Course Title: Microbiology and Immunology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Microbiology and Immunology

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Dr. Charmaine Lloyd

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: charmaine.lloyd@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

 

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed following course/s before you commence this course.

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.


Course Description

This course introduces you to a basic understanding and in addition, the depth of knowledge required to situate your understanding of the importance of the microbial world in sustaining life. In addition, you will explore how humans respond to microbiological challenges, especially through an exploration of the human immune response that will include studying both innate and acquired immune responses. This course aims to provide you with the foundation practical and applied skills to enable you to progress to further studies in food microbiology, environmental microbiology, medical microbiology, and for advanced immunology courses. You will attend a comprehensive and compulsory on-campus practical component that will complement your exploration of the theory component. 

Capabilities you will develop in this course include knowledge, technical expertise (including streak dilution, aseptic technique and use of the microscope), critical analysis, written and oral communication skills and professional awareness of the importance of microbes to humans and the environment. You will also learn to work safely in a laboratory setting and perform a hand hygiene training program. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following program learning outcomes for BH102P24 Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

  • PLO 1 Apply breadth and depth of pharmaceutical and health science theories, concepts and evidence in various real world settings using a scientific approach to improve patient and population health.
  • PLO 8 Demonstrate an ability to formulate, prepare, and deliver medications, therapeutic products, and services according to ethical codes and practice guidelines

This course contributes to the following program learning outcomes for BH130 Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours)

  • PLO1 Apply breadth and depth of biomedical science theories, concepts and evidence in various real world settings using a scientific approach.
  • PLO2 Apply evidence-based knowledge to conceptualise and undertake practice in biomedical science in a variety of contexts, independently and collaboratively, with emerging technological advancements.

This course contributes to the following program learning outcomes for BH129 Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours), BP231 Bachelor of Biomedical Science and BP311P23 Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences

  • PLO 1 Apply a breadth and depth of pharmaceutical science knowledge, concepts and evidence in various real world settings using a scientific approach.
  • PLO 2 Apply systematic thinking and a range of high-level analytical skills using a blend of digital and traditional tools and technologies to solve complex scientific and medical problems related to pharmaceutical science

This course contributes to the following program learning outcomes for BP350 Bachelor of Science

  • PLO 1 Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts and practice in one or more scientific disciplines.
  • PLO 2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities.
  • PLO 3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence based decision making.
  • PLO 4 Communicate, report and reflect on scientific findings, to diverse audiences utilising a variety of formats employing integrity and culturally safe practices.
  • PLO 5 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future. 
  • PLO 6 Collaborate and contribute within diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to diversity, equity and globally inclusive perspectives and practices including First Nations knowledges and input.


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:  

  1. Describe characteristics, taxonomy, and classification of bacteria and other microbes of importance to humans, and to apply this knowledge to various microbiology fields.
  2. Explain the importance of the immune system and distinguish between the different types of immune responses, in host-pathogen interactions. 
  3. Apply basic microbiology and immunology knowledge for detection, prevention and control of microbes and to safely perform microbiology and immunology techniques in a laboratory environment.  
  4. Analyse the results of investigation of selected case studies.  
  5. Communicate clearly and effectively via oral and written approaches using the proper scientific language in the field.  


Overview of Learning Activities

 

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both. 

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course. 


Overview of Learning Resources

 

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks include:  

Assessment 1:  Online Tests   
Weighting 30% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 

Assessment 2: Seminar Presentation 
Weighting 20% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 4 & 5 

Assessment 3: Practical Assessments
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 3, 4 & 5 

Assessment 4: Project Report 
Weighting 20% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 4 & 5 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.