Techniques in Microbiology & Immunology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject provides an overview of

(i) methods used to characterise the diversity of microbes, and particularly those used for pathogenic microbes, and

(ii) methods for dissection of the complex human and animal defences against microbial infection.

Techniques covered include molecular methods and functional assays used for the identification of bacteria and viruses, together with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA cloning and sequencing, gene expression following DNA transfection, and antigen detection using Western blots. Tissue culture cells will be infected and assayed for bacterial adherence, the preparation, characterisation, separation and assay of lymphocyte populations, detection of antigens in tissues by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry and assay of immune responses by enzyme immunoassays. Upon completion of the subject students will have used molecular techniques (eg PCR, DNA sequencing, Western blot probing) to identify important characteristics of microbes, used common bioinformatics methods to analyse DNA and protein sequence data, as well as developed skills in the in-vitro manipulation and quantification of immune cells from various tissues. They will have experience in the detection and analysis of cell associated molecules by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, and an understanding of the serological diagnosis of disease.

• Describe the principles and procedures involved in the identification and characterisation of bacteria, based on principles of microbial physiology
• Describe the use of molecular techniques to identify and characterise determinants associated with disease
• Describe the principles and procedures involved in isolating and characterising immune cells and their products
• Describe the purpose of controls in the interpretation of experimental data
• Keep clear laboratory records of experimental work
• Communicate scientific ideas and findings effectively in both oral and written form.

• 1 x 2 hour end-of-semester exam (60%),
• 2 oral presentations (mid-semester and end of semester, 5% each)
• 2 written reports (to be submitted mid-semester and end of semester; up to 700 words each, 5% each report)
• Ongoing assessment of laboratory participation and record keeping throughout the semester (20%).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• An ability to retrieve published scientific data using computer searches and library facilities.
• The capacity to integrate knowledge across disciplines.
• An ability to critically analyse scientific data.
• An ability to communicate effectively in both orally and in writing

This subject is available to students enrolled in the:

Pre-2008 B. Sc
Pre-2008 B. Biomed. Sc. (Stream 7).
NG B. Sc.
NG B. Biomed

Whilst students will not be involved in the manipulation and handling of animals, tissues obtained from appropriately euthanased animals will be used in some experiments.

These experiments will be approved by the University of Melbourne Animal Welfare Committee.

Experiments contained in this unit will also be approved by the Biosafety and Gene Technology Committee.