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

This unit provides a comprehensive coverage of the control of bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections by antimicrobial agents, including conventional as well as alternative therapies such as natural products, bacteriophages and probiotics. Practical classes and assignments illustrate the use and effectiveness of selected antimicrobial agents.

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) laboratory assessments; 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
or 01810/52520 Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Infectious Diseases
or 52530 Master of Infectious Diseases
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
laboratory 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.
  • 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.