Defence & Disease: Containment or Chaos (BMSC90018)

This subject will enable students to understand how scientific discoveries from diagnostic, surveillance and basic research laboratories contribute to broader research programs in infection and immunity dedicated to the control of pathogens and disease within the wider population and environment. Through a series of lectures, seminars and discussion groups, students will learn about the principles of containment of specific pathogens within the laboratory setting, and the underlying regulatory framework required to maintain laboratory standards and progress biomedical discoveries. This subject will be taught by scientists who specialise in diagnostic, surveillance and basic research relating to specific infectious pathogens. The subject includes an optional 1-day (9am-4pm) excursion to CSIRO - Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Apply an understanding of regulatory frameworks to select appropriate mechanisms to safely conduct research in the field of infection and immunity
• Describe the key elements of an investigation into a research question in infection and immunity
• Explain the significance, current status, and potential impacts of current research paradigms in infection and immunity
• Produce a well-argued case for using multi-disciplinary approaches in preventing outbreaks of disease in the community
• Propose strategies to resolve key challenges in establishing research programs in infection and immunity

Generic skills

• Critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills
• Planning and time management skills
• Communication of new ideas in oral and written form
• Ability to integrate theory and practise and apply to novel situations
• Conducting research in biomedical and health science in a professionally appropriate manner