UPLASASE-LAS2070-SEM2-AE-2024-5-F - L-Università ta' Malta

Course Title

LAS2070 - Antibiotics – Poisons or Life Savers?

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

Semester 2

4 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-Time Evening

Information for International applicants

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This micro-credential is offered as part of the programme for the Liberal Arts and Sciences and will only be offered subject to a minimum number of applications received. More information can be found on the PLAS website.

This study-unit will be set up to instill awareness amongst the general public on the use and misuse of antibiotics beyond their use in humans. The sue of antibiotics in crops and animals move along the food chain hence reaching humans via food stuffs. The World Health Organisation recognizes this threat and recently there was the setting up of a worldwide working group within the Codex Alimentarius to tackle this problem. In spite of this, the use of antibiotics is inevitable, however rational use should be practiced in order to reduce the risk to humans.

This study-unit aims at helping students develop essential skills to understand and identify essential links between the different pathogens for a better quality of life. This not simply an appreciation Unit but a unit that offers practical applications to the theoretical background.

This Unit gives an insight of bacteria around us and how these enter food chains. A basin understanding of microorganisms will be provided, including basic information, the difference between beneficial, commensal and pathogenic.

The following is list of topics for discussion:

Antimicrobials and resistant microorganisms in the environment;
Antimicrobials and resistant microorganisms in food stuff;
The One Health Principle and how it us affected through world travel;
Antimicrobial resistance development and transmission in the things we do;
Human Health and Animal Health – How they are linked (the food we consume and the hospitals).

Main Reading List

Guardabassi, L., Jensen, L. B., & Kruse, H. (Eds.). (2008). Guide to antimicrobial use in animals (pp. 183-206). Oxford, UK: Blackwell Pub..
OIE. (2015). OIE Standards, Guidelines and Resolution on Antimicrobial Resistance and the Use of Antimicrobial Agents.
Giguère, S., Prescott, J. F., & Dowling, P. M. (Eds.). (2013). Antimicrobial therapy in veterinary medicine. John Wiley & Sons.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

Distinguish between different microorganisms;
Recognise the various habitants and conditions in which microorganisms can thrive;
Recognise how microorganisms can adapt themselves into various biological systems:
Recognise how microorganisms can be transferred within a food chain
Follow the path of microorganisms within the human body;
Determine the severity of illnesses caused by microorganisms;
Recognise how such consequences could be mitigated.

Learning Outcomes: Skills

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

Classify micro-organisms into three major categories: beneficial, commensal and pathogenic;
Apply the principle of One Health;
Identify critical control points along the whole food chain;
Plan and organize hygienic practices to minimize the transfer of micro-organisms from one level to another within the food chain;
Provide a reasonable explanation of limitations within such food chains within industry, hospitals and the community.

Non EU Applicants:

EUR180

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Micro-credentials offer the possibility of providing flexible learning pathways to respond to evolving needs and new developments, thus enabling students to tailor their studies to their needs. Micro-credentials may be combined or transferred into larger credentials, such as certificates, diplomas and degrees, provided that the relevant programme requirements are met. Applicants wishing to transfer micro-credentials to a programme of study are encouraged to seek the advice of the relevant academic entity.