BMS2052 - Microbes in health and disease - 2019

This unit focuses on microorganisms that are relevant to health and disease in humans and animals.

Aspects of a variety of infectious organisms will be studied including, epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis, immunity, regulation and control of infection by drugs and vaccines and mechanisms of resistance.

Knowledge and skills will be gained and developed in lectures/lectorials/workshops and practicals.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Explain the importance of micro-organisms in health and disease;
2. Describe how host and pathogenic factors of micro-organisms affect the outcome of infection;
3. Describe basic mechanisms of immunity to infection and the development and use of vaccines;
4. Explain how infectious diseases are spread, tracked and controlled, and the susceptibility and resistance of microbial pathogens to antimicrobial agents;
5. Describe some examples of microbial pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, the diseases that they cause, their mechanisms of pathogenesis, and treatment;
6. Demonstrate knowledge of microbiological methodology and laboratory skills that are used to study and diagnose microbial pathogens.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

• In-semester laboratory and tutorial components (approximately 3,000 words) (50%) (hurdle)
• Mid-semester examination (45 minutes) (10%)
• Written theory examination (2 hours) (40%) (hurdle)

A total of 12 hours per week including 6 hrs of teacher-directed learning (such as lectures, practicals, lectorials and workshops) and 6 hrs of student-directed study.

See also Unit timetable information

Biomedical science