Program Overview

Medical Microbiology Standalone Module

The Medical Microbiology standalone module is designed to enhance expertise in medical microbiology, expanding knowledge of infectious diseases and diagnostic principles in both community and hospital settings to advance biomedical science careers.

Module Overview

Studied via blended learning (online and in-person sessions), this module offers a comprehensive overview of medical microbiology, focusing on microbiology and infectious diseases in both community and hospital settings. It is ideal for topping up a degree to become a registered Biomedical Scientist or advancing professional development, deepening understanding of how microbial pathogens cause disease and how these infections are diagnosed and managed.

• The indicative content of the module includes:
  • The structure, physiology, and biochemistry of microorganisms
  • Methods for their identification, classification, and control
  • The pathogenic mechanisms of various microorganisms
  • Public health microbiology
  • The laboratory investigation of infectious diseases, including isolation and identification of pathogens
  • The principles of antimicrobial and antiviral therapy, with a focus on drug resistance and infection control
• Specific infections covered include:
  • Upper and lower respiratory tract infections
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Gastrointestinal infections
  • The role of antibiotics

This is a level 5 module (equivalent level of study to a foundation degree or Diploma of Higher Education) worth 10 credits. Module tutors include Dr. Jonathan Cox, Professor Andrew Devitt, and Dr. Ewan Ross.

Objectives and Outcomes

The objectives of this module are to:

1. Enable understanding of the core concepts of microbiology, including bacteriology, virology, mycology, and parasitology within community and hospital settings.
2. Evaluate how microbial pathogens, primarily bacteria, establish themselves and cause disease across major body systems.
3. Understand the principles and theory of common laboratory investigations used to diagnose bacterial infections and apply this knowledge to case studies.
4. Assess treatment options for infections, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics (basic structure, classification, biochemistry) of clinically relevant pathogens.
• Critically discuss the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment (including antibiotic resistance) of a broad range of clinically relevant pathogens.

Entry Requirements

• Students must have a non-accredited undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences or an undergraduate degree in a related field (such as biology or biochemistry).
• For those taking this module to 'top-up' their existing degree for IBMS registration, prior assessment by the Institute of Biomedical Science is required to confirm the degree's eligibility for 'top-up' and to determine additional subject areas needed for further qualifications.
• Degrees not eligible for top-up may require application to the accredited BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science undergraduate degree.
• No additional requirements apply for those undertaking this module for professional development.
• International students already in the UK with a valid visa are welcome to apply, but the university cannot accept applications from international students wishing to come to the UK solely for this course or for distance learning.

Fees

• UK students (2025/26): ｣850 per 10 credits.
• Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI).

Delivery and Assessment

• The course is delivered via blended learning, with an online induction session, recorded lectures, self-assessment quizzes, and coursework submission via Blackboard.
• A single three-hour on-campus practical is compulsory unless evidence of equivalent learning in the workplace can be provided.
• Assessments must be taken in person on campus, including an on-campus exam in April 2026.

Career Prospects

This module offers the opportunity to enhance knowledge and skills for career development, equipping students to make a real difference in their field. It allows students to obtain the academic competences required to apply to the Health Professions Council for Registration as a Biomedical Scientist.