Gippsland Second semester 2008 (Day)
Gippsland Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)
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.
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.
Final written examination (3 hours): 60%
Assignment (2000 words) 10%.
Laboratory reports: 30% (comprising project: 10%, diagnostic lab: 15%, two lab reports: 5%)
Three hours of lectures/tutorials and 3 hours laboratory classes per week
OCL students will attend a 5-day residential school (offered in even numbered years)