NURSING 1006 - Microbiology and Infection Control

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2022

Microbiology and Infection Control provides nursing students with the skills and knowledge to prevent the transmission of organisms in health care settings. The principles of infection control are coupled with the science of microbial transmission and reproduction. Students gain knowledge of the most important bacterial, fungal, parasitical and viral infections. The use of personal protective equipment and the ability to establish and maintain a sterile field are core skills of nurses. The role of the immune system in defence of the human body is examined and emphasis is placed on the recognition of inflammation.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code NURSING 1006
    Course Microbiology and Infection Control
    Coordinating Unit Adelaide Nursing School
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Restrictions Available to B.Nurs students only
    Course Description Microbiology and Infection Control provides nursing students with the skills and knowledge to prevent the transmission of organisms in health care settings. The principles of infection control are coupled with the science of microbial transmission and reproduction. Students gain knowledge of the most important bacterial, fungal, parasitical and viral infections. The use of personal protective equipment and the ability to establish and maintain a sterile field are core skills of nurses. The role of the immune system in defence of the human body is examined and emphasis is placed on the recognition of inflammation.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr David Foley

    Course Coordinator: Dr David Foley
    Phone: +61 8 8313 1758
    Fax: +61 8 8313 3594
    Email: david.foley@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: Adelaide Nursing School, The University of Adelaide

    Lecturer: Dr Frank Donnelly 
    Phone: +61 8 8313 3639
    Email: frank.donnelly@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: Adelaide Nursing School, The University of Adelaide

    School Office 
    Phone: +61 8 8313 3595
    Fax: +61 8 8313 3594
    Email: pre_registration@adelaide.edu.au

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Content will be organised into online lectures, face to face tutorials and skills. Presented in the following order:
    Online Lectures
    L1. Introduction
    L2. Classification of Microorganisms
    L3. Bacterial Growth & Reproduction
    L4. Bacterial Pathogenesis (and begin viruses)
    L5. Role of Viruses in Causing Illness (I)
    L6. Role of Viruses in Causing Illness (II)
    L7. Innate Immunity
    L8. Inflammation & Pain
    L9. Acquired Immunity
    L10. Antigens & Antibodies
    L11. Cell Mediated Immunity
    L12. Standard Precautions
    L13. Sterilisation, Disinfection & Cleaning
    L14. Wound Field Theory
    L15. Health Care Associated Infection
    L16. Isolation & Infectious Disease
    L17. Managing Infections
    L18. OHS of Infection Control
    Catch up lecture or review
    L19. Transmission of Disease
    L20. Fungi
    L21. Parasites
    Tutorials
    T1. Microorganisms 
    T2. Viruses 
    T3. Immunity 
    T4. Immunity 2
    Practicals
    Hand Hygiene Practical
    Personal Protective Equipment - Gloving and Gowning Practical
    Aseptic Technique Practical
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Describe common disease causing microorganisms and their classification
    2. Describe the reproduction of important bacterial, fungal, viral pathogens
    3. Understand the role of bacterial pathogenesis
    4. Identify the role of the acquired and innate immune systems
    5. Learn how infectious organisms cause disease and challenge the body’s immune defence.
    6. Recognise infection control practices that prevent the spread of infection
    7. Demonstrate skills in standard precautions including gowning and gloving and the use of personal protective equipment
    8. Relate infection control practices to the control and containment of microorganisms.
    9. Understand the chain of infection and how to create a sterile field in nursing environments.
    10. Provide a baseline of practice and knowledge for safe interaction with patients in isolation
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    6, 7, 8, 9 and 10

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    7, 9 and 10

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1 - 10

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    10

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    10

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    9

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    6, 7 and 10
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Lee, G & Bishop, P 2015 Microbiology and Infection Control for Health Professionals, 6th edn, Pearson Prentice Hall, Frenchs Forest.
    Recommended Resources
    http://www.cdc.gov/

    http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/node/30290

    SA Health Immunisation - Important

    http://www.hha.org.au/
    Online Learning
    Online materials to support the course content will be provided through MyUni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Online lectures – Online lectures will be offered in a synchronous format. This will offer learning opportunities and enable students to quickly clarify complex descriptions and terminology. Much of the content for this course is supported by textbooks with web page and e-learning supports (e.g. flash cards for revision). The Adelaide Nursing School supports the audio and video capture of lecture content as an aid to revision.

    Tutorials -
    tutorial sessions enable small group discussion and peer interaction around the content. Each tutorial session will focus on the lecture content. 

    Simulated Learning Environments (SLE) and Skills –
    the simulated learning environment provides students an opportunity to practice a range of infection control skills prior to attending clinical placement. Importantly the SLE also enables clearly constructed, well considered clinical scenarios which nurture and challenge student development. The Robin Warren Skills Laboratory within the Faculty of Health Sciences provides a state of the art clinical training venue with dedicated nursing lecturers with expertise in low fidelity simulation. Students will learn to create and maintain a sterile field and will participate in a scenario of caring for a patient in isolation. Special emphasis on hand washing, gowning and gloving practices will be made.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The workload for this course requires attendance at:
    • 24 hours of online lectures / semester
    • 4 x 1 hour tutorials / semester
    • 3 x 2 hour skills and practicals/ semester

    Non-contact hours for assessment and tutorial preparation will be approximately 5 hours per week.
    Learning Activities Summary
    The tables below indicate the lecture, tutorial and SLE series outlines for Microbiology and Infection Control. Other tutorials may be provided as required.


    Week Topic Assessment/Other
    1 L1. Introduction to Microbiology
    L2. Classification Of Microorganisms
    T1. Microorganisms (for students in tutorial group 1 & 2)
    2 L3. Bacterial Growth & Reproduction
    L4. Bacterial Pathogenesis
    T1. Microorganisms (for students in tutorial group 3 & 4)
    3 L5. Role of Viruses in Causing Illness (I)
    L6. Role of Viruses in Causing Illness (II)
    T2. Viruses (for students in tutorial group 1 & 2)
    4 L7. Fungi
    L8. Parasites
    T2. Viruses (for students in tutorial group 3 & 4)
    5 L9. Innate Immunity L10. Inflammation & Pain
    L11. Acquired Immunity
    T3. Immunity 1 (for students in tutorial group 1 & 2)
    6 L12. Antigens & Antibodies
    L13. Cell Mediated Immunity
    T3. Immunity 1 (for students in tutorial group 3 & 4)
    Mid-Semester Break Online Formative Test
    7 L14. Transmission of Disease
    L15. Health Care Associated Infection
    T4. Immunity 2 (for students in tutorial group 1 & 2)
    8 L16. OHS of Infection Control
    L17. Standard Precautions
    T4. Immunity 2 (for students in tutorial group 3 & 4)
    9 L18. Sterilisation, Disinfection & Cleaning
    L19. Isolation & Infectious Disease
    SLE1. Wound dressing practice (Gp 1)
    10 L20. Wound Field Theory
    L21. Infectious Trends
    SLE1. Wound dressing practice (Gp 2)
    11 SLE 1. Wound dressing practice (Gp 3) Preparation & Maintenance of a Sterile Field
    12 L22. Managing Infections
    T5. Use & Application of PPE
    SLE1. Wound dressing practice (Gp 4)
    13
    Swot Week
    Exam Weeks Exam

    Specific Course Requirements
    The course requires some skills laboratory work. Students will need to adhere to the dress code when attending skills and simulation sessions
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Assessment Type Weighting Learning Outcome(s) being addressed
    Mid-semester online quiz Formative N/A 1-6
    Hand Hygiene Australia Formative  N/A 6-9
    Concept Maps of Microbiology & Immunology Content Summative 10% 1-6
    Preparation and maintenance of a sterile field Summative 30% 7-8
    End of semester online exam Summative 60% 1-6, 9, 10

    Assessment Detail
    ASSESSMENT 1: Online quizzes
    These quizzes will be administered online through MyUni and will provide instant feedback to students on their knowledge of microbiology and infection control practices. There will be 2 quizzes, the first will occur early in the semester and the second after the microbiology and immunology content has been delivered.

    ASSESSMENT 2: Hand Hygiene Australia
    Students must work through and complete the HHA online training package (Modules 1 and 2). The certificates must be completed and printed prior to clinical placement.

    ASSESSMENT 3: Concept Map Notes
    Students will be given electronic skeleton concept maps that they will then complete for the topics: Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, Parasites and Immunity. Concept maps will be marked according to how complete they are.

    ASSESSMENT 3: Preparation and maintenance of a sterile field
    Preparation and maintenance of a sterile field: Students will clean and dress a simple simulated wound. They will prepare and maintain asepsis for the wound dressing. Emphasis on the safe removal of a soiled wound dressing and replacement with a new dressing will occur. This assessment will be conducted in the skills lab or students will submit a  video recording of their wound dressing technique.

    ASSESSMENT 4: End of semester online multiple-choice exam
    A two-hour exam assesing the principles of infection control and related microbiology and immunology will be held at the end of semester.
    Submission
    Unless otherwise indicated all submission of assignments is to be through MyUni. TurnItin will be used to check student assignments. TurnItin will be used to check student assignments. Students MUST keep an electronic copy of all assignments submitted.

    Extensions are generally awarded for no more than 10 working days unless there are exceptional circumstances.
    To apply for an Assessment Extension, a student must submit an application for extension form prior to the assessment deadline. You will find this on the School of Nursing Website or use the link provided here.

    See the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/3303/

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

    In 2020 the mean eSELT score for satisfaction about this course was 6.5 out of 7 an increase from 6.2 in the previous year.
    The mean eSELT score for David Foley as an effective teacher was 6.8 out of 7.
    Most students who responded to the eSelt did not want any changes but the most frequent request was for more definitions and explanation of content, so more definitions and a glossary of terms will be included.
  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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