MIC2022

Microbiology: host and environmental interactions ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Harley Dean

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: Builds on MIC2011 and focuses on the interactions of microorganisms with each other or with other types of living organisms. Describes the practical importance of microorganisms in medicine and the environment. 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.

Objectives: On completion of this unit students will achieve a basic understanding of aspects of infection including pathogenesis, epidemiology, immunity and use of antibiotics. They will gain an appreciation of the practical importance of microorganisms in medicine, agriculture, industry and the environment, and be able to explain strategies of viral replication and how these relate to viral structure and classification. Students will gain a detailed understanding of several human infectious diseases and relevant current research being undertaken in the Department of Microbiology. Following successful completion of the practical component of this unit, students will acquire laboratory skills in immunological techniques, be aware of the microorganisms that normally inhabit the human body, understand how to detect and isolate bacteriophage, and determine their host range and gain experience in the microbiological testing of water and soil samples. Students will become more competent in the preparation of laboratory reports and proformas, and in the oral presentation of experimental results.

Assessment: Mid-semester test (50 min): 15% + Examinations (1 and 2 hours): 25% and 40% + Practical reports and quizzes: 15% + Laboratory practical skills: 5%

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: BTH2777