Overview | Honours | Summary of Courses

Offered By:	ANU Joint Colleges of Science
Academic Contact:	Dr Aude Fahrer
Areas of Interest:	Biology and Immunology and Microbiology

Description:

Microbes can be beneficial to humans but are also a major cause of human mortality and morbidity.  This course explores the major classes of microorganisms, with particular emphasis on bacteria, viruses and parasites.  It also explores the mammalian immune system— a complex collection of specialised organs and cells—which has evolved to combat pathogenic microorganisms.  Students will acquire theoretical and practical skills in the disciplines of microbiology and immunology, and develop skills in the critical analysis and interpretation of experimental data.    By understanding mechanisms used by pathogens to evade the mammalian immune response, and immune mechanisms used to control infectious agents and cancer, students will be develop advanced knowledge in this fascinating field, highly relevant to human health. The minor will assist students seeking to pursue professional and graduate degrees emphasizing these disciplines, and will provide a solid background for students pursuing career goals in laboratory science and public policy related to health and disease.

Learning Goals:

Students completing the minor in Immunology and Microbiology will be able to:

1. Explain the diversity of microorganisms, with specific emphasis on bacteria, viruses and parasites and describe the life cycles, metabolism, and genetics of classes of microorganisms.
2. Describe mammalian immunology, with particular reference to the organs and cells of the immune system, and how these develop, function and interact.
3. Explain the co-evolution of microorganisms and the mammalian immune system. Use this knowledge to understand how to control human pathogens.
4. Develop laboratory skills in microbiology and immunology. Understand how knowledge in the field is derived. Begin to understand the boundaries and uncertainties of cutting-edge knowledge in the field.
5. Critically evaluate experimental data and analysis based on disciplinary research and published literature.
6. Communicate data and information in clear and effective ways to disciplinary and to non-disciplinary audiences.

Requirements

This minor requires the completion of 24 units, which must include:

A total of 12 units from the following compulsory courses:

BIOL2142  General Microbiology

BIOL3141  Infection and Immunity

A total of 12 units to be chosen from the following courses:

BIOL2191  Ecology of Health and Disease

BIOL3142  Parasitology

BIOL3144  Molecular Immunology

BIOL3208  Biology Research Project

Advice to Students:

Students should complete BIOL1003, BIOL1004, CHEM1101 and CHEM1201 in first year.

BIOL2161 is a prerequisite for BIOL2142.

Students should seek further course advice from the academic convener of this Microbiology and Immunology minor.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2011 website applies to the 2011 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2010 website.