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,
Sem 1 2024

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

 

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.

Assumed Knowledge

Microbiology to at least second year undergraduate level is an enforced requisite course with assumed knowledge and capabilities.


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: 

  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

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 learning activities provide the theoretical background to this training.   

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course


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

This course contains hurdle requirements. 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 Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching). 

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 (HURDLE)
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 

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.