Defence and Disease

Major/Minor/Specialisation !J07-AA-MAJ+1003 (2013)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2013.

Year and Campus: 2013

Coordinator

Dr Karena Waller

Contact

Dr Karena Waller

klwaller@unimelb.edu.au

Overview:

The human immune system has evolved to control harmful microbes and tumors but can sometimes inflict damage on its host, and as such is a major contributor to human disease. This major examines and integrates immunology, the study of the immune system, with pathological processes and their morphologic, molecular and genetic bases which are associated with immune based disease. The major opens up careers in diagnostics, molecular biology, biotechnology and regulation, research into infectious agents associated with immune based pathology and the various outcomes of the immune system, especially those involved with autoimmunity and immunopathology. It provides a basis for further study in medical and paramedical disciplines.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this major students should be able to:

  • understand the development, function and components of the immune system, especially the molecular aspects of immunity to infection, and the basis of immunopathologic conditions including allergies, autoimmune disease and transplantation responses;
  • apply this knowledge to the determination of strategies which can augment or inhibit the immune response;
  • describe the principles and procedures involved in isolating and characterising immune cells and their products;
  • understand the cellular, molecular and genetic bases of the immunopathological conditions described above and how these contribute to morbidity, morality and the development and clinical use of therapeutic strategies; and
  • communicate scientific ideas and findings effectively in both oral and written form.
Structure & Available Subjects:

Completion of 50 points of study at Level 3.

In order to complete this major, students have to complete the pre-requisite Level 2 subject MIIM20002 Microbes, Infections and Responses.

Subject Options:

Second Year:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

Third Year:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Not offered in 2013
12.50
Not offered in 2013
12.50

Plus one subject from:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

Plus one subject from:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Not offered in 2013
12.50
Not offered in 2013
12.50
Not offered in 2013
12.50
Links to further information: http://www.bbiomed.unimelb.edu.au/
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Biomedicine

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