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Microbiology
Bachelor of BiomedicineMajorYear: 2020
Microbiology
Contact information
Coordinator
Dr Karena Waller
Coordinator
Currently enrolled students:
- General information: https://ask.unimelb.edu.au
- Contact Stop 1
Future students:
- Further information: https://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au
Overview
This major provides students with a detailed understanding of Microbiology, the study of microbial organisms. The major describes how infectious microbial agents are studied, the diseases they cause and their possible prevention or treatment. Aspects of our immune system, how it responds to protect us during infection, and vaccination are discussed. The major also describes how microbiology applies to a range of areas in the biomedical sciences. It opens up careers in infectious disease, diagnostics, molecular biology, biotechnology, vaccinology, antimicrobial chemotherapeutics, biosafety and regulation, as well as post-graduate research into infectious microbial agents, their genes and mechanisms of disease. It provides a basis for further study into medicine and other paramedical disciplines.
Students intending to undertake this major should be aware that it requires successful completion of a practical-based subject in which products and reagents derived from animals are used.
Intended learning outcomes
- Broad knowledge of the diverse range of infectious microbial agents, and the ways in which they interact with their hosts, the environment and each other
- Ability to describe and explain the molecular basis of various infectious microbial agents to cause disease, together with strategies to interrupt these processes, including the development of new anti-microbial agents and vaccines
- Understanding of the fundamental concepts of microbial agent replication and transmission
- Understanding of infectious disease in local and global contexts
- Understanding of the immune system, how it responds to defend the body against agents of infection, and the molecular and cellular responses elicited by vaccination
- Understanding of the principles, procedures and techniques involved in the identification and characterisation of microbial agents
- Expertise in the selection and application of practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation
- Skills in accurate recording of experimental data, critical analysis and evaluation of scientific data to form evidence-based conclusions
- Effective communication of scientific ideas and findings, in both oral and written form
- Understanding of safe scientific work practices in the laboratory, including personal and collective laboratory safety
- High level of professional integrity, and adherence to ethical requirements regarding plagiarism and accurate data reporting
- Independent and self-directed learning, and effective management of time and priorities
- Capacity to work in groups on activities, both within and outside of the Laboratory.
Last updated: 18 December 2020