Additional module information: Modulbeschreibung Biologische Sicherheit beim Umgang mit mikrobiellen Erregern

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 3, 4, 16

By use of harmless pathogens, the handling of microbial agents of risk groups 1, 2 and 3 is simulated and practiced. For this purpose, risk group-related safety measures on technical, organisational and personal level will be elaborated. Fundamentals about different types of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper fitting as well as donning and doffing of appropriate PPE components is imparted. Appropriate decontamination procedures are applied and their effectiveness tested. The internal transport up to the international shipment of pathogenic and highly pathogenic samples is practiced with examples. The external tour of a level 3 high-security laboratory illustrates the protective measures to be taken when handling pathogens. Examples of pathogenic and highly pathogenic agents are used to explain the most important national and international sources for risk assessment of practical laboratory work. Measures for the prevention of unintentional releases of pathogenic agents up to the detection and defense against bioterrorism are explained and discussed. There will also be an introduction to quality management and the added value this brings to laboratories.

Qualification Objectives:
Students possess additional knowledge, skills, and implementation-oriented competencies beyond their specialized academic studies that are conducive to professional activities. They will be able to apply new biological fields of activity and techniques in a context-specific manner and present them professionally. They are able to functionally apply their job-related competences in different fields of application. At the end of the module, students will be able to perform a basic risk assessment when handling and transporting of microbial pathogens with regard to biological safety and security.
In doing so, they have acquired knowledge of the relevant national and international regulations and are able to assess the necessary safety equipment of laboratories and personal protective equipment. Practical exercises in the laboratory deepen this knowledge, which is a requirement for working with microbial pathogens.

Written exam (duration: 45 minutes), date by arrangement