Course Title: Medical Microbiology 1

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Medical Microbiology 1

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ONPS1054

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

ONPS1054

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Danilla Grando

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: danilla.grando@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed following course/s before you commence this course.

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.


Course Description

Medical Microbiology is a central discipline in the medical sciences and is concerned with the cause, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

This advanced course aims to extend your understanding and appreciation of interactions between microbes and their human hosts; antimicrobial agents and microbial resistance; pathogenesis and diagnosis of microbial infections; and infections of body systems. 

The course is delivered through a blended learning approach where you will be guided through online pre-class learning activities that will prepare you for face-to-face practical classes and tutorials. You will develop skills in scientific communication (oral and written), problem solving, learning in small groups, independent learning and time management.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the MC111 Master of Biotechnology Program Learning Outcomes:

PLO-1 Understanding science

1.2 You will have an understanding of recent developments in a specialised area of biotechnology.

PLO-2 Advanced skills to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology

2.2 You will generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level.

PLO-3 Application of knowledge and skills

You will critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology by:

3.1 Demonstrating creativity, initiative and a high level of autonomy in research and/or professional practice

PLO-4 Communication

You will be able to effectively communicate concepts of biotechnology to specialist and non-specialist audiences, using a variety of presentation modes.

PLO-5 Personal and professional responsibility

5.1 You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work by being an independent and self-directed learner

5.2 You will work effectively, responsibly, ethically, and safely in an individual or team context.

This course contributes to the MC158 Master of Laboratory Medicine

1. Knowledge capability

Have a comprehensive understanding of key scientific principles underpinning laboratory medicine and have developed a systemic knowledge of core cellular and molecular processes underlying health and disease. Have advanced knowledge of two core clinical speciality disciplines of laboratory medicine and advanced management skills.

2. Technical capability

Ability to develop and perform a range of diagnostic techniques relevant to the field of laboratory medicine. To use logical and systemic thinking and high-level critical analysis skills to solve problems by utilising diagnostic techniques and methodologies in the chosen areas of clinical laboratory specialisation.

3. Professional work practices

Have a critical awareness of principles relating to scientific integrity, ethical issues and legal framework that underpins the field of laboratory medicine. Contribute to professional work settings through effective interpersonal and teamwork skills to support constructive interactions.


On completion of this course, you should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding at an advanced level of microbial virulence mechanisms, selection of the most appropriate diagnostic testing for specific infections, select appropriate microbial susceptibility testing for the infectious agent identified and understand methods to detect resistance to specific antimicrobial agents.
  2. Competently and safely perform microbiological tests on biological specimens in a laboratory environment that adhere to PC2 requirements for safe work procedures.
  3. Select and perform appropriate quality control for the processing and manipulation of clinical samples and the tests associated with infectious disease diagnostics.
  4. Effectively communicate scientific and microbiological concepts clearly, concisely and logically.
  5. Critically assess and interpret scientific literature.
  6. Analyse and report on complex diagnostic scenarios, and solve problems, plan a diagnostic strategy and learn independently.


Overview of Learning Activities

Online learning activities with recorded explanations from industry experts, laboratory classes (face to face), tutorials (online-interactive), independent learning, written assignments.

A major part of the practical program of this course mimics the workplace in a diagnostic microbiology laboratory.

The online learning activities provide the theoretical background to this training.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Critical review of a Journal article
Weighting 10%
This assessment addresses CLO 5

Assessment Task 2: In-class invigilated theory tests
Weighting 40%
This assessment addresses CLOs 1, 2, 3 and 5

Assessment Task 3: Laboratory Practical Performance
Weighting 30%
This assessment addresses CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, & 6

Assessment Task 4: In-laboratory invigilated performance assessments
Weighting 20% 
This assessment addresses CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.