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 builds on the basic concepts of virology taught at Level 2. It focuses on human and animal viruses associated with disease. The lecture topics which are taught in the unit include features of virus structure; genetics and cultivation; viral taxonomy; the main viral diseases of humans; the replication cycle of the RNA and DNA viruses; genetically controlled interactions between viruses and the host; and the host immune response and the mechanisms by which certain viruses cause disease. The unit also discusses the emergence of new viral diseases, the role of insect vectors and the re-emergence of existing viral diseases together with the surveillance measures which are used to track the movement of viruses locally and globally. The control of viral diseases including the use of vaccines, antiviral drugs and other measures are also presented.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2QEII Medical CentreFace to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 core unit in the Microbiology and Immunology major sequence
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe structure and function of viruses; (2) describe viral genetics and taxonomy of viruses; (3) describe the mechanisms by which viruses cause disease; (4) explain the factors contributing to emergence and re-emergence of viral diseases; (5) describe how vaccines and antiviral drugs prevent and control viral diseases; and (6) explain an experimental protocol and describe how experimental data is derived and interpreted.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) online quiz; (2) written examination; and (3) mid-semester test. 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 Allison Imrie
Unit rules
Prerequisites
(MICR2208 Introductory Microbiology,
and MICR2209 Introduction to Infectious Diseases and Immunology).
or Biomedical Science major Level 2 units
Incompatibility
MICR3302 Infection and Immunity
Contact hours
lectures: 2–3 hours per week
labs/tutorials: 2–3 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.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • 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.