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LSC-40055 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 02 October 2026

LSC-40055 - Infectious Disease
Coordinator: Rebecca Harrison Room: HUX202 Tel: +44 1782 7 33056
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 7
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Infectious diseases represent a significant threat to the human population and require a multi-disciplinary, global approach.
We will explore the importance of epidemiology in investigating disease and health outcomes; the role of the laboratory in establishing relationships between organisms and outbreaks; antimicrobial therapy and alternatives; and the local and global response to communicable disease.
We will employ a number of individual- and population-based case studies. The aim is to consolidate your learning by providing an opportunity to apply your knowledge and understanding to real-world scenarios, giving you an authentic insight into current issues faced by those working in the field.

Aims
This module aims to develop and enhance students' understanding of the prevention, treatment and control of infectious diseases. They will develop key analytical skills for assessing, investigating, and evaluating infection prevention programmes, outbreak investigations, and treatment options.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Evaluate the role of epidemiology in the investigation and prediction of communicable disease outbreaks: 2
Critically assess the use and stewardship of antimicrobial therapy and alternatives: 1,2
Appraise the current published guidance to disease outbreak management on a local and global scale and relate that to current research and publications: 2
Explain the requirement of a multi-disciplinary approach to clinical outcomes of communicable disease: 2
Critically assess scientific publications, test methodologies and clinical guidelines regarding the treatment and prevention of communicable disease: 1
Evaluate the current and proposed reduction and eradication programmes to tackle infectious disease: 1
Critically appraise the capabilities, limitations, ethical considerations, and potential biases of AI-generated content.: 1

Study hours

Active Learning Hours
1 x 2 hr intro tutorial
1 x 3hr CBL: introduction to the cases
4 x 2hr CBL tutorials
10 x 2 hr seminars
2 x 2hr assessment workshops
8 x 10 hours of engagement with asynchronous content
4 x 4 hours preparation for case study tutorials
Independent Study Hours
30 hours completing the critique
70 hours of preparation for the short answer question based on the case study exercise
67 hoursof independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Assignment weighted 30%
750-1000 word critical evaluation
Students will be asked to select a specific disease/treatment from a pre-selected list. They will then use AI technologies to evaluate current and future treatment approaches for that disease/organism. Students will then submit a 750-1000-word critique of the AI-generated material with particular reference to the evidence base presented in current literature.

2: Exercise weighted 70%
Short answer questions relating to a patient or cohort case study
Students will receive a patient case study in the second half of the module. This will be accompanied by 4 short-answer questions for them to complete, which will require students to provide detailed answers that draw on the material studied and independent research, and directly apply and interpret clinical guidelines for the given patient/case. The deadline will be during the assessment period. Each question will be equally weighted and have a word limit of 500 +/_ 10%.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 02 October 2026