Microbiology and Immunology Specialisation

Total units 24 Units

Areas of interest Chemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Immunology and Microbiology, Biology, Molecular Biology
Specialisation code MBIM-SPEC

Academic career Undergraduate
Academic Contact AsPr Maja Adamska

Corequisite Majors: Biochemistry or Cell and Molecular Biology or Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology or Human Biology

Microbes can be beneficial to humans but are also a major cause of human mortality and morbidity. This specialisation explores the major classes of microorganisms and the mammalian and other immune systems, which have evolved to combat pathogenic microorganisms. Students will acquire theoretical and practical skills in microbiology and immunology. By understanding mechanisms used by pathogens to evade the immune response, and immune mechanisms used to control infectious agents and cancer, students will develop advanced knowledge in this fascinating field, highly relevant to human health. The specialisation will prepare students for professional and graduate degrees emphasizing these disciplines, and will provide a solid background for students pursuing career goals in laboratory science and public policy related to health and disease.

Learning Outcomes

Distinguish and classify a range of microorganisms, with specific emphasis on bacteria, viruses and parasites and describe the life cycles, metabolism, and genetics of classes of microorganisms.
Describe, in depth, immune responses, with particular reference to the organs and cells of the mammalian immune system, and how these develop, function and interact.
Explain the co-evolution of microorganisms and host immune systems. Use this knowledge to understand how to control human pathogens.
Apply the fundamental laboratory skills used in microbiology and immunology and understand how knowledge in the field is derived.
Critically evaluate experimental data and begin to understand the boundaries and uncertainties of cutting-edge knowledge in the field.
Communicate data and information in clear and effective ways to disciplinary and to non-disciplinary audiences.

Other Information

What courses should you take in first year if interested in this specialisation?

This major can only be taken in conjunction with one of the majors listed below. The courses you must take in first year will depend on the major:

Biochemistry Major: BIOL1003, BIOL1004, CHEM1101, CHEM1201
Cell and Molecular Biology Major: CHEM1101, CHEM1201, BIOL1003 and BIOL1004
Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology: BIOL1003, BIOL1004, BIOL1009, CHEM1101, CHEM1201
Human Biology Major: CHEM1101, BIOL1003 and BIOL1004

Additional advice:

Students taking the Human Biology major should note that some later year courses in biomedical science also require CHEM1201 in first year.
Students should choose appropriate second year courses to ensure they meet prerequisite requirements for third year electives.
A maximum of 12 units total across major and specialisation may come from completion of research project/special topic courses BIOL3023, BIOL3208 or BIOL3209.
For students taking BIOL3023, BIOL3208 or BIOL3209 as part of this specialisation, the research project must be in the field of Microbiology and Immunology.

Academic or enrolment advice:

Students can seek further advice from the academic contact for this specialisation (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au)

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Requirements

This specialisation may only be undertaken in conjunction with one of the following majors:

This specialisation requires the completion of 24 units, which must consist of:

12 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

BIOL2142 General Microbiology (6 units)

BIOL3141 Infection and Immunity (6 units)

12 units from the completion of courses from the following list. A maximum of 12 units total across major and specialisation may come from completion of research project/special topic courses (BIOL3023, BIOL3208 or BIOL3209). For the course to contribute towards the specialisation, the topic must be in the field of Microbiology and Immunology

BIOL3023 Special Topics in Biology (6 units)

BIOL3106 Biosecurity (6 units)

BIOL3142 Biomedical Parasitology (6 units)

BIOL3144 Advanced and Applied Immunology (6 units)

BIOL3188 ANU SynBio Challenge Team Project (6 units)

BIOL3208 Biology Research Project (6 units)

BIOL3209 Biology Research Project (12 units)

BIOL3210 Appreciating Parasites: From Molecules to Ecosystems (6 units)

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