Course Title: Advanced Clinical Microbiology 1

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Advanced Clinical Microbiology 1

Credit Points: 24.00


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ONPS2360

City Campus

Postgraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2008

Course Coordinator: Mr Jim Holbeche

Course Coordinator Phone: 9925 7144 / 9925 7100

Course Coordinator Email: jimh@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Level 1, Building 223, Bundoora West Campus


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Although there are no prerequisite studies, a knowledge of microbiology and immunology would be desirable.


Course Description

This course provides students with an understanding of parasitic infections of humans (especially those caused by protozoa and helminths) and other selected aspects of parasitology (eg food and water, veterinary, vaccines, chemotherapy).

The course will cover the biology of the parasites, life cycles, epidemiology, clinical features, laboratory diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human parasitic infections.
Other topics such as aspects of veterinary parasitology; significance and detection of intestinal protozoa in food and water supplies; use of molecular techniques in the development of vaccines, antiparasitic drugs and diagnostic tests for selected parasitic infections, will be covered (topics covered may vary due to the availability of appropriate teaching staff).

Students will gain practice in the laboratory diagnosis of human parasitic infections (especially those caused by intestinal parasites).

This course is the same as BIOL2178 Parasitology which is part of the MC111 Master of Biotechnology program.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

The capabilities developed in this course include knowledge, technical expertise, critical analysis and communication skills.


On successful completion of this course students will have:
knowledge and understanding of the basic biology and life cycles of human parasites, human parasitic infections, including epidemiology, clinical features, laboratory diagnosis, treatment and prevention,
knowledge of aspects of parasitic infections of animals,
appreciation of the significance of intestinal protozoa in food and water supplies and the detection methods available,
appreciation of the use of use of molecular techniques in the development of vaccines, antiparasitic drugs and diagnostic tests,
acquired a basic level of skill in the laboratory diagnosis of human parasitic infections (especially those caused by intestinal parasites) and ability to critically analyse the the results of laboratory investigations,
the ability to work together in groups,
the ability to search the scientific literature, prepare scientific written submissions and make oral presentations


Overview of Learning Activities

The scheduled classes in the course will consist of 2-3 hours of lecture/discussion per week for the semester held on one evening at the City Campus.
A block practical program extending over 1-2 days will be run as part of the course. Please note that the practical program may be held during non-teaching periods (including weekends) and may be held at either the City or Bundoora Campus.

Independent study is an essential part of this course. As well as study related to the lectures, this will include research and preparation for the written submissions and oral presentation, preparation for practical classes and discussions.


Overview of Learning Resources

Learning resources for this course include the prescribed/recommended and reference texts and other material referred to in classes and on the DLS.

Students will be able to access course information and learning material on the DLS through the Learning Hub (also known as online@RMIT).


Overview of Assessment

This course is assessed by written examinations and tests, written submissions, oral presentation, and practical assessment.
Regular attendance at classes is essential as some assessment will be carried out during scheduled classes.