GAS1123 - Microbiology for health science

Leader: Mr Tom Jeavons

Offered

Peninsula First semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides students with the opportunity to gain an understanding of basic microbiology and become familiar with the microorganisms which cause disease and are important to nurses in the hospital setting. It introduces students to the principles of pathogenicity and to the defence systems of the body including the acquired immune response. Aspects of immunopathology are also addressed. The principles of epidemiology and the control of infectious disease is discussed with an emphasis on sterilisation and disinfection as well as the use of antimicrobial drugs. Laboratory methods of diagnosis are also introduced.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will understand the basic principles underlying the structure and function of the different groups of microorganisms and appreciate their practical implications for nursing practice; appreciate the relationships that can occur between different microorganisms, between microorganisms and their human host and the consequences of this relationship for the host; be able to explain the characteristics of the immune response and the role of the immune response in certain immunopathological conditions; understand the principles of disease transmission in the hospital and the wider community and be able to apply this knowledge in preventing or reducing the incidence of disease; appreciate the principles underlying microbial control and be able to apply these principles in a hospital-based situation; and gain an overview of the role of diagnostic microbiology in identifying the causative agent of an infection and the need for care in obtaining samples for microbial identification.

Assessment

Three assignments: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Contact hours

4 hours per week