MIC2022 · Microbes in health and disease

Overview

Builds on MIC2011 and focuses on the interactions of micro-organisms with humans and animals. Describes the practical importance of micro-organisms in health and disease. Aspects of infection studied include host-pathogen interactions, pathogenesis, epidemiology and basic immunity. Several human infectious diseases are studied in detail, including examples of bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases that have major impacts on human health.

Areas of study: Microbiology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Explain the importance of micro-organisms in human health and disease;
2. Outline 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 and controlled, and the susceptibility and resistance of microbial pathogens to antimicrobial agents;
5. Outline different microbial pathogens including bacteria, viruses and parasites, their modes of pathogenesis, diseases caused, epidemiology and treatment;
6. Demonstrate knowledge of microbiological methodology and laboratory skills that are used to study microbial pathogens;
7. Demonstrate effective communication of microbiology concepts and experiments by oral and written means.

Workload

A total of 12 hours per week including 6 hours of directed learning (such as lectures, practicals and active learning workshops) and 6 hours of private study.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.