BMS2052

Microbes in health and disease

6 points · 3 lectures and one 3-hour laboratory class or tutorial/discussion session per week · Second semester · Clayton

Objectives The aim of this subject is to introduce students to microorganisms, 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 subject, students will have gained an understanding of the history of infectious disease identification and research; viruses and viral diseases; medically important microorganisms; genes of pathogenic microorganisms and their regulation; host parasite interactions; infection control, vaccination and antimicrobial agents; food microbiology; human ecology and emerging diseases; environmentally important microorganisms. On successful completion of this subject, students will have skills in the use of basic microbiological equipment such as the microscope, autoclave etc.; use of microscopic staining and visualisation techniques; culture and identification of common species of medically important bacteria; preparation and submission of laboratory reports; completion of literature searches and essay writing.

Synopsis The following aspects of the interactions of microbes with their hosts will be presented in lectures, tutorials, discussion groups and internet-based instruction sessions: The subject will cover the history of infectious diseases, medically important viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa, pathogenic mechanisms in infectious diseases, genes of pathogenic microbes and their regulation, control of infection by vaccines and drugs, food microbiology and emerging diseases.

Assessment Written theory examination: 50% · Practical examination: 30% · Laboratory reports: 10% · Essay 10%

Prescribed texts

Mims C A and others Medical microbiology Mosby, 1993

Back to the 1999 Medicine Handbook