BTH2777

Microbial function and immunology

(SCI)

Diana Richards

6 points + Second semester + Three hours of lectures/tutorials and 3 hours laboratory classes per week + Gippsland/Distance + Distance Education students undertake a 5-day residential school program + Prerequisites: BTH2766 or ASC2666 + Prohibitions: MIC2022, GAS2121, GAS2122, ASC2676, ASC2687

Synopsis: The subject begins by introducing the viruses: their structure, replication, cultivation and classification. Bacterial genetics is then introduced with an emphasis on how changes can occur to the bacterial genome. The section on bacterial cell structure and function builds on the knowledge gained by the student in BTH2766, expanding the concepts of the cell as a dynamic unit. The subject continues to discussion on bacterial metabolism started in BTH2766, enhancing the principles of catabolism and energy production as well as introducing the anabolic pathways used by bacteria. Finally the student is introduced to the basic principles of immunology.

Assessment: Mid-semester test(2 hours): 30% + Final examination (2 hours): 40% + Practical work, comprising computer exercises, laboratory reports and laboratory performance: 30%