Microbiology and Immunology

Bachelor of Biomedicine (Degree with Honours)Informal specialisationYear: 2017

You’re viewing the 2017 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
You’re currently viewing the 2017 version of this component

Overview

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms such as algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. Some microorganisms cause infections, but most live harmlessly and enhance our environment and our lives. Microbiology is a core discipline for most areas of biotechnology.

Immunology is the study of the immune system. The immune system is involved in the defence of the body against infection and tumours. It also plays a role in some unwanted events, including allergies, autoimmunity and transplant rejection.

Honours in Microbiology and Immunology represents a transition from an undergraduate experience taught in a traditiional lecture format, to being immersed into a laboratory-based cutting edge research environment. This includes designing and executing experiments, and the analysis, interpretation, presentation and communication of data generated by the research actvities. Honours in Microbiology and Immunology provides an opportunity to become directly involved in research that is addressing key questions in the fields of Microbiology and/or Immunology.

The course year starts in February and ends in November and is only available full time.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Extend knowledge of Microbiology/Immunology and related areas
  • Enhance ability to find and critically assess existing scientific information
  • Develop skills in communication
  • Conduct/perform independent and novel research with advice and guidance from one of the research groups affiliated with the department.

By the end of the year it is expected that you will have learnt from first-hand experience how to formulate questions, design and conduct experiments, analyse and evaluate data, and write scientific papers/reports.

Last updated: 4 March 2025