01. Apply concepts of molecular virology and bacterial pathogenesis (e. g. pathogenesis of viruses and bacterial infections and how they interact with cells) to analyse and solve real world scenarios.

Activities:

Lectures provide details on molecular virology and bacterial pathogenesis concepts and a concurrent block of laboratory classes expose students to the structure and function of viruses and bacteria and methods of detection. Laboratory classes are specifically designed to give all students "hands on" experience at the bench as could be expected of working microbiologists. A final exam (3hrs) requires students to write short answer/essay style answers to scenario style questions involving viral and bacterial infections.

02. Apply concepts of molecular parasitology (e. g. host cell biology and pathogenesis of eukaryotic microbes, particularly those causing human disease) to analyse and solve real world scenarios.

Activities:

Lectures provide details on molecular pathogenesis concepts and concurrent blocks of laboratory classes expose students to features of disease causing parasites. A final exam (2hrs) requires students to write short answer/essay style answers to scenario style questions related to the cellular basis of human disease caused by key pathogenic parasites.

03. Use key microbiological techniques to manipulate microorganisims for experiments in the laboratory and record data and interpretation of the results.

Activities:

Students are instructed on new techniques in the laboratory setting and concepts from lectures are reinforced. Laboratory classes are specifically designed to give all students "hands on" experience at the bench as could be expected of working microbiologists. Early in semester (Microbiology fundamentals) provide students with practical experience in working in a microbiology laboratory. Analysis of the results in the molecular virology experiments is assessed by three short ten minutes tests and the submission of a results workbook. After the completion of the bacterial pathogenesis section students will be assessed by a short answer test. The molecular parasitology section is assessed by group oral presentations to the practical class upon its completion.

04. Write an essay on a set microbiological topic/issue that requires a literature search and explains the particular topic/issue using correct terminology.

Activities:

At the beginning of semester students are given the topic/issue and also receive a lecture/workshop session on how to research/write an essay. Essay to be submitted approx. half way through semester.