mic1iep infections and epidemics
INFECTIONS AND EPIDEMICS
MIC1IEP
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject provides an introduction to microbial infections that can threaten human well being by causing either localized, epidemic or pandemic disease outbreaks. Selected microorganisms will be described and compared: the main focus is the natural habitat of the organisms (reservoirs of infection), the ways in which humans can encounter the organisms (routes of infection) and the strategies available at the individual, community and global levels to prevent disease and, in the diseased patient, to cure disease.
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorAnna Morris
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 1 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. To describe and distinguish between different categories of infectious agents of humans (i.e. bacteria, viruses and protozoa) based on theory and laboratory observations.
- Activities:
- Practical tests (fill-in gaps, true/false questions, definitions). Final exam (short answer and essay-type questions on Lecture topics and self-taught topics.
02. To describe key features of a variety of exemplar infectious agents (i.e. bacteria, viruses and protozoans). The features are to include the name and distinguishing characteristics of the agent; its epidemiology (i.e. its habitats, hosts and modes of transmission); the disease symptoms caused; and strategies to cure and prevent spread of the disease.
- Activities:
- Group Assignment and Individual Assignment (1000-words each on self-taught topics). Final exam (short answer and essay-type questions on Lecture topics and self-taught topics)
03. To describe and distinguish between the different routes of disease transmission (i.e., food-borne; water-borne; vector-borne; faecal-oral; direct vs indirect modes; nosocomial vs community acquired; congenital transmission) and name exemplar agents that use these routes.
- Activities:
- Group Assignment and Individual Assignment (1000-words each on self-taught topics). Final exam (short answer and essay-type questions on Lecture topics and self-taught topics) Practical tests (fill-in gaps, true/false questions, definitions).
04. To describe the public health measures that can be used to control the spread of disease (e.g. quarantine, sanitation, pest control, vaccination, chemotherapy; reportable diseases) and the limitations of such measures.
- Activities:
- Group Assignment and Individual Assignment (1000-words each on self-taught topics). Final exam (short answer and essay-type questions on Lecture topics and self-taught topics.
05. To name and described the modes of action of selected antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents, and the differences between traditional and modern vaccines.
- Activities:
- Group Assignment and Individual Assignment (1000-words each on self-taught topics). Final exam (short answer and essay-type questions on Lecture topics and self-taught topics) Practical tests (fill-in gaps, true/false questions, definitions).
06. To demonstrate practical skills in basic microbiological procedures (e.g. aseptic procedures; growth, purification and enumeration of bacteria and viruses; macroscopic and microscopic identification of bacteria).
- Activities:
- Group Assignment and Individual Assignment (1000-words each on self-taught topics). Final exam (short answer and essay-type questions on Lecture topics and self-taught topics) Practical tests (fill-in gaps, true/false questions, definitions).
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2015, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentNo
Maximum enrolment size48
Enrolment information Capacity of laboratory class Students ranked by ATAR score
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorAnna Morris
Class requirements
Laboratory ClassWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Three 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 1,000 word group assignment (4 students) | 10 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 | |
| One 1,000 word individual assignment | 10 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 | |
| One 3-hour written examination | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Two 20-minute written practical tests | 20 | 01, 03, 05, 06 |