Module Details

Module Code: PHAR S7021
Full Title: Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2018/19 ( September 2018 )
Language of Instruction: 
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner:: Orla Sherlock
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: This practical focused module aims to equip students with the necessary skills to carry out basic analytical microbiological procedures in accordance with European pharmacopoeia practices. It introduces students to concepts of microbial growth and control, basic infection and disease and sterile manufacture in the pharmaceutical industry.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Summarise environmental factors that influence microbial growth.
MLO2 Outline the role of microbes in infection development and transmission.
MLO3 Discuss chemotherapeutics as microbial infection control agents.
MLO4 Outline the principles of pharmaceutical product contamination and preservation.
MLO5 Describe microbial control strategies as they are maintained and measured in the pharmaceutical industry.
MLO6 Analyse pharmaceutical products and the pharmaceutical manufacturing environment qualitatively and quantitatively in accordance with European pharmacopoeia guidelines.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Topic 1: Microbial Growth
Growth media and methods, bacterial growth cycle, environmental factors influencing microbial growth, enumeration of microbial growth via plate count and membrane filtration methods.
Topic 2: Infection and Immunity
Human microbiota, overview of factors in the development of infection subsequent disease development and transmission of microbes, immune response to infection.
Topic 3: Chemotherapeutics
Selection and use of antibiotics, mode of action of antibiotics, major groups of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance development, antibiotic stewardship.
Topic 4: Product Contamination and Sterility Assurance
Pharmaceutical product contamination with emphasis on E.coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococci species. Sterile products, overview of sterilisation processes, bioburden and sterility assurance.
Topic 5: Microbial Growth Control
Overview of physical, chemical and mechanical control strategies. Focus on biocides as antiseptics, disinfectants and preservatives. Measurement of antibacterial activity.
Microbiology Practicals
1. Media preparation, inoculation and aseptic techniques 2. Culture techniques and characterisation 3. Selective and differential media 4. Preliminary identification and rapid identification procedures. 5. Microbial enumeration via total viable aerobic count and membrane filtration. 6. Evaluation of biocides via suspension tests, use dilution tests, disc diffusion test and phenol coefficient tests. 7. Preparation of pharmaceutical products for microbiological analysis. 8. Detection and quantification of E.coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in pharmaceutical products. 8. Microbiological assay of antibiotics
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Lectures: Blended and flexible learning will be used throughout. This will take the form of face to face interactive lecture sessions complemented by online resources (reusable learning objects and the National Digital Learning Repository) and online interactive activities (learn smart study assignments). Students will be directed to relevant sections of appropriate text to reinforce material covered in lectures. Online demonstrations will illustrate key concepts of the course and will be available to students via the VLE throughout the year. Practical exercises are designed to enable students to develop the required technical competencies, attitudes and behaviours in microbiology.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work25.00%
Practical25.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full Time On Campus

Course Work
Assessment Type Class Test % of Total Mark 10
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 5 Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The class exam will consist of a series of multiple choice, true and false, fill in the blank, short answer questions and diagram labelling.
Assessment Type Open-book Examination % of Total Mark 15
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 12 Learning Outcome 6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be provided with laboratory test results typically encountered in the pharmaceutical industry and asked to record the results observed, interpret the data and answer questions.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,3,5,6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will complete result report sheets during the practical class that are specifically designed to develop observation skills and to promote accurate data recording and subsequent interpretation in-line with pharmaceutical practices. Practical skills and competencies will be assessed via performance evaluation in class. Completion of interactive virtual labs will reinforce key concepts.
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Reattendance
The assessment of this module is inextricably linked to the delivery. Therefore reassessment on this module will require the student to reattend (i.e. retake) the module in its entirety.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time On Campus
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Practical Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 11.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
This module has no Part Time On Campus workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Hanlon, G., Hodges, N.. (2013), Essential Microbiology for Pharmaceutical Science, 1st. Wiley-Blackwell, [ISBN: 978-0470665343].
  • Denyer, S.P., Hodges, N., Gorman, S.P. Gilmore, B.F.. (2011), Hugo and Russell's Pharmaceutical Microbiology, 8th. Wiley-Blackwell, [ISBN: 978-1444330632].
  • Sherlock Orla. (2019), Pharmaceutical Microbiology Laboratory Manual, DkIT..
Supplementary Book Resources
  • (2017), European Pharmacopoeia, 9th. Council of Europe Publishing.
  • Talaro, K. P.. (2018), Foundations in Micobiology: Basic Principles, 10th. McGraw-Hill, [ISBN: 978-0071316736].
  • Bauman. (2014), Microbiology with Diseases by Taxonomy, 4th. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780321819314].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources