Infection and Immunity BIOL6141  - Details

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Offered By: Biology Teaching and Learning and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Academic Career: Graduate Coursework
Course Subject: Biology
Offered in: First Semester, 2010
Unit Value: 6 units
Course Description:

Course Description: This course will investigate host responses to microbial infections: 

  • Innate reactions including the complement system, and phagocytic cells
  • Adaptive immunity including clonal selection theory
  • Antibodies
  • Roles of B and T lymphocytes
  • Antigens and antigen presentation
  • Molecular genetics of antigen receptors
  • Bacterial diseases, focussing on molecular explanations of pathogenesis and virulence of selected pathogens and toxins.
  • Viruses and viral infections with an emphasis on replication strategies
  • Host and tissue specificity
  • Effects of viruses on cells (cell death, transformation, latency)
  • Determinants of viral virulence.

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but will be assessed separately.

Learning Outcomes:

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will:

1. Understand basic concepts in immunology, virology and microbiology.
2. Be able to apply this knowledge in both scientific and general settings.
3. Obtain laboratory skills in microbiology, immunology and virology.
4. Be able to source, understand and critically evaluate published literature relating to immunology, virology and microbiology.
5. Be able to analyse and interpret laboratory results, relate them to the published literature and write them up clearly and concisely.
6. Be able to give a competent oral presentation involving an in-depth discussion of a prepared topic.
Indicative Assessment:

Assessment will be based on:

  • Laboratory reports demonstrating: an understanding of concepts; analysis and interpretation of results; relation to published literture; and an ability to write clearly and concisely (40%; LO 2,3,4,5).
  • Seminar presentation on a topic to be decided in consultation with the convenor (15%; LO 1,2,4,6)
  • Written examination (45%; LO 1,2)
Course Classification(s): AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs. and SpecialistSpecialist courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide for the acquisition of specialist skills; or 'second degree' and higher level of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs; or knowledge associated with professional accreditation.
Areas of Interest: Health, Medicine and the Body
Eligibility:

Bachelor of Science or equivalent with a major in the field of biological sciences with relevant experience or academic achievement; specific knowledge in the area of microbiology is required.

Consent Required: Permission from course co-ordinator
Academic Contact: Dr Aude Fahrer