Module Details

Module Code: ZPHA C3101
Module Title: Control of Contamination and Infection
Title: Control of Contamination and Infection
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 10
Module Coordinator: Paula Rankin
Module Author:: Dina Brazil
Domains:  
Module Description: To allow Pharmacy Technicians to understand the fundamental theoretical and practical microbiological principles of infection and contamination control in a range of healthcare /pharmacy settings.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the nature of micro-organisms and outline the relevance of micro-organisms in a range of settings.
LO2 Discuss the relevance of contaminants and healthcare associated infections (HAI) to the work of a Pharmacy Technician.
LO3 Explain the principles of infectious disease and describe how transmission can be prevented and controlled in a range of settings.
LO4 Describe the factors that control the growth of microorganisms in the environment, clinical and industrial settings and demonstrate the efficacy of physical and chemical methods of sterilisation/preservation/ disinfection.
LO5 Explain how to apply the requirements of cGMP/cGPP and quality in the manufacture/preparation of sterile products.
LO6 Develop competency in microbiological techniques for the handling, monitoring and control of microorganisms.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Basic concepts in microbiology
Basic concepts in microbiology . Ubiquitous nature and metabolic diversity of microorganisms. and their interactions with humans and the environment.
Contamination, prevention and monitoring
Sources of animate and inanimate contamination in the manufacture or use of sterile and non sterile products including pyrogens. Parenteral and sterile products. Sampling , bioburden testing, environmental monitoring, objectionable and indicator organisms. Risk assessment . Aseptic techniques in a preparation setting.
Pathogens: Infection Control
Concepts of pathogens including emerging and opportunistic pathogens, healthcare acquired infections (HAI). Antibiotic resistance and stewardship. Principles of infectious disease transmission. Breaking the chain of infection. Aseptic techniques in healthcare setting. Standard and transmission based precautions.
Microbial control and monitoring.
Control of microbial growth.Physical and chemical methods of sterilisation and disinfection of equipment and materials. Filter sterilisation of air and liquids. Validation of these methods. Biological indicators. D, Z and F values. Preservatives.
Quality aspects of aseptic manufacturing/preparation.
Overview of the principles of cGMP /cGPP for sterile and non sterile products. Risk assessment. Quality control and quality assurance systems. The importance of validation and monitoring. Trending, alert and action levels, OOS. The importance of documentation and SOPs. Overview of clean room design and classification. HEPA filters, unidirectional air flow cabinets, isolators, biological safety cabinets.
Practical
1. cGood Microbiological Practice and Health and Safety. Using SOPs. Correct personal laboratory and clean room behaviour and attitudes including: correct hand washing and gowning. Principles of validation. 2. Preparation and sterilisation of microbial media. Validation of heat sterilisation. Biological indicators. Determination of D, Z and F values. 3. Aseptic cultivation of microorganisms on solid and liquid selective, differential and other media. 4. Isolation and enumeration of micro-organisms from environmental sources, raw materials and finished products. Serial dilutions and viable count. 5. Environmental, hard surface and air microbial monitoring recording and interpretation. 6. Demonstration and interpretation of stains including the Gram stain. 7. Identification protocols using multiwell phenotypic systems eg API. 8. Evaluation of the relative effectiveness of chemical substances as anti-microbial agent. Challenge tests. LAL pyrogen testing. 9. Working in a unidirectional air flow environment. Transfer techniques. Aseptic techniques. Validation of aseptic techniques via broth test.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment60.00%
Practical40.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students to prepare a group/individual presentation/poster on core topics. Includes a short Individual reflective assignment.
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 15 Learning Outcomes 2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students to prepare an individual assignment on a key topic. Can be used in cross module assessment.
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Learners will relate learning to their practice during the module.
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 15
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Short answer, MCQ, class /online activities. Low stake assessment to motivate and check knowledge.
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 5
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Short assignment on quality/ risk assessment topic. Cross module assessment with Quality module.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Practical assessment not only assesses safe practical competencies, recording and reporting skills via a range of formats; but also the application of theory into practice and the development of appropriate interpretive skills in a supported environment.
Students to submit regular laboratory reports. These reports to show the theoretical context of the practical activity, the methodology used, appropriate presentation and interpretation of results and a reflection of skills learned and improvements to be made.
A practical exam will demonstrate key competencies.
Short examination of key practical concepts/methodology.
No End of Module Formal Examination

Part Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students to prepare a group/individual presentation/poster on core topics. Includes a short Individual reflective assignment.
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students to prepare an individual assignment on a key topic. Can be used in cross module assessment.
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Learners will relate learning to their practice during the module.
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 15
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Short answer, MCQ, class /online activities. Low stake assessment to motivate and check knowledge.
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 5
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Short assignment/test on quality/ risk assessment topic. Cross module assessment with Quality module.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 2,4,5,6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Practical assessment not only assesses safe practical, recording and reporting skills via a range of formats; but also the application of theory into practice and the development of appropriate interpretive skills in a supported environment.
Students to submit laboratory reports as each topic is completed. These reports to show the theoretical context of the practical activity, the methodology used, appropriate presentation and interpretation of results and a reflection of skills learned and improvements to be made.
Practical exam to demonstrate key competencies.
Short examination of key practical concepts/methodology.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer Supervised Learning Contact This item involves classroom activities, lectures, discussions, problem solving. 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Practicals Contact The practical component is essential and allows not only the development of practical skills and competencies but also the application of theory into practice and the development of appropriate interpretive skills in a structured environment. The aims of the practicals are to: • allow students to develop the required technical competencies, attitudes and behaviours in microbiology and aseptic techniques in the light of underpinning knowledge; • develop appropriate recording and reporting 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent learning includes: class preparation, assessments, practical preparation and reports. It will be supported by interactive and other resources on Blackboard that will be available throughout the year providing a blended approach. Where appropriate, a flipped classroom approach will be used where learners will actively engage with material before class or lab learning activities. Formative assessments with feedback will be available to allow learners to check their learning. 15 Weeks per Stage 13.47 202
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact This item involves classroom activities, lectures, discussions, problem solving. 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Practicals Contact The practical component is essential and allows not only the development of practical skills and competencies but also the application of theory into practice and the development of appropriate interpretive skills in a structured environment. The aims of the practicals are to: • allow students to develop the required technical competencies, attitudes and behaviours in microbiology and aseptic techniques in the light of underpinning knowledge; • develop appropriate recording and reporting 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Independent Learning Time Non Contact Independent learning includes class preparation, assessments , practical preparation and reports. It will be supported by interactive and other resources on Blackboard that will be available throughout the year providing a blended approach. Where appropriate, a flipped classroom approach will be used where learners will actively engage with material before class or lab learning activities. Formative assessments with feedback will be available to allow learners to check their learning. 15 Weeks per Stage 13.47 202
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Michael T. Madigan,Kelly S. Bender,Daniel H. Buckley,David A. Stahl,W. Matthew Sattley. (2020), Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 14 th. Pearson, p.1120, [ISBN: 9780134874401].
  • David M. Carlberg. (2005), Cleanroom microbiology for the non-microbiologist, CRC Press, Boca Raton, [ISBN: 9780849319969].
  • ITCarlow Practical Workbook. (2021), ITCarlow Practical Workbook, [ISBN: IT CARLOW].
  • Denyer, S.P., Hodges, N.A., Gorman, S.P. and Gilmore, B. F. T., eds. (2011), Hugo and Russell's Pharmaceutical Microbiology, 8th. Wiley, Wiley-Blackwell., Chichester, [ISBN: 978 14443306].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: