This course will investigate host responses to microbial infections: innate reactions including the complement system, and phagocytic cells; adaptive immunity including clonal selection theory, antibodies, roles of B and T lymphocytes, antigens and antigen presentation, and molecular genetics of antigen receptors; bacterial diseases, focussing on molecular explanations of pathogenesis and virulence of selected pathogens and toxins; viruses and viral infections with an emphasis on replication strategies, host and tissue specificity, effects of viruses on cells (cell death, transformation, latency), and determinants of viral virulence. 

Honours Pathway Option (HPO)

An honours pathway option may be offered this year. The HPO typically involves participation in a journal club analysing and presenting recent advances in immunology.   Demonstrations of advanced viral immunology techniques may also be replaced by practical exercises.  If offered, the HPO provides an opportunity to develop more complex interpretive skills and will provide an extension of the theory taught in the course. 

In the assessment: written and oral reports replace laboratory reports.

Entry to the HPO is subject to a quota, and will be determined based on grades obtained in the prerequisite subject, BIOL2142. 

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will:

1. Understand basic concepts in immunology, virology and microbiology.
2. Be able to apply this knowledge in both scientific and general settings.
3. Obtain laboratory skills in microbiology, immunology and virology.
4. Be able to source, understand and evaluate published literature relating to immunology, virology and microbiology.
5. Be able to analyse and interpret laboratory results, relate them to the published literature and write them up clearly and concisely.

Assessment will be based on:

• Laboratory reports demonstrating: an understanding of concepts; analysis and interpretation of results; relation to published literature; and an ability to write clearly and concisely (40%; LO 2, 3, 4, 5).
• Written examination (60%; LO 1, 2)

BIOL2142 (or BIOL2042)

BIOL3041

“Janeway’s Immunobiology” 8^th edition 2012.

Recommended texts:

“Mims Medical Microbiology” 4^th edition 2007,

“Cellular and Molecular Immunology” 6^th edition 2009

“Basic Virology” 3^rd edition 2007.