Faculty of Science Microbiology and immunology

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Faculty of Science

Table of Contents

1. Suggested subjects
    1.1. 200-level subjects
        1.1.1. Microbiology major
        1.1.2. Immunology major
        1.1.3. Biotechnology major
    1.2. 300-level subjects
        1.2.1. Microbiology major
        1.2.2. Immunology major
2. Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours)
3. Further information
Subject Lists
    Subject descriptions
        200-level subjects
        300-level subjects

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms. Immunology is the study of the immune response to infection and other challenges. Both disciplines are exciting and rapidly developing sciences with new information constantly displacing older theories and assumptions. Microorganisms affect all areas of human endeavour and the principles and applications of microbiology are an integral part of medicine, biochemistry, agriculture, biotechnology, genetics, ecology, environmental bioremediation and even gold mining. Immunology embraces the host response to microorganisms, vaccine development, autoimmunity, tumour immunity and transplantation medicine. The department also contributes significantly to the teaching of molecular biology. The aim of the subjects offered is to impart some of the excitement of the science, while providing a framework for students to build a career.

As a result of studying and completing subjects offered by the Department, students should have an enhanced ability to:

• seek information from textbooks, scientific literature and computer-based sources;

• identify relevant issues and think critically about information so that broad principles and relevant evidence can be applied to problem solving; and

• comprehend a question, evaluate the relevant information and communicate and answer, either orally or in writing.

Two major streams of study are offered:

• Microbiology

• Immunology

Within the microbiology major students may select subjects according to their interests, or may choose to emphasise medical microbiology, applied microbiology and biotechnology, or molecular microbiology.

Microbiology and immunology subjects may also form part of a major in biotechnology.

Students will require a basic knowledge of biology and chemistry. All students are expected to study the life sciences package in first year, and (except those enrolled in the immunology major) the introductory lecture and practical courses in microbiology 526-201 and 526-221 in second year.

1. Suggested subjects

1.1. 200-level subjects

1.1.1. Microbiology major

For requirements see MICROBIOLOGY.

To meet prerequisites for 300-level subjects, students should also undertake biochemistry and molecular biology 521-211 and 521-212, or genetics 652-214 and 652-215. Biochemistry and molecular biology 521-220 or genetics 652-216 may also be taken. See the prerequisites for 300-level subjects for details. Students with an interest in medical microbiology may choose to enrol in microbiology and immunology 526-205 as well.

1.1.2. Immunology major

For requirements see IMMUNOLOGY.

To meet prerequisites for 300-level subjects, students should undertake 200-level subjects from microbiology and immunology, biochemistry and molecular biology, and genetics. Additional 200-level subjects may also be selected from pathology, physiology, anatomy, and cell biology.

1.1.3. Biotechnology major

For requirements see BIOTECHNOLOGY.

1.2. 300-level subjects

1.2.1. Microbiology major

For requirements see MICROBIOLOGY.

Students may choose their 300-level subjects to cater for their specific interests. Some suggested combinations are:

• 526-313, 526-321, 526-314 and 526-327, for students with an interest in medical microbiology,

• 526-301, 526-321, 526-302 and 526-327, for students with an interest in applied microbiology,

• 526-301, 526-321, 526-314 and 526-327 for students with an interest in molecular microbiology.

1.2.2. Immunology major

For requirements see IMMUNOLOGY.

The microbiology major with an emphasis on medical microbiology provides a complementary stream of study for students completing the immunology major.

2. Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours)

For information about the faculty and departmental entry requirements for honours, please refer to Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours) and Bachelor of Information Systems (Degree with Honours). These requirements should be considered when planning your course.

3. Further information

Department of Microbiology and Immunology
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010
Tel: +61 3 8344 5689
Fax: +61 3 9347 1540
Web: http://www.microbiol.unimelb.edu.au

Subject descriptions

200-level subjects

300-level subjects

Search : Index : Faculty of Science

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