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.

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Unit Overview

Description

The unit deals with the molecular and cellular basis of disease caused by infectious agents. Students gain an understanding of the molecular basis of the interactions between microbes and the host, and learn how these interactions result in disease. The unit describes how molecular strategies are used to dissect mechanisms of pathogenesis and immune responses to the pathogen, and how an understanding of such processes is applied to the development of new vaccines and antimicrobials. 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) describe the basic structure and function of bacteria and viruses; (2) explain the theoretical basis of molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA cloning, sequencing and the expression and purification of recombinant proteins; (3) demonstrate the practical application of molecular techniques in the laboratory competently; (4) explain how such techniques are applied to the investigation of pathogenesis, diagnostics, epidemiology and vaccinology; (5) explain aspects of the molecular basis of bacterial and viral pathogenesis; and (6) explain the basis of innate and adaptive immunity and how they are applied to the development of vaccines against infectious diseases.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) continuous assessment and (2) a two-hour end-of-semester examination. 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.
  • 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.