Microbiology and Immunology

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms such as algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. Some microorganisms cause infections, but most live harmlessly and enhance our environment and our lives. Microbiology is a core discipline for most areas of biotechnology.

Immunology is the study of the immune system. The immune system is involved in the defence of the body against infection and tumours. It also plays a role in some unwanted events, including allergies, autoimmunity and transplant rejection.

Honours in Microbiology and Immunology represents a transition from an undergraduate experience taught in a traditiional lecture format, to being immersed into a laboratory-based cutting edge research environment. This includes designing and executing experiments, and the analysis, interpretation, presentation and communication of data generated by the research actvities. Honours in Microbiology and Immunology provides an opportunity to become directly involved in research that is addressing key questions in the fields of Microbiology and/or Immunology.

• Extend knowledge of Microbiology/Immunology and related areas
• Enhance ability to find and critically assess existing scientific information
• Develop skills in communication
• Conduct/perform independent and novel research with advice and guidance from one of the research groups affiliated with the department.

By the end of the year it is expected that you will have learnt from first-hand experience how to formulate questions, design and conduct experiments, analyse and evaluate data, and write scientific papers/reports.

The Honours program consists of 100 credit points completed over 12 months full time (or part time equivalent) comprising of two (2) Advanced Coursework subjects and a Research Project.

To be awarded Honours with a specialisation in Microbiology and Immunology, students must successfully complete the following:

• MIIM40002 - Advanced Microbiology and Immunology I (12.5 points)
• MIIM40007 - Advanced Microbiology and Immunology II (12.5 points)
• MIIM40005 and MIIM40006 - Microbiology and Immunology Research Project (75 points)

There are no elective subjects in this Honours program.

The Independent Research Component (75%) has three forms of assessment:
A written thesis (55%), direct supervisor assessment (10%) and an oral presentation (10%) at the end of the year.

The coursework component (25 %) consists of units designed to enhance a students skills in appropriate interpretation, presentation and communication of scientific data. This will include critical review of scientific literature, interpretation of primary data and presentation of scientific data and concepts in various forms (e.g. poster presentation, paper, grant). This course will provide an opportunity to practice skills that can ultimately be applied to the research-intensive activities.

Coursework Component

Students must complete 25 credit points of advanced coursework subjects. This is achieved by enrolling in the following subjects in the appropriate semesters.

Research Component

Students must complete a total of 75 credit points of research across the duration of the Honours program. This is achieved by enrolling in a combination of the following subjects in the appropriate semesters.