MIC3011 - Molecular microbiology - 2019

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Science

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Anna Roujeinikova

Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Anna Roujeinikova
Dr Meredith Hughes

Unit guides

Offered

Clayton

  • First semester 2019 (On-campus)

Prerequisites

At least two of BMS2052, BMS2062, MCB2011, MCB2022, MIC2011, MIC2022, MOL2011 and MOL2022

Synopsis

This unit concentrates on specific aspects of bacterial molecular biology. Areas examined include the molecular biology of plasmids and genetic elements such as plasmids, transposons, integrons and pathogenicity islands, recombination and DNA repair mechanisms. The ability of bacteria to control gene expression in response to extracellular signals will also be examined, as well as the intracellular transport and secretion of macromolecules, and some aspects of bacterial genomics.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Compare and contrast different sequencing strategies and analyse bacterial genomic data using bioinformatics;
  2. Explain the processes of homologous recombination and site-specific recombination and how bacteria repair damaged DNA;
  3. Compare and contrast the different types of mobile genetic elements;
  4. Articulate how bacteria respond to changes in their environment by regulating gene expression;
  5. Assess and interpret the mechanisms of replication, maintenance and transfer of bacterial plasmids;
  6. Explain the molecular mechanisms of transport, assembly and secretion in the bacterial cell;
  7. Demonstrate the ability to execute laboratory experiments relevant to advanced molecular microbiology, as well as analyse and report experimental results by formulating a scientific laboratory report and poster presentation.

Assessment

Mid-semester test (45 mins): 10%

Examination (3 hours): 40% (Hurdle)

Practical class assessment: 50% (Hurdle)

This unit is subject to the Hurdle and Threshold Standards policiesHurdle and Threshold Standards policies (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy-2017.html) of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences.

Workload requirements

A total of 12 hours per week comprising 6 hours of directed learning (lectures/workshops and practicals) and 6 hours of self-scheduled, self-directed study

See also Unit timetable information

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study