Semester 3

1. Applied Microbiology and Infection Control including Safety

Course Description: Applied Microbiology and Infection Control emphasizes the role of microorganisms in health and disease, focusing on infection prevention, control measures, and safety protocols in healthcare settings. The course integrates microbiology with practical approaches to managing infections and ensuring patient and healthcare worker safety.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the structure, function, and classification of microorganisms.
• Recognize the role of microorganisms in human health and disease.
• Apply infection control principles to prevent and manage healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
• Implement safety protocols in clinical settings to protect patients and healthcare workers.

Course Components:

• Microbial World: Study of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, their structure, growth, and pathogenicity.
• Infection Control: Principles of asepsis, sterilization, disinfection, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs): Identification, prevention, and management of common HAIs.
• Safety in Healthcare: Implementation of safety protocols, needle-stick injury prevention, and handling hazardous materials.
• Practical Sessions: Laboratory work on identifying microorganisms, performing aseptic techniques, and practicing infection control measures.

2. Pharmacology I

Course Description: Pharmacology I introduces students to the principles of drug action, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. The course focuses on understanding how drugs work in the body, their therapeutic uses, side effects, and nursing considerations in administering medications.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the basic principles of pharmacology, including drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
• Recognize the therapeutic effects and potential side effects of common drug classes.
• Apply pharmacological knowledge to safely administer medications and monitor patient responses.
• Integrate pharmacology with nursing practice to enhance patient care and safety.

Course Components:

• Introduction to Pharmacology: Overview of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, drug classifications, and mechanisms of action.
• Major Drug Classes: Study of analgesics, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, cardiovascular drugs, and more.
• Medication Administration: Techniques for administering oral, parenteral, and topical medications, including dosage calculations and considerations.
• Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs): Identification, management, and reporting of ADRs.
• Practical Sessions: Drug administration simulations, dosage calculation exercises, and case studies on drug therapy.

3. Pathology I

Course Description: Pathology I provides students with an understanding of the structural and functional changes in tissues and organs that lead to disease. The course emphasizes the pathological basis of disease processes, preparing students to recognize and manage various health conditions.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the fundamental concepts of pathology, including cell injury, inflammation, and tissue repair.
• Recognize the pathological changes associated with common diseases and disorders.
• Apply pathological knowledge to assess patient conditions and contribute to clinical decision-making.
• Integrate pathology with nursing care to enhance patient management and outcomes.

Course Components:

• General Pathology: Study of cell injury, necrosis, apoptosis, inflammation, tissue repair, and hemodynamic disorders.
• Systemic Pathology: Examination of pathological changes in major organ systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and renal systems.
• Neoplasia: Introduction to the biology of cancer, tumor classification, and the principles of oncology.
• Practical Sessions: Examination of gross and microscopic pathology specimens, case studies on disease processes, and integration of pathology with clinical scenarios.

4. Adult Health (Medical Surgical) Nursing I with Integrated Pathophysiology

Course Description: Adult Health Nursing I focuses on the nursing care of adults with medical and surgical conditions, integrating pathophysiology to provide a comprehensive understanding of disease processes. The course emphasizes the nursing process, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice in managing adult patients.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the pathophysiological basis of common medical and surgical conditions in adults.
• Apply the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care for adult patients.
• Develop critical thinking skills to manage complex patient care scenarios.
• Integrate evidence-based practices into the nursing care of adult patients.

Course Components:

• Medical-Surgical Conditions: Study of common conditions affecting the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems.
• Pathophysiology: In-depth examination of disease processes and their impact on the body’s functions.
• Nursing Process: Application of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation in patient care.
• Critical Thinking in Nursing: Case studies and clinical scenarios to enhance decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Practical Sessions: Simulation-based training on managing medical-surgical patients, including wound care, IV therapy, postoperative care, and emergency management.