Bachelor of Biomedicine (Microbiology, Infection & Immunology)
ObjectivesThis major will examine and integrate Microbiology, the study of microorganisms with Immunology. Skills developed include the ability to acquire, analyse and apply information from multiple sources, including the laboratory.
The major opens up careers in diagnostics, forensic microbiology, vaccine development, molecular biology, biotechnology and regulation, as well as further research into a range of infectious diseases, the genetics and pathogenesis of the causative agent, the various outcomes of the immune system in a setting of infection, autoimmunity, and cancer.
It provides a basis for further study into medicine and other paramedical disciplines.
Academic titleBachelor of Biomedicine (Microbiology, Infection & Immunology)
Course descriptionThe Bachelor of Biomedicine requires completion of a total of 300 points of study over three years full time, usually comprising four subjects per semester. Alternatively, the course can be completed in six or seven years part time.
The core of the degree builds understanding of the structure and function of the body and consideration of the determinants of health and disease, including genetic and environmental influences. The integrated core program culminates in final year subjects that deal with contemporary issues in biomedicine and aspects of medical conditions from the molecular and cellular, right up to the population level.
Depth within a particular biomedical discipline is achieved by completing 50 points (4 subjects) in a major at 3rd year level.
In second year students are required to complete two selective subjects, which can be taken from the Bachelor of Science (provided pre-requisites are met).
Students also take 75 points (one quarter of the degree) from otherdiscipline areas. These breadth subjects are designed to bridge disciplines, sharpening skills of logic, analysis and multidisciplinary problem solving.
Year 1
Biomolecules & Cells
Chemistry for Biomedicine
Calculus 2
Breadth
Genes & Environment
Physics for Biomedicine
Experimental Design & Data Analysis
Breadth
Year 2
Molecular & Cellular Biomedicine
Techniques In Molecular Science
Breadth
Integrated Human Structure & Function
Microbes, Infections & Responses
Breadth
Year 3
Biomedicine: From Molecule to Malady
Principles Of Immunology
Molecular & Medical Microbiology
Breadth
Frontiers in Biomedicine
Techniques In Microbiology & Immunology
Viruses & Other Parasites
Breadth
On completion of this major, students should be able to:
describe the diverse range of microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites), and the ways in which they interact with their hosts, the environment and each other
explain the molecular basis of the ability of various microorganisms to cause disease, together with strategies to interrupt this process, including the development of new antibiotics and other agents.
explain the fundamental concepts of bacterial cell division, cell growth and the transfer of molecules and signals across the cell membrane
describe the way the immune system responds to defend the body against agents of infection
describe the mechanisms operating in response to tumours, transplants, and in allergies and autoimmune diseases.
explain strategies to both restrict and boost the immune response by the development of novel vaccines and other interventions.
describe the principles and procedures involved in the identification and characterisation of bacteria and viruses
describe the use of molecular techniques to identify and characterise determinants associated with disease
describe the principles and procedures involved in isolating and characterising immune cells and their products
communicate scientific ideas and findings effectively in both oral and written form.
Structure & Available Subjects:
This major consists of:
50 credit points at the third year level
In order to complete this major, students have to complete the pre-requsiste 526-205 Microbes: Infections and Responses at the second year level.