Unit rationale, description and aim
An understanding of medically important microorganisms and host immune responses is important for addressing challenges associated with infectious disease. This unit introduces students to microorganisms relevant to medicine, with a focus on their structure, function, and roles in health and disease. Students will explore the diversity of pathogenic microorganisms — including bacteria, viruses, protozoans, helminths, and fungi — and examine their cellular biology, growth and nutrition, metabolism, and basic genetics. The immune response to selected pathogens will be investigated including discussion of innate and adaptive systems and their responses to infection. Appropriate interventions and basic epidemiological principles essential for understanding infection control will also be addressed. This unit aims to develop an understanding of infectious diseases and their management in medical contexts.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Describe the diversity of microorganisms including...
Learning Outcome 01
Explain the methods used to control and prevent in...
Learning Outcome 02
Explain how the innate and adaptive immune systems...
Learning Outcome 03
Analyse the mechanisms used to manipulate the immu...
Learning Outcome 04
Appraise the application of practical microbiologi...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
- Foundations of microbiology
- Genomics, genetics and virology
- Metabolic and microbial diversity
- Microbial interactions with humans
- Immunity: Immune mechanisms and molecular immunology
- Control and prevention of infectious diseases and immunological disorders
- Microbiology and immunology laboratory skills and interpretation
Assessment strategy and rationale
To pass the unit, students must demonstrate that they have achieved each learning outcome and obtained a total mark of 50% in the unit as the minimum standard. A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate capabilities.
Assessment One: Three quizzes, which are designed to evaluate acquisition and integration of foundational concepts in microbiology and immunology
Assessment Two: This task evaluates students’ abilities to perform core microbiological and immunological techniques within the laboratory setting. Students will also be required to analyse and interpret experimental data and apply this to real-world medical and infection control contexts.
Assessment Three: A final examination which assesses understanding and application of microbiologic and immunological concepts in human health and disease.
Overview of assessments
Assessment task 1 - Three quizzes Students are r...
Assessment task 1 - Three quizzes
Students are required to demonstrate knowledge of principles of microbiology and immunology.
30%
Assessment task 2 - Practical and analytical task...
Assessment task 2 - Practical and analytical task
Students are required to demonstrate routine microbiological and immunological techniques as well as interpret experimental results.
30%
Assessment 3 - Final examination Students are re...
Assessment 3 - Final examination
Students are required to apply their knowledge and understanding of microbiology and immunology in the context of human health and disease.
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit will be presented via lectures, laboratory practical classes and tutorials. Lectures are designed to deliver core discipline knowledge enabling students to develop an understanding of the unit's material. Practical classes will provide an opportunity for students to learn and practice their skills in routine laboratory techniques relevant to working safely with microorganisms and immunological assays, including developing critical thinking skills to interpret experimental results. Tutorials will be used to consolidate learning and highlight relevant biomedical applications through the use case studies and problem-based learning activities. Active participation and questioning are encouraged in all class formats.