Principles of Microbiology & Immunology (MIIM20001)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject introduces students to the excitingly diverse world of microbes and discusses the roles they play not only in causing infectious disease but also in both creating and maintaining life as we know it. Various types of microbes and their basic life processes are described, with the focus mainly on bacteria and viruses. Cell biology principles and roles of organelles in protein trafficking will be discussed. Bacterial genetics and metabolism are explored, with the emphasis on how these areas determine observed behaviours and activities. The components of the immune system are outlined and their interactions and functions described.

A central part of this subject is outlining some of the strategies used by microbes to cause disease, and the counter strategies employed by the immune system to prevent disease. Other ways of controlling microbes, including antibiotics and vaccines are also discussed. The key roles played by microbes and the immune system in medical and biotechnological research is described. This subject provides students intending to specialize in the biological sciences with an understanding of the basic concepts in the disciplines of both Microbiology and Immunology.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of this subject, students should:

  • be familiar with the terminology used by microbiologists and immunologists and have acquired a broad foundation for future subjects in microbiology and immunology;
  • appreciate the importance of microbiology and immunology in the fields of medicine, genetics and biotechnology;
  • have insight into the type of investigations fundamental to the development of basic microbiological concepts;
  • be able to describe simple microbial life processes; and understand how these processes are involved in infectious disease and interactions with hosts' immune systems, adaptation and survival of microorganisms and the promotion or control of microbial growth;
  • understand the different properties of Bacteria, Archaea and eukaryotic microbial cells and viruses and the significance of all these microorganisms in the environment;
  • be able to describe the basic principles of the microbial life cycle (both bacterial and viral), identifying the key steps and proteins (both microbial and host) utilised during this process.

Generic skills

Upon completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • An enhanced ability to seek information from textbooks and computer based sources;
  • The ability to comprehend a question, evaluate the relevant information and communicate an answer in writing; and
  • The ability to manage time effectively to ensure attendance at lectures and examinations.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Students must complete one of the following subject sets (A, B, C or D).


SET A:

BIOL10004 Biology of Cells and Organisms

AND

BIOL10005 Genetics and The Evolution of Life


SET B:

BIOL10004 Biology of Cells and Organisms

AND

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
BIOL10008 Introductory Biology: Life's Machinery
Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOL10009 Biology: Life's Machinery
Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5


SET C:

BIOL10005 Genetics and The Evolution of Life

AND

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
BIOL10010 Introductory Biology: Life's Complexity
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOL10011 Biology: Life's Complexity
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5


SET D:

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
BIOL10008 Introductory Biology: Life's Machinery
Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOL10009 Biology: Life's Machinery
Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

AND

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
BIOL10010 Introductory Biology: Life's Complexity
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOL10011 Biology: Life's Complexity
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects


Recommended background knowledge

The prerequisite subjects should have provided an appropriate background for this subject.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

2 x 45 minute written examination held around week 5 and week 10 (20% each)

  • 1.5 hours
From Week 5 to Week 1040%

A written examination

  • 2 hours
During the examination period60%

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorKarena Waller
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 lectures (three per week); 2 x 1.5 hrs practical sessions located in weeks 11 and 12
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023
    Last self-enrol date10 March 2023
    Census date31 March 2023
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023
    Assessment period ends23 June 2023

    Semester 1 contact information

    Principal Coordinator

    Prof Karena Waller

    klwaller@unimelb.edu.au

    Coordinators

    Professor Jason Mackenzie

    jason.mackenzie@unimelb.edu.au

    Dr Daniel Clarke

    daniel.clarke@unimelb.edu.au

     

    Administrative Coordinator

    BiomedSci-AcademicServices@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 9 April 2025