Course Title: Diagnostic Microbiology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Diagnostic Microbiology

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BIOL2417

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

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,
Sem 2 2024,
Sem 2 2025

Course Coordinator: Associate Prof. Taghrid Istivan

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7107

Course Coordinator Email: taghrid.istivan@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Bundoora campus, Building 223, Level 1

Course Coordinator Availability: by appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed Knowledge

Knowledge of introductory microbiology theory and practical microbiology laboratory skills. Aseptic technique is required for microbiology practical laboratories.


Course Description

In our increasingly populated and mobilized world, infectious disease remains a core public health issue. This medium level microbiology course will consolidate your understanding of infectious microorganisms and their extraordinary ability to adapt and survive. It will enhance the depth of knowledge and practical skills in microbiology with emphasis on bacteria and other microorganisms of importance to humans such as viruses, fungi and parasites. The learning skills developed in this course include knowledge, technical expertise, critical analysis, scientific communication and professional awareness of important medical microorganisms. The course contains a comprehensive and compulsory practical component that is undertaken to complement the lecture/ theory component.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program(s):

GD102P04LM - Graduate Diploma in Laboratory Medicine

PLO2 Apply advanced and systematic knowledge of core cellular and molecular processes underlying health and disease in a global context including First Nations people.
PLO3 Analyse a range of diagnostic techniques relevant to the field of laboratory medicine.

MC158 - Master of Laboratory Medicine

PLO2 Apply systematic knowledge of core cellular and molecular processes underlying health and disease in a global context including First Nations people.
PLO3 Perform a range of diagnostic techniques relevant to the field of laboratory medicine.

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the taxonomy of microorganisms and their importance in clinical microbiology, public health, as well as food and water microbiology, the molecular basis of antibiotic resistance and how to control the growth and spread of microbes in the environment;
  2. Apply theory, microbiology knowledge and technical skills to identify bacteria, fungi and parasites in the laboratory, appreciating the hazards associated with handling microorganisms in the laboratory and the subsequent safety requirements
  3. Critically analyse the results of clinical investigations;
  4. Perform laboratory tests to investigate anti-microbial agents;
  5. Communicate using the proper scientific language of the field including clinical laboratory reports written with a professional approach.
  6. Work collaboratively and evaluate team work in small groups.


Overview of Learning Activities

The course includes a wide range of learning activities designed to stimulate an interest in the topics being covered. This includes lectures with integrated active learning, as well as self-directed learning online. You will also participate in intensive laboratory sessions in which you should learn and apply the techniques used in contemporary Microbiology. You will work both individually and also collaboratively with your peers and subject experts at the interface of theory, experimentation, and application. The course is supported by the Canvas learning management system.

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

Your learning resources include:

  • On-campus and/or online lectures in which syllabus material will be presented and explained;
  • Compulsory attendance of practical classes which complement the lectures and to acquire skills to handle microorganisms in the laboratory;
  • Discussion sessions during practical classes and preparation of written practical reports; and
  • Textbooks with internet sites provided by the publishers.

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

Weekly learning resources are set up and available in Canvas.

A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, which may include books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.

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

NOTE: This course contains hurdle requirements. All hurdle requirements for this course are indicated in the assessment regime that follows, against the relevant assessment task(s) and all have been approved by the College’s Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Leaning & Teaching).

This course has the practical component as an approved HURDLE based on accreditation and OH&S requirements.

Students need to pass the overall practical component and pass the final practical assessment to PASS the course.

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Practical assessments (HURDLE to pass this assessment task as a whole and HURDLE to pass the final practical assessment)
Weighting: 50%
This assessment supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

Assessment Task 2: Oral assessment presentation
Weighting: 15%.
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 3

Assessment task 3: Theory assessment models including clinical theory case studies
Weighting: 35%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 5

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.