Viruses and Other Parasites

Subject MIIM30014 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3 x one hour lectures per week (total contact hours: 36)
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: B. Science students:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
B. Biomedicine students (2009 on):
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
B. Biomed. Sci. students (pre 2009):
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
All students should have also previously enrolled in:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: The prerequisite subjects provide a solid background in Microbiology and Immunology. An understanding of the molecules, genes and biology of the cell is important.
Non Allowed Subjects: Non allowed subject:
Subject
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website:

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

Contact

Prof Lorena Brown
lorena@unimelb.edu.au

Assoc Prof Damian Purcell
dfjp@unimelb.edu.au

Administrative Coordinator:

Ms Chantelle Linnett
BiomedSci-AcademicServices@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject describes how viruses and other parasites interact with their hosts to cause infection.

The subject will describe the strategies that different groups of viruses employ to replicate in their host cells, and the different outcomes possible for both the virus and the host cell. It will also describe how viruses may be transmitted and detected, and the ways that viruses can cause disease (pathogenesis). The various interactions of the virus and the host’s immune system will also be discussed. These topics will be further illustrated by discussing the features of a range of medically important viruses.

The subject will also describe other parasites of humans e.g. fungi, protozoan parasites and helminth parasites. It will describe the dynamic interactions that occur between these parasites, their human hosts and the environment and how the outcome of these interactions may vary when changes in any one of these occur. These topics will be further illustrated by discussing the features of a range of medically important parasites.
Objectives: Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
  • understand fundamental concepts of viral replication, pathogenesis and epidemiology
  • understand how the parasitic relationship of fungi, protozoan parasites and helminth parasites to their human hosts differs from that of viruses
  • apply relevant knowledge of replication, pathogenesis, immunity and epidemiology of these parasites to the determination of appropriate control strategies
Assessment:
  • A 1-hour written examination held mid-semester (20%).
  • A 3-hour written examination held in the examination period (80%).
Prescribed Texts: Principles of Virology, Flint SJ et al., 3rd Edn 2009 (two volumes)
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:
  • the ability to interpret scientific literature and interpret data from electronic databases.
  • the capacity to integrate knowledge across disciplines.
  • the ability to comprehend a question, evaluate the relevant information and communicate an answer.
Notes:

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
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Science
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Animal Disease Biotechnology (specialisation of Animal Health and Disease major)
Defence and Disease
Immunology (pre-2008 Bachelor of Science)
Microbiology (pre-2008 Bachelor of Science)
Microbiology, Infection and Immunology
Science credit subjects* for pre-2008 BSc, BASc and combined degree science courses

Download PDF version.