This course will investigate host responses to microbial infections: innate reactions including the complement system, and phagocytic cells; adaptive immunity including clonal selection theory, antibodies, roles of B and T lymphocytes, antigens and antigen presentation, and molecular genetics of antigen receptors; bacterial diseases, focussing on molecular explanations of pathogenesis and virulence of selected pathogens and toxins; viruses and viral infections with an emphasis on replication strategies, host and tissue specificity, effects of viruses on cells (cell death, transformation, latency), and determinants of viral virulence.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but will be assessed separately
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand basic concepts in immunology, virology and microbiology.
- Be able to apply this knowledge in both scientific and general settings.
- Obtain laboratory skills in microbiology, immunology and virology.
- Be able to source, understand and critically evaluate published literature relating to immunology, virology and microbiology.
- Be able to analyse and interpret laboratory results, relate them to the published literature and write them up clearly and concisely.
- Be able to give a competent oral presentation involving an in-depth discussion of a prepared topic.
Other Information
Please email rsb.studentadmin@anu.edu.au if you need to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Indicative Assessment
- Laboratory reports (40) [LO 2,3,4,5]
- Seminar presentation on a topic to be decided in consultation with the convenor (15) [LO 1,2,4,6]
- Written examination (45) [LO 1,2]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 2 x 1 hour lectures per week (total 24 hours). Up to 33 hours of practical or tutorial sessions throughout the semester.
- Approximately 73 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, reports and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Nil
Assumed Knowledge
To enrol in BIOL6141 students are required to have completed a course in theoretical and practical microbiology at undergraduate level or above; practical skills in culturing microbes are required for the safe and successful completion of BIOL6141. Student enrolling in this course should have completed studies at a tertiary level equivalent to BIOL2142 General Microbiology and first year Chemistry.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5580 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $7440 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2683 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | N/A |