Techniques in Microbiology & Immunology

This subject is not offered in 2013.

120 hours

Total Maximum Contact Hours:
84 hrs

B. Science students
Prerequisite subjects are both:

Together with the following prerequisite subjects that may also be taken as co-requisite subjects:

Students who have obtained 40 - 49% for MIIM30002 - Principles of Immunology and/or MIIM30011 – Medical Microbiology: Bacteriology are advised to discuss the possibility of being accepted into this subject with the subject coordinators.

As MIIM20003 Experimental Microbiology will be deleted from offer at the conclusion of 2012, the second year prerequisite subjects for BSc students seeking entry into this subject from 2014 onwards will be both:

B. Biomedicine students (2009 on)
Prerequisite subjects are both:

Together with the following prerequisite subject that may also be taken as a co-requisite subject:

Students who have obtained 40 - 49% for MIIM30002 - Principles of Immunology are advised to discuss the possibility of being accepted into this subject with the subject coordinators.

Bachelor of Biomedical Science students (pre 2009):
One subject from:

OR

Together with the following prerequisite subjects that may also be taken as co-requisite subjects:

Students who have obtained 40 - 49% for MIIM30002 - Principles of Immunology and/or MIIM30011 – Medical Microbiology: Bacteriology are advised to discuss the possibility of being accepted into this subject with the subject coordinators.

None

The prerequisite subjects should have provided a solid background in Microbiology and Immunology. An understanding of the molecules, genes and biology of the cell would be useful.

This subject is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Biomedicine, the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Biomedical Science.

This subject cannot be taken if students have gained credit for the following Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Bachelor of Science (pre-2010) subject:

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/

This subject provides an overview of:

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

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

(iii) strategies used in constructing and presenting scientific reports, both oral and written.

Laboratory techniques covered include molecular methods and functional assays used for the identification of bacteria and viruses, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA cloning and sequencing, bioinformatics, gene expression following DNA transfection, antigen detection using Western blots and immunofluorescent labelling of adherent bacteria to tissue culture cells. Immunological techniques covered include the preparation, characterisation, separation of lymphocyte populations, detection of antigens in tissues by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry and the analysis of immune responses by enzyme immunoassays. Non-Laboratory sessions will be used for the introduction of practical topics, data analysis, critical discussion of scientific research publications and discussion of strategies used in constructing and presenting scientific reports, both oral and written.

Upon completion of the subject students will have:

• used molecular techniques (eg PCR, DNA electrophoresis, Western blot) to identify important characteristics of microbes,
• used common bioinformatics methods to analyse DNA and protein sequence data,
• developed skills in the in-vitro manipulation and quantification of immune cells from various tissues.
• experience in the detection and analysis of cell associated molecules by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry, and
• an understanding of the serological diagnosis of disease,
• developed skills in constructing and presenting scientific reports, both oral and written.
• participated in group work activities, both within and outside of the Laboratory.

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Describe and apply the principles and procedures involved in the identification and characterisation of bacteria, based on principles of microbial physiology

• Describe and apply the use of molecular techniques to identify and characterise determinants associated with disease

• Describe and apply 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 all experimental work

• Critically analyse and communicate scientific ideas and findings effectively in both oral and written form.

• Participate in group work activities within and outside the Laboratory

• 1 x 2 hour end-of-semester exam (50%),
• 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 1,000 words each, 15% each report)
• Ongoing assessment of laboratory participation and record keeping throughout the semester (10%).

Attendance is compulsory. Students who miss more than 20% of this subject (including ALL scheduled sessions) will not be eligible for final assessment.

None

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

• 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 both orally and in writing.

• An ability to work collaboratively within a team.

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

This subject is a practical subject. It requires attendance at all scheduled sessions.

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.

Students wishing to register in this subject after the Quota Selection Date or after week 1 of a Semester should contact the course coordinators.