Defence & Disease: Containment or Chaos (BMSC90018)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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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

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites


Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects


Recommended background knowledge

This subject assumes knowledge of second year level concepts in microbiology and immunology. Knowledge of third year microbiology and immunology concepts would be of benefit for students taking 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: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Mid Semester Test

  • 30 minutes
From Week 4 to Week 510%

Oral Presentation

  • 10 minutes
From Week 5 to Week 720%

Mid Semester Test

  • 30 minutes
From Week 8 to Week 910%

Written report (group work equivalent to 1000 words per student)

  • 1000 words (each)
From Week 10 to Week 1120%

Written Report

  • 2000 words
During the examination period40%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorSarah Londrigan
    CoordinatorJessica Welch
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours3 hours weekly, comprising of lectures, tutorials and laboratory visits. An optional 1-day (9am-4pm) excursion to CSIRO - Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong is timetabled. Transport costs will be included.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

    Semester 2 contact information

    Subject Coordinator

    Dr Sarah Londrigan
    Dr Jessica Welch

    BMSC-90018@unimelb.edu.au

    Administrative Coordination

    Current students

    Past students, future students, general enquiries

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: 4 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 4 March 2025