INFECTIONS AND EPIDEMICS
MIC1IEP
2018
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 subjects MIC2IEP
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Distinguish, describe and explain the different categories of infectious agents of humans (i.e. bacteria, viruses and protozoa) based on theory and laboratory observations.
- Activities:
- Practical tests (online MCQ). Final exam (short answer, essay-type questions and multiple choice questions on Lecture topics and self-taught topics.
02. Distinguish, describe and explain the key features of a variety of exemplar infectious agents (i.e. bacteria, viruses and protozoans) including 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 multiple choice questions on Lecture topics and self-taught topics)
03. Distinguish, describe and explain 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 multiple choice questions on Lecture topics and self-taught topics) Practical tests (fill-in gaps, true/false questions, definitions).
04. Describe and explain 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 multiple choice questions on Lecture topics and self-taught topics.
05. Distinguish, describe and explain 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 multiple choice questions on Lecture topics and self-taught topics) Practical tests (online MCQ).
06. Explain and 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 multiple choice questions on Lecture topics and self-taught topics) Practical tests (online MCQ).
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Melbourne, 2018, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment size150
Enrolment information Quota due to limited lab space. Merit based quota. Students ranked by ATAR score.
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorAnna Morris
Class requirements
Laboratory Class
Week:
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.
Lecture
Week:
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) 2% team contribution: 8% team report | 10 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 | |
| One 1,000 word individual assignment | 20 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 | |
| One 2.5-hour written examination (2500 word equivalent) | University run exam. Students may arrange a time with academic staff to discuss. | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 |
| Two on-line 200 word mcq practical test | 10 | 01, 03, 05, 06 |