Neonatal Infection, Inflammation, Immunology and Immunisation

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Critically evaluate the pathogenesis, epidemiology and management of fetal and neonatal infections.
• Critically evaluate and discuss the principles of immunisation and associated health promotion strategies related to neonates.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of neonatal immune function and inflammatory processes.
• Critically analyse and synthesise the latest evidence and guidelines regarding the prevention, diagnosis and management of fetal and neonatal infections.

The following key topics will be covered:

• characteristics of the immune system and the associated inflammatory processes of the neonate
• the structure and characteristics of relevant micro-organisms
• the mechanisms involved in, and management of antimicrobial resistance
• specific infections affecting the fetus and neonate for example; Group B Streptococci, Covid, HIV, hepatitis will be included
• the principles of vaccination and vaccination procedures for vaccine

preventable infections in the neonate

The module will take a broad-based learner centred approach to teaching and learning methods, intending to promote deeper learning whilst meeting a range of learning styles. The core theoretical material will be delivered as online text “lectures” within a “Virtual Learning Environment” (VLE) and you will be allocated to discussion groups (“Discussion Forums”) which will be tasked with reflecting on, and discussing within the VLE clinical scenarios which relate to the theoretical material.

The groups will each include approximately 15 participants and discussions will be directed and moderated by experienced tutors – two per group. While most of the discussions will be asynchronous – by leaving comments within the Discussion Forums - each group will also hold synchronous discussions, possibly once every two or three weeks, when they will “meet” together either online or using media such as Teams or Zoom. Where appropriate, “Plenary Sessions” and Guest Lectures will be included, which will allow you to share in discussions on current research and best available evidence.

A range of resource material, including links to relevant online sites, will be made available on the VLE. These methods will facilitate learning from text-based material, from participation in discussion and reflection with peers working in a range of different cultural environments. Specially developed case based studies will be explored to focus on the application of the lecture materials.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Qualitative evaluation

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Half way through the module the online evaluation marking tool will be used to provide you with iterative qualitative and quantitative formative feedback and feedforward. This feedback will be completed by your Group Tutors and reviewed by the module lead before being emailed to you. This feedback will help you prepare for the second part of the module with regard to your online activity and participation.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

MCQ-applied knowledge assessment

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: A selection of practice MCQs will be available within the Module Online Assessment Office to provide insight into the type of questions that will be used in the exam. You should use these to gain insight into the structure of the questions and also the feedback you receive will consolidate your learning.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.