BIO 3092 Communicable Diseases and Infection Control 1

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

This course provides an understanding of microbiology from a clinical perspective. Students will acquire a sound foundation in the nature of the infectious process, the scope of infections they are likely to encounter in clinical practice and the basic fundamentals of infection control practice.

SYNOPSIS:

This course provides an introduction to microbiology as relevant to infection. The nature of infections in clinical practice is investigated. The course then deals with the basic concepts of infection control practice including: sterilisation, infection, epidemiology, standard precautions and additional precautions, prophylaxis, antimicrobials and chemotherapy, immunisation, an introduction to quality control, management and surveillance practices.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. outline the nature of microbial pathogenesis in terms of the infectious process;
2. describe and demonstrate an understanding of the nature of infections likely to be encountered in clinical practice including infections associated with a. skin and soft tissues b. the respiratory tract c. gastrointestinal tract d. urinogenital system e. central nervous system f. bone and joints g. pyrexia of unknown origin h. the compromised host i. introduction to nosocomial infections;
3. apply and demonstrate an understanding of basic infection control management procedures and protocols, including an understanding of the concepts and protocols relating to: a. basic principles and practice of infection control including: isolation techniques, sterilization, antisepsis and disinfection, isolation precautions, management of infectious waste b. colonization and nosocomial infections c. prevention of nosocomial pneumonia d. prevention of urinary tract infections e. investigation of an outbreak of nosocomial infections f. management practices in infection control.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to the examination timetable when published.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assignments satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assignment. To complete the examination satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for the examination.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 20% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must attempt all of the summative assessment items, achieve at least 50% in the examination, achieve an aggregated mark of at least 50% in the total marks allocated for the assignments, and at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   In a Closed Examination, candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held week 2 of Semester 2 of the current academic year.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES