Microbiology and Immunology

Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours)Informal specialisationYear: 2020

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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.

Admission requirements

In addition to satisfying the Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours) entry requirements, students are required to have completed stream specific prerequisites. Details of stream specific prerequisites can be found at the Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours) entry and participation requirements page.

Intended learning outcomes

Students who have completed the Microbiology and Immunology Honours program should have acquired:

  • Ability to identify major advances in biomedical research;
  • Demonstrated skills in writing about research and data using a scientific style of writing;
  • Ability to communicate research and data in oral presentations;
  • Ability to read scientific articles and apply critical assessment to the content;
  • Demonstrate understanding of experimental design and statistics;
  • Demonstrated ability to generate research data

Last updated: 18 December 2020

Structure

100 credit points

The Honours program consists of 100 credit points completed over 12 months full time (or part time equivalent) comprising of two (2) Advanced Coursework subjects and a Research Project.

To be awarded Honours with a specialisation in Microbiology and Immunology, students must successfully complete the following:

  • MIIM40002 - Advanced Microbiology and Immunology I (12.5 points)
  • MIIM40007 - Advanced Microbiology and Immunology II (12.5 points)
  • MIIM40005 and MIIM40006 - Microbiology and Immunology Research Project (75 points)

There are no elective subjects in this Honours program.

 

Subject Options

Coursework Component

Students must complete 25 credit points of advanced coursework subjects. This is achieved by enrolling in the following subjects in the appropriate semesters.

Code Name Study period Credit Points
MIIM40002 Advanced Microbiology and Immunology I
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MIIM40007 Advanced Microbiology and Immunology II
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Research Component

Students must complete a total of 75 credit points of research across the duration of the Honours program. This is achieved by enrolling in a combination of the following subjects in the appropriate semesters.

Code Name Study period Credit Points
MIIM40005 Micro & Immuno Research Project Part 1
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
June (On Campus - Parkville)
 25
MIIM40006 Micro & Immuno Research Project Part 2
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 50

Links

http://www.microbiol.unimelb.edu.au/

Last updated: 18 December 2020