The module will provide a practical understanding of how diagnostic techniques are employed and interpreted in healthcare settings to identify bacterial causes of human infections. As well as focusing on specific infections and clinical syndromes, the content will also include laboratory processing of different specimen types, identification of significant bacterial colony morphologies and the detection of antimicrobial resistance.
Key examples of bacterial infections will be analysed from a variety of specimens (including bloodstream, ear/nose/throat, gastrointestinal, respiratory, wound and genitourinary) to determine the causative agent of infection, in conjunction with clinical presentation and patient histories.
The module is primarily taught through laboratory sessions with corresponding lectures, providing comprehensive explanations and practical experience of the techniques used to identify different bacterial pathogens.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module, a student will be able to:
- Apply understanding of essential theory and practice of bacteriology to the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections.
- Appraise the utility of diagnostic procedures in the context of different bacterial infections or diagnostic settings.
- Investigate causes of bacterial infections by performing various clinical laboratory procedures including specimen processing, isolation, identification and susceptibility testing of bacterial pathogens.
- Critically evaluate the purpose and use of standard operating procedures, laboratory validation and syndromic management for the diagnosis of bacterial infections.
Session Content
The module is expected to cover the following topics:
- Infectious bacterial diseases;
- Laboratory investigations necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of the infected individual;
- Processing of clinical specimens, including isolation, identification and susceptibility testing of bacterial pathogens.
Mode of delivery
The module consists of a blend of online or face-to-face lectures and on-campus practical sessions. The practical focus is of particular importance.
Assessment
The assessment for this module has been designed to measure student learning against the module's intended learning outcomes (ILOs) as listed above. Formative assessment methods may be used to measure students’ progress. The grade for summative assessment(s) only will go towards the overall award GPA.
The assessment for this module will be on campus at LSHTM.
Students will sit weekly 60-minute MCQs (50%) covering the previous week's content derived from laboratory and lecture sessions. Students will also complete a piece of coursework (50%) across the course of the module which will require incorporation, reworking and application of learning from across the module e.g. design of a new standard operating procedure for the diagnosis of a particular group of infections.
Credits
- CATS: 15
- ECTS: 7.5
Module specification
For full information regarding this module please see the module specification.
This module is for students who have completed Core Bacteriology during Term 1 or have previous practical experience with bacteriology laboratory methods, as this module has a large practical component. It is also intended for students who wish to understand the principles of clinical diagnosis of bacterial infections, laboratory practice and management and acquire further laboratory competence.
Applications for Term 2 C2 modules are now closed. Please explore our full intensive modules list for modules which may be open for applications.