MONASH UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOKS
Science Handbook 1996
Published by Monash University
Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Discipline objectives
Microbiology is the study of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. A
knowledge of microbiology will provide students with an understanding of:
+ how these organisms interact with each other and with humans, animals,
plants and the environment;
+ the structure and function of macromolecular components of microbial
cells and viruses;
+ the development and application of molecular biology and recombinant DNA
techniques in the study of biological sciences;
+ methods and applications of microbiology in a variety of fields such as
medicine, biotechnology, industrial microbiology and agriculture.
The discipline
Microbiology is concerned with the study of microorganisms such as bacteria,
fungi, parasites and viruses, their structure and way of life, how they
interact with people and other living organisms in both harmful and beneficial
ways and how they can be exploited to our advantage. All these aspects are
featured in subjects commencing in second year which progress in third year to
the molecular biology of microorganisms and some applications of microbiology,
such as biotechnology and medical microbiology. In the current era of
recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering, plasmids and viruses
provide the essential vehicles for genetic manipulation and expression in
recipient cells. Practical classes are designed to provide laboratory skills in
safe handling of microorganisms, experimental procedures illustrating their
properties and functions, laboratory diagnosis, and genetic manipulation and
expression.
The point value of each semester subject is eight points in second year and
twelve points in third year. The first-semester subject must be completed
before proceeding to the second semester in each year. Useful companion
subjects are biochemistry, genetics, chemistry, botany, physiology, anatomy and
(available third year only) immunology or pharmacology.
Students may take an honours BSc degree in microbiology in a fourth year of
study which combines the study of advanced topics and a defined research
project that continues throughout the year. Courses for graduates are available
leading to a Graduate Diploma in Microbiology. The department has excellent
facilities for graduate studies.
The chief examiners are Dr Harley Dean and Dr Ben Adler (second year), Dr
Andrew Davidson (third year), and Associate Professor Peter Wright (fourth
year).
Subjects offered
Second year
+ MIC2011
+ MIC2022
Third year
+ MIC3011
+ MIC3022
Fourth year
+ MIC4000
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