BIOL6141 Infection and Immunity

Offered By	Biology Teaching and Learning Centre
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	Biology
Offered in	First Semester, 2012 and First Semester, 2013
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	Course Description: 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 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) Determinants of viral virulence. Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but will be assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes	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 critically 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. 6. Be able to give a competent oral presentation involving an in-depth discussion of a prepared topic.
Indicative Assessment	Assessment will be based on: Laboratory reports demonstrating: an understanding of concepts; analysis and interpretation of results; relation to published literture; and an ability to write clearly and concisely (40%; LO 2,3,4,5). Seminar presentation on a topic to be decided in consultation with the convenor (15%; LO 1,2,4,6) Written examination (45%; LO 1,2)
Course Classification(s)	AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs. and SpecialistSpecialist courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide for the acquisition of specialist skills; or 'second degree' and higher level of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs; or knowledge associated with professional accreditation.
Areas of Interest	Health, Medicine and the Body
Eligibility	Bachelor of Science or equivalent with a major in the field of biological sciences with relevant experience or academic achievement; specific knowledge in the area of microbiology is required.
Consent Required	Permission from course co-ordinator
Academic Contact	Dr Aude Fahrer

The information published on the Study at ANU 2012 website applies to the 2012 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2011 website.