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 provides a comprehensive coverage of the control of bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections by antimicrobial agents. Conventional therapeutic agents are described, as well as alternative therapies such as natural products, bacteriophages and probiotics. The activity of selected antimicrobial agents against bacteria, fungi and viruses is demonstrated in practical classes.

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

Students are able to (1) analyse key features of different classes of antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic agents, including their histories, mechanisms of action and activity spectra; (2) evaluate mechanisms of resistance to antimicrobial agents and explain how these arise; (3) compare approaches to countering antimicrobial resistance, including antimicrobial stewardship, the development of new drugs and use of novel therapeutics; (4) describe the administration and clinical uses of antimicrobial agents, including any associated adverse outcomes such as toxicity or drug interactions; and (5) critically evaluate techniques for antimicrobial susceptibility testing in the laboratory, and explain how the interpretation of laboratory data may guide therapy.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) in-semester tests; (2) assignments; and (3) 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 Kate Hammer
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
or 54540 Master of Infectious Diseases
or 51500 Master of Pharmacy
Advisable prior study
MICR5829 Foundations of Infectious Diseases.
MICR5842 Principles of Infection and Immunity.
PUBH4403 Epidemiology I.
MICR5830 Principles of Mycology and Parasitology
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week
practical classes: 2 hours per week
Texts

The material covered in lectures and tutorials comes from a wide variety of sources, hence the course material is not covered comprehensively in standard textbooks. In some cases teaching material is derived from research articles and reviews from scientific journals. Lecturers provide references to appropriate journal articles.

  • 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.