Course Title: Introduction to Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Introduction to Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
BIOL2256	City Campus	Undergraduate	135H Applied Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014, Sem 2 2015, Sem 2 2016
BIOL2256	City Campus	Undergraduate	171H School of Science	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2017, Sem 2 2018, Sem 2 2019, Sem 2 2020, Sem 2 2021, Sem 2 2022, Sem 2 2023
BIOL2257	Bundoora Campus	Undergraduate	135H Applied Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014, Sem 2 2015, Sem 2 2016
BIOL2257	Bundoora Campus	Undergraduate	171H School of Science	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2017, Sem 2 2018, Sem 2 2019, Sem 2 2020, Sem 2 2021, Sem 2 2022, Sem 2 2023
BIOL2335	Open Learning Australia	Non Award	171H School of Science	Distance / Correspondence	OUASP3UG20, OUASP3UG21, OUASP3UG22

Course Coordinator: Dr Christopher Pillidge

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: christopher.pillidge@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment only

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None

Course Description

This course is intended to be an introduction to the inter-related subjects of microbiology, immunology and genetics.

The course is designed to provide you with an understanding at a basic level of the diversity, structure, replication and growth of microorganisms across the three domains of life (Bacteria, Archaea and microbial Eukaryotes) as well as viruses. The course will also introduce you to the role and importance of these microorganisms in health and industry and in the environment. It will introduce you to the methods used to enumerate, isolate, purify and characterise microorganisms safely. It will also introduce you to the main features and functions of the mammalian immune system. The course will also explore the genetic and molecular biology processes and mechanisms that determine the inheritance of traits in biological organisms.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):

2.1. You will exhibit depth and breadth of knowledge by demonstrating a well-developed understanding of biological sciences.

2.2. You will exhibit depth and breadth of knowledge by demonstrating that biotechnology has interdisciplinary connections with other sciences.

3.4. You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in biotechnology by collecting, accurately recording, interpreting, and drawing conclusions from scientific data.

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

5.2. You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work by working effectively, responsibly, ethically, and safely in an individual or team context.

On completion of this course you should be able to:

1. Outline the major groups and modes of growth of microorganisms.
2. Describe methods and applications of sterilisation, disinfection and prevention of diseases caused by microorganisms.
3. Describe the structure and cellular organisation of diverse microorganisms
4. Describe approaches that can be used to culture microorganisms
5. Explain the physical (i.e. molecular) nature of genetic inheritance and how genetic variation can arise and contribute to evolution.
6. Identify mechanisms of microbial challenge in mammals and the immunological responses in the host.
7. Apply your knowledge of basic microbiological techniques and genetic analysis to explore case studies and/or data.

 

Overview of Learning Activities

 

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both. 

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

Assessment Task 1: Formative assessment of foundation concepts
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7

Assessment Task 2: Practical-related assessments
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 3 & 7

Assessment Task 3: Project assessments
Weighting 40%
This assessment supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

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.