NATS 3030 Medical Microbiology

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 300826

Coordinator Colin Stack Opens in new window

Description Infectious diseases worldwide are the most common cause of illness. Medical microbiology is subdivided into four areas: virology, bacteriology, mycology (the study of fungi) and parasitology. The rapid evolution of microbes means that this is an area that does not remain static. This unit has a modern approach to the study of the balance between the host, humans, and the very large army of potential invaders. Students will embark on a journey into the world of pathogenic micro-organisms exploring the molecular mechanisms by which these override host defences leading to disease. Infectious diseases of the human body systems as well those of the immunocompromised and infections contracted in the healthcare setting (nosocomial) are discussed. The theory will be supported with laboratory experience representing diagnostic procedures for the identification of infectious agents.

School Science

Discipline Medical Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Pre-requisite(s) BIOS 2022

Equivalent Subjects LGYA 5866 - Medical Microbiology NATS 3031 - Medical Microbiology

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Differentiate the mechanisms of infections caused by true pathogens from those caused by opportunistic pathogens
  2. Describe the factors and mechanisms by which the human host is protected from microbial invasion
  3. Understand and apply appropriate biochemical and molecular techniques used in the identification of clinical specimens
  4. Explain the rationale behind the performance of antimicrobial susceptibility tests
  5. Analyse and interpret scientific literature and effectively communicate
  6. Associate the various infectious agents that affect special populations with the conditions that predispose these patients to a particular infection

Subject Content

1. Principles and practices of medical microbiology
2. Non-specific and specific (immune system) defence of the human body
3. Principles of the pathogenesis of disease including mechanisms by which microbial agents override the host non-specific and specific defence system to produce disease at the molecular level
4. Diseases of the human body systems and respective aetiological agents
5. Specimen collection techniques for the detection of microbial pathogens
6. Laboratory diagnostic procedures for the isolation, identification and antibiotic sensitivities where applicable of microbial pathogens
7. Molecular techniques and development of new diagnostic capabilities for microbial pathogens
8. Current areas of research interests in medical microbiology

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Report and Presentation 1,500 words plus 5 minute presentation 35 N Individual
Practical Exam 60 minutes 30 N Individual
Final Exam 2 hours plus 5 minutes extra for uploading to turinitin 35 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Kiser, K.M., Payne, W.C., &Taff, T.A. (2011) Clinical Laboratory Microbiology: A Practical Approach. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
  • Sherris Medical Microbiology by Kenneth Ryan 2018 (McGraw-Hill)

Teaching Periods

Spring

Campbelltown

Day

Subject Contact Colin Stack Opens in new window

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