Studying online
There are now 3 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Units available in Online Restricted mode have been adapted for online study only for those students who require the unit to complete their studies and who are unable to attend campus owing to exceptional circumstances beyond their control. To be enrolled in a unit in Online Restricted mode, students should contact their Student Advising Office through askUWA
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit, Body Defences, provides a foundation in microbiology and immunology for health professionals. You will explore basic defences against common infections including the structure and function of the immune system; sterilisation and disinfection; basic diagnostic microbiology and immunology; plus an introduction to anti-microbial treatments. The unit finishes with an exploration of what can go wrong when the immune system fails.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 2 core unit in the Integrated Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice; Integrated Dental Sciences; Podiatric Health and Medical Sciences major sequences
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) describe and discuss common human bacterial infections; (2) describe and discuss common antibiotic treatments; (3) describe and discuss common human viral infections; (4) describe and discuss common human fungal infections; (5) describe and discuss common human parasitic infections; (6) define and discuss the processes and need for proper sterilisation and disinfection; (7) describe the structure and organisation of the immune system; (8) describe the early defences against infection including barriers, inflammation, complement, cytokines, and antiviral responses; (9) describe the process of antigen capture, antigen presentation, and antigen recognition by the adaptive immune system; (10) describe activation of T cells and the effector mechanisms of T cell mediated immunity; (11) describe activation of B cells, production of antibody and the effector mechanisms of humoral immunity; (12) describe immunological memory and apply to vaccination; (13) apply foundational immunology principles to infer the outcome of immune deficiency, hypersensitivity or autoimmunity; and (14) apply the basics of diagnostic microbiology and immunology to solve simple clinical cases.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) final examination; (2) mid semester tests; and (3) practical and tutorial assessments. 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)
- Dr Erika Bosio
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- IMED1003 Cell Survival and Communication
and IMED1004 Understanding Health and Disease in People and Populations - Co-requisites
- IMED2002 Blood and Drugs
Approved quota: 400—a place in the unit is determined on a first-come, first-served basis. Selection is based on time of enrolment with first places given to students enrolled in this major as a degree-specific and second to students enrolled as a second major. Any remaining places are given to those students according to when they enrol until all places are filled. - Contact hours
- lectures: 3 hours per week
Laboratories: 4 hours per semester
Face-to-face tutorials: 10 hours per semester
Online tutorials: 2 hours per semester
- 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.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.