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) |
ONPS2118 |
Bundoora Campus |
Undergraduate |
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 |
ONPS2118 |
Bundoora Campus |
Undergraduate |
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 |
Course Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Danilla Grando
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7135
Course Coordinator Email: danilla.grando@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 223.1.66
Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
Microbiology to at least second year undergraduate level is a prerequisite requirement with assumed knowledge and capabilities. As such it is advised that you have successfully completed BIOL2146 Diagnostic Microbiology at RMIT, or equivalent course.
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 Program Learning Outcomes of BH129 Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine:
PLO1: Apply coherent and advanced laboratory medicine theories, concepts and evidence in various real-world settings using a scientific approach.
PLO2: Apply systematic thinking and a range of high-level analytical skills using a blend of digital and traditional tools and technologies to solve complex scientific and medical problems.
PLO3: Apply research principles and methodology to design and implement a laboratory medicine research project to address complex real-world scientific challenges, and make original contribution to disciplinary knowledge.
PLO4: Demonstrate the ability to generate and evaluate solutions to all aspects of interdisciplinary professional practice while complying with ethical, legal and regulatory standards that underpins the field of laboratory medicine.
PLO5: Communicate and collaborate to diverse audiences utilising contemporary and traditional formats related to laboratory medicine employing integrity, inclusivity and culturally safe practices.
PLO6: Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice as part of a multidisciplinary team.
On completion of this course, you should be able to:
- 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.
- Competently and safely perform microbiological tests on biological specimens in a laboratory environment that adhere to PC2 requirements for safe work procedures.
- Select and perform appropriate quality control for the processing and manipulation of clinical samples and the tests associated with infectious disease diagnostics.
- Effectively communicate scientific and microbiological concepts clearly, concisely and logically.
- Critically assess and interpret scientific literature.
- 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
Students are expected to interact with the material presented on Canvas, and to read the relevant sections of prescribed and recommended textbooks as well as references provided.
Overview of Assessment
Note that: All hurdle requirements for this course are indicated clearly in the assessment regime that follows, against the relevant assessment task(s) and all have been approved by the College Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching).
It is a hurdle requirement that you must demonstrate competency by achieving at least 50% in practical component of the course. The skills learned are essential to ensure that you operate safely as a professional, and for accreditation purposes.
Overview of Assessment
Practical report/s, laboratory skills and recording of results, critical review, written theory and practical assessment tasks. Practical assessment is based on industry practices and is supervised and assessed by people with experience in diagnostic microbiology.
Assessment Task 1: Critical review of a Journal article
Weighting 10%
This assessment addresses CLO 5
Assessment Task 2: In-class invigilated tests
Weighting 40%
This assessment addresses CLOs 1, 2, 3, & 5
Assessment Task 3: Laboratory Practical Performance
Weighting 30%
This assessment addresses CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, & 6
Assessment Task 4: In class invigilated assessment tests
Weighting 20%
This assessment addresses CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4