This course provides student with an introduction to the transmission modes of infectious diseases, control and prevention in the healthcare setting. The course will introduce students to the transmission principles of healthcare acquired infections, the emergence of multiple resistant microorganisms and the role of surveillance. ‘Best practice’ in infection control is modelled on practices achievable in high resourced healthcare setting however examples will be given on what is also achievable in low resourced settings. The course will achieve its aims through lectures and reviews of important epidemiological studies that have contributed to our knowledge of the epidemiology of healthcare associated infections, clinical practice and the impact of these infections on our public health.