact on society through its research, teaching, and engagement activities.

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Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

Minimum Qualification: Students are generally working adults with a level 9 degree as their minimum qualification.
Recognized Previous Learning and Experience: The program recognizes previous learning and experience if the level 9 degree requirement is not met.
Other Requirements:
Ability to write reports.
Computer literacy.
Evidence of highest academic qualification to date (Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, Third Level Certificate, Diploma, Higher Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Graduate Diploma, Master’s Degree or PhD).
International Applicants:
Must be living in the Republic of Ireland to undertake this program.
Candidates whose first language is not English and whose primary degree was obtained in a country where English is not the official language of instruction must provide proof of proficiency in English.

Language Proficiency Requirements:

English Language Proficiency:
If your first language is not English, you must demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 7.0 (no band less than 6.5 in each element), or equivalent.
Accepted English language tests and scores:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System - Academic): Minimum Overall Band Score of 7.0 with a result NOT LESS than 6.5 in EACH of the individual sections.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
Internet Based Test: Minimum total score of 100 out of 120, with a score NOT LESS than 22 in Reading and Listening.
Paper Based Test: Minimum total score of 600 with a score NOT LESS than 5.0 in the Test of Written English.
Test results must not be more than 2 years old.
Candidates whose existing degree was obtained in a country where the official language of instruction is English may, at the request of the School, still be subject to the same requirements where English is not the candidate's first language.

Student Stories

Griffin A.

Dublin,

Studying in Dublin
Huge and always expanding. Lots of course options and the professors care a lot about what they teach. Huge amount of students and clubs so there is something for everyone.

Anil Kumar

Masters,

Dublin,

Studied in Dublin
Finished my Masters in Food Safety here in 2019. Quality of education is pretty good. Facilities are on point. One of the better universities in Ireland. A lot of extra curricular activities organised all round the year. No racism or any other issue as per my experience. Teaching staff is quite knowledgeable. I loved my time there. 10/10

Setlhomo Raymond Tshwanelang

Masters,

Dublin,

From Botswana studying in Dublin
It is one of the largest campuses I’ve ever been to. The lecturers are very helpful. There is always support for students whenever required: from stress management, time management, writing, financial and all. They also give away lots and lots of scholarships. It’s a home away from home. Truly a sanctuary school. I am proud to have attained my MSc here.

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