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Study information

The Global Antimicrobial Resistance Crisis

Module titleThe Global Antimicrobial Resistance Crisis
Module codeHPDM140Z
Academic year2024/5
Credits15
Module staff

Dr Anne Leonard (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

9

Number students taking module (anticipated)

10

Module description

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms adapt, such that they no longer respond to antimicrobial drugs. This makes infections harder to treat, increases the risk of disease spread, as well as severe illness and death, and has significant and widespread implications for healthcare and society.

This module takes a One Health approach to understanding AMR considering the role of humans, animals and the environment in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. In this module, you will engage critically with the latest knowledge and debates from a wide range of disciplines, and consider what the future may hold.

This module is hybrid – there will be in-person in-class teaching with the option to join in online.

Module aims - intentions of the module

By undertaking this module you will develop a strong knowledge base on AMR and its impacts on society, health and the environment. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Explain the concept of One Health and its value in understanding the complex relationship between human health, animal health and the environment in terms of AMR
  • 2. Critically appraise different interventions to address AMR through a One Health lens

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 3. Explain in detail how human activities influence the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance in humans, animals and the environment.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 4. Evidence a critical approach to evidence synthesis and presentation of the evidence to a general audience

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:

  • Concepts in microbiology
  • Introduction to One Health and AMR
  • Study how people are exposed to AMR
  • AMR as a global issue for health and society
  • DPSEEA (Drivers, Pressures, State, Exposure, Effect, Action) framework – identifying future concerns and points for interventions and policy

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
201300

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning & teaching activities20All student taught sessions including lectures, workshops, small group discussions and Q&A sessions in tutorials and seminars.
Guided Independent Study30Session preparation and follow up work utilising resources provided on ELE including asynchronous structured materials (such as short pre-recorded lectures, podcasts, asynchronous workshop activities, discussion forum posts and so on)
Guided Independent Study100Reading and assignment preparation

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Class discussions and small group work activitiesEach taught session1, 2, 3, 4Facilitator and peer feedback in class .
Short PowerPoint presentation (on original/self-selected topic)7 minutes + ~3 mins Q&A4Peer feedback in class + written feedback from providers

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Structured Report & Accompanying Press Release 1001500 words for report + 500 words for the Press Release1, 2, 3, 4Written feedback from providers

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Structured Report & accompanying Press Release (100%)Structured Report 1500 words & Accompanying Press Release 500 words,1,2,3,4August ref/def period

Re-assessment notes

Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Antimicrobial resistance and One Health, McEwen & Collingham, 2018, Microbiology Spectrum.

Frontiers 2017: Emerging Issues of Environmental Concern, UNEP. Chapter 1.

Tackling Drug Resistant Infections Globally: Final Report and Recommendations, The Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, 2016.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Web based and electronic resources are available on the module ELE pages. 

Key words search

Antimicrobial resistance, environmental science, human health, climate change, pollution, pandemics, microbial evolution and ecology, microbiomes

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

7

Available as distance learning?

Yes

Origin date

22/02/2021

Last revision date

01/12/2023