BTH3787

Medical microbiology ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Mr Christopher Panter

Offered:
Gippsland Second semester 2006 (Day)
Gippsland Second semester 2006 (OCL)

Synopsis: The unit begins with safety, serological techniques and laboratory diagnosis of infectious disease. An introduction to the pathogenicity of micro-organisms and the epidemiology of infectious disease follows. Infectious diseases of the organ systems are then covered, with aetiology, pathogenesis and laboratory identification of pathogens being emphasised. Chemotherapy discusses the mode of action of antimicrobial drugs, their use in treating infectious disease and the problem of drug resistance. Finally, examples of biotechnology in the microbiology diagnostic laboratory are investigated.

Objectives: On completion of this unit students will be able to describe and perform techniques used in diagnostic serology; show an understanding of how microbes cause disease with particular emphasis on bacterial and viral pathogenicity; discuss the epidemiology of infectious disease; show a competence in laboratory procedures for handling and processing microbiological specimens; list and discuss diseases associated with various organ systems; show a basic understanding of antimicrobial chemotherapy; review aspects of biotechnology of diagnostic microbiological significance.

Assessment: Mid-semester test: 30% + Final examination: 35% + Assignment (1,000 words): 5% + Practical work, including laboratory reports, an individual project and laboratory performance: 30%

Contact Hours: Three hours of lectures/tutorials and 3 hours laboratory classes per week

Off-campus attendance requirements: OCL students undertake a 5-day residential school program

Prerequisites: BTH2777 or ASC2687

Prohibitions: MIC3022, MIC3032, GAS3122, ASC3687