Clinical Microbiology Course Specification

Master Degree in Clinical and Chemical Pathology

Program on which the course is given: Master in Clinical and Chemical Pathology

Department offering the program: Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department

Department offering the course: Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department

Course code: CCP822CM

Element of the program (Compulsory/Elective): Compulsory course

Academic year: 2015-2016

Date of approval: July 2015

Credit points: 3 Credit points

Course duration: 15 weeks

Teaching hours: Theoretical 75% and Practical 25%

Program Coordinators:

  • Prof. Dr. Afaf El Banna
  • Prof. Dr. Sahar Khairat

I. AIM OF COURSE

To develop qualified clinical pathologist, having knowledge needed for optimum and safe microbiological processing of clinical samples with satisfactory interpretation and correlation of test results with the clinical situation of the patient following lab. infection control guideline, capable of dealing with patients and communicating with colleagues and coworkers in a team.

II. INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

A. Knowledge and understanding:

By the end of the course the candidate should be able to

  1. list microbial causes of diseases in order of frequency
  2. Classify microorganism to species level
  3. Recognize urgent infectious conditions
  4. Identify the appropriate specimen for different tests needed
  5. list the criteria for acceptance and rejection of each specimen
  6. Describe the basics of antimicrobial uses and resistance
  7. Define community acquired infections and hospital acquired infections
  8. Recommend the preventive measures for the different infections

B. Intellectual skills:

By the end of the course the candidate should be able to:

  1. Relate isolated pathogen to the present clinical situation
  2. Differentiate between diseases having the same presentations
  3. Criticize healthcare practices from the infection control point of view
  4. Recommend laboratory tests (microbiological and others) to reach diagnosis of infections
  5. Analyze microbiological laboratory results
  6. Interpret microbiological results

C. Professional and practical skills:

By the end of the course the candidates should be able to;

  1. Operate different devices used in microbiology lab.
  2. Examine clinical samples both macroscopically and microscopically in accordance with health and safety guidelines
  3. Collect different clinical samples correctly
  4. Conduct laboratory work-up to identify infectious organisms
  5. Differentiate between organisms of the same genus
  6. Describe in-vitro growth and biochemical characteristics of different microorganisms
  7. Practice aseptic techniques and other laboratory safety measures
  8. Perform count of cells in body fluids
  9. Perform count and analysis of semen
  10. Perform count no. of bacteria in semi-quantitative cultures
  11. Perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing using disk diffusion method.

D. General and transferable skills:

By the end of the course the candidates should be able to;

1. Reflect the importance of a full scientific microbiological report for the benefits of patients

2. Adopt teamwork and interpersonal cooperation skills

3. Integrate information from a variety of sources

4. Adopt practice-based learning and improvement

5. Acquire problem solving skills.