Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit focuses on understanding the molecular epidemiology of microbial pathogens and microbial communities in health and disease. Students will be taught basic bioinformatics tools and how to apply these to case studies examining the molecular epidemiology of various pathogens. Experimental design, including the collection and handling of metadata for clinical specimens, and the management of this data using R will be covered. Statistical approaches to complex datasets including 16S rDNA and metagenomics datasets from microbiome studies will be explored. The unit also includes strong theoretical and practical components dealing with the basis of molecular technologies that are applied in laboratory diagnosis and epidemiology.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth), QEII Medical CentreFace to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain the principles of microbial genetics; (2) design workflows for the analysis of genomic data required for phylogenetic approaches to microbial epidemiology; (3) describe the contribution of the microbiome to health and disease in humans; (4) evaluate approaches to collect and analyse metadata associated with clinical samples; and (5) explain different approaches used to assess microbiome composition.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written case studies and (2) theoretical exams. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Charlene Kahler
Unit rules
Prerequisites
enrolment in
the Master of Infectious Diseases
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week
practical classes/assignments: 3 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.