Undergraduate - UnitMIC2022 - Microbes in health and disease

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

Builds on MIC2011 and focuses on the interactions of micro-organisms with each other or with other types of living organisms. Describes the practical importance of micro-organisms in health and disease. Aspects of infection studied include pathogenesis, epidemiology and basic immunity. Viruses are introduced, including an explanation of how their structure is related to their classification and strategies of replication in living cells. Several human infectious diseases are studied in detail, including examples of bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases that have major impacts on human health.

Outcomes

The aim of this unit is to increase student's knowledge of micro-organisms, their importance in the environment, their importance in human health and disease, and the methods used to study them in the laboratory and in their human hosts. On successful completion of this unit, students will have gained an understanding of:

1. the history of infectious disease identification and research,
2. basic mechanisms of immunity to infection,
3. the immune response to infection,
4. the development and use of vaccines,
5. host and pathogen factors and how they affect the outcome of infection,
6. mechanisms of pathogenesis and emerging diseases,
7. the spread and control of infection; antimicrobial agents and
8. a detailed knowledge of selected infectious diseases. On successful completion of this unit, students will have skills in:
   1. use of basic microbiological equipment such as the microscope etc;
   2. use of microscopic staining and visualisation techniques;
   3. culture and identification of common species of medically important bacteria;
   4. preparation and submission of laboratory reports; and
   5. use of computer networks to access information.

Assessment

Mid-semester test (50 min): 10%
Examinations (1 and 2 hours): 25% and 40%
Practical reports and quizzes: 20%
Laboratory practical skills: 5%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Priscilla Johanesen

Contact hours

Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical/tutorial/self-directed learning exercise per week

Prerequisites

MIC2011 + Recommended: MOL2011 and MOL2022

Prohibitions

BMS2052, BTH2722