Program Overview

MIMI2902: Microbes, Infection and Immunity (Advanced)

Overview

Transmission, pathogenicity and the immune response to microbes are key concepts for understanding infectious disease processes. In this unit of study, you will establish a conceptual foundation and, using an integrated approach, explore selected case studies of infection from a body system of origin perspective. You will explore the characteristics of viral, bacterial, fungal and protist pathogens and their virulence mechanisms for establishment and progression of disease. Comprehensive consideration of the host immune response and characteristic pathological changes to tissue that arise will then be considered. Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to explain microbial pathogenic processes of infection including: mechanisms for colonisation, invasion and damage to host tissue; the ways in which your immune system recognises and destroys invading microbes; how the T cell response is activated and antibodies function. You will learn about pathogenesis, symptoms, current challenges of treatment including antibiotic resistance, control and vaccination strategies. You will develop a holistic perspective of infectious diseases. This advanced unit has the same overall structure as MIMI2002 but contains a unique science communication exercise in which you will actively participate in small group sessions and be assessed with a short video assignment. This advanced component explores how recent advances in microbiology, infection and immunity are communicated to the wider public and is based on recent publications with potential high impact for society.

Unit Details and Rules

• Study level: Undergraduate
• Academic unit: Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
• Credit points: 6

Enrolment Rules

• Prerequisites: A mark of 65 or above in (BIOL1XX7 or MBLG1XX1 or BIOL1XX8 or MEDS1X01 or BIOL1XX3)
• Corequisites: None
• Prohibitions: MEDS2004 or BMED2404 or MIMI2002 or IMMU2101 or MICR2021 or MICR2921 or MICR2022 or MICR2922 or BMED2807 or BMED2808
• Assumed knowledge: Human biology (BIOL1XX3 or BIOL1XX8 or MEDS1X01) and biological chemistry (CHEM1XX1 or CHEM1903)

Learning Outcomes

• LO1. Explain the function/role in protection against infection of non-specific host defences such as normal flora, physical barriers and inflammation
• LO2. Compare and contrast the characteristics, diversity and virulence mechanisms of medically significant microbes
• LO3. Describe how the innate and adaptive immune system responds to infectious agents, and explain how this underpins the design of successful immunisation strategies
• LO4. Explain how pathogens establish infection in various body systems and describe treatment strategies used to control different pathogens
• LO5. Demonstrate practical dexterity in, and theoretical understanding of, microbiological and immunological laboratory processes
• LO6. Integrate knowledge and skills drawn from the breadth of biomedical sciences to solve challenging problems related to infection, immunity and host defence
• LO7. Communicate effectively, using a range of media, to diverse audiences
• LO8. Demonstrate effective teamwork skills, professional and ethical conduct through collaborative learning

Unit Availability

• Session: Semester 2
• Mode of attendance: Normal day
• Location: Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney
• Outline: Available for viewing two weeks before the first day of teaching. Previous outlines can be used as a guide to the details of the unit.