General provisions

The course is part of the directly licensing Biomedical Laboratory Science Programme (180 credits). The training within the program follows a fixed course of study, which means that the courses must be taken in a fixed order if an individual study plan has not been established.

The course is given in semester 3 in the Biomedical Laboratory Science programme and consists of theoretical studies and practical proficiency training.

The course aims to provide students with the foundations in clinical microbiology and its methodology which are required to take part in a placement at a clinical microbiological laboratory as well as to be able to assimilate advanced knowledge in the area.

Entry requirements

At least 40 passed credits in subjects equivalent year 1 in the program, and at most 1 practical test and 2 examinations left. For admission to the course as a separate course, an older biomedical science education or equivalent skills is/are required.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:

On completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to :

• describe the most common diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, sponges and parasites
• describe the importance of incidence, prevalence and epidemiology in microbiological diagnostic activities
• state the most important discoveries and inventions for the development of microbiological diagnostics
• describe the concept of normal flora and its importance
• describe the structure, morphology and life cycle of medically important bacteria, viruses, sponges and parasites
• describe the classification of medically important bacteria, viruses, sponges and parasites, especially the methods that are used for classification
• describe the theoretical background of the most common analyses in a microbiological laboratory.
• describe the mechanisms for transmission, virulence and pathogenicity in pathogenic bacteria, viruses, sponges and parasites
• describe the working mechanisms and resistance mechanisms of the most common antimicrobial treatments
• describe how resistance development and resistance transfer occur

   

Skills and abilities

On completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to :

• carry out common procedures for cultivation, purifying and diagnostics of micro-organisms
• put into practice and present in writing, relevant knowledge in microbiological laboratory methodology.
• suggest appropriate analysis based on clinical information
• independently interpret and assess an analysis and assess the result's relevance for the patient in a professional way
• summarise and orally present current microbiological problem areas
• follow the hygienic regulations and safety precautions that apply to a microbiological laboratory
• carry out searches in relevant databases
• handle relevant statistical concepts

Evaluation ability and attitudes

On completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to :

• participate in a discussion concerning ethical questions regarding the handling of sample materials and analysis results within clinical microbiological laboratories
• discuss sustainability issues on a basic level regarding the use of antibiotics and the problem of antimicrobial resistance from a national and international perspective

Content

Micro-organisms in the biological system. General and special bacteriology, general and special virology, mycology and parasitology as well as the related laboratory methodology. Bacterial physiology. Pathogenicity and virulence factors. Bacterial genetics. Antibiotics and chemotherapeutics. Micro-organisms and disease. Current research within medical microbiology. Obtain knowledge about organisation, method validation, quality assurance, accreditation and areas of responsibility within medical microbiology. Library science. Statistics.

Instruction

Teaching is given in the form of lectures, web-based learning, laboratory sessions, seminars, group exercises, demonstrations and study visits.  For laboratory participation it is compulsory that the students know the current regulations for safety and hygiene.

Assessment

Examination takes place as an individual written examination and a practical test. Furthermore, passed laboratory sessions and other compulsory parts are required for a pass grade as well as active participation in seminars, demonstrations and study visits. If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Students who failed the examination have the right to retake the examination an additional 4 times (= a total of 5 examinations) Each time the student participates in an examination counts as an examination. Submission of so-called blank examination counts as an examination.