Infectious Diseases & Antimicrobials

The Infectious Diseases & Antimicrobials module equips MPharm students with the essential knowledge and clinical skills to understand the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and to optimise antimicrobial therapy in line with current stewardship principles. This module bridges microbiology, pharmacology, and clinical application—preparing students to play a central role in infection management across community and hospital pharmacy settings.

The module begins with a review of key pathogens—bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic—alongside the body’s immune response and mechanisms of microbial resistance. Students will then explore common infections by site and system (e.g. respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal, skin/soft tissue, and CNS infections), as well as specific considerations in immunocompromised patients.

A major focus is placed on antimicrobial pharmacology, including mechanisms of action, resistance development, spectrum of activity, dosing strategies, and side effect profiles. Classes covered include penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, antifungals, antivirals, and antimycobacterials.

UK-specific guidelines such as NICE, SIGN, and UKHSA antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) frameworks are embedded throughout the module, alongside tools like the Start Smart – Then Focus initiative. Students will develop confidence in applying local and national policies to support safe prescribing, de-escalation, and monitoring of antimicrobial therapy.

Case-based learning, resistance mapping, quizzes, and infection-specific scenarios help reinforce knowledge and prepare students for real-world application and interprofessional collaboration.