526-039 Microbiology (Dental Course)

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject covers microorganisms and their role in human infection; principles of host resistance, immunity and hypersensitivity; indigenous oral flora of humans; and control of microbes: disinfection, sterilisation, asepsis and chemotherapy.

On completion of this subject, students should:

• comprehend the characteristics and behaviour of microorganisms and their relationship to clinical manifestations of infection; the principles of the modes of spread and pathogenesis of infection; the epidemiology and control of infectious disease; the principles of antimicrobial chemotherapy; the immune response to infection and the possible abnormalities of this response; the principles and characteristics of the microbial ecology of the oral cavity;

• have developed basic skills in working in an aseptic environment; skills in applying the relevant diagnostic tests to specific case studies; observational skills in identifying the appearance and behaviour of medically significant microorganisms; the ability to collect, transport and make preliminary investigations of clinical specimens; and

• appreciate the need for rational interpretation of the results of microbiological investigation and for rational judgements about the use of antibiotics; the means of preventing and controlling infectious diseases at the level of both the community and the individual.

Assessment

One 1-hour written examination at the end of Semester 1; one 3-hour written examination and one 1-hour practical examination at the end of Semester 2; and assessment of tutorials during the year.