MICRO 3202 - Infection and Immunity IIIB (Biomedical Science)

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

This is an advanced course in immunology and virology. The course includes detailed examination of the cellular and molecular biology of the immune system, immune responses to microbial pathogens and other antigenic stimuli and immunisation against infections in humans and animals. Detailed attention will be given to major virus infections and typical host immune responses, the experimental models used to study viruses and antiviral therapies including chemotherapies and vaccination. Topics to be covered include: differentiation and activation of leukocytes; functions of leukocyte subsets; cell biology of antigen processing and presentation; molecular recognition of antigen; molecular and cellular bases of inflammation; signal transduction in immune cells; characteristics and functions of cytokines; mechanisms of immunoregulation; cellular communication and leukocyte traffic through tissues; production and use of monoclonal antibodies; local immunity at mucosal surfaces; immunity to infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses and parasites; inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as asthma and arthritis; control and prevention of infections; strategies for the design and use of vaccines and gene therapy; important diseases will be considered as specific examples. Viruses to be studied will include examples chosen from those responsible for hepatitis, human immunodeficiency, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections and diseases of the skin and nervous systems.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MICRO 3202
    Course Infection and Immunity IIIB (Biomedical Science)
    Coordinating Unit School of Molecular and Biomedical Sci(Inactive)
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Contact Up to 19 hours per fortnight
    Prerequisites MICRO 2502 & MICRO 2503 or equivalent
    Incompatible MICRO 3001
    Assumed Knowledge MICRO 3102
    Restrictions Available to BSc(BiomedSc) students only
    Assessment Exam on lecture material; written reports; practical & tutorial assessment
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Shaun McColl

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    By completion of this course, students will have:
    1. Gained an understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin the pathogenesis and control of infections, and the interaction of pathogens with the immune system.
    2. Gained a body of experimental skills and techniques frequently used in research in immunology and virology, which are fundamental to understanding how research in these disciplines is conducted.
    3. Developed essential skills in experimental design, techniques and execution, which are relevant to immunology & virology and many other areas of scientific research.
    4. Developed organisational and time management skills and the capacity for multi-tasking.
    5. Developed the ability to work in small teams and to communicate and coordinate outcomes with a larger group of colleagues.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-4
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1, 3, 4
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1, 2
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1, 5
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1, 4
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-5
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1, 2
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1-4
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course will be delivered in the following means:

    3 x 1 hour lectures per week,
    1 x 2 hour tutorials (total of 3 sessions)
    3 x 5 hours practical per fortnight   Practical sessions of 5 hours on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons in odd weeks and 5 hours in even weeks. Practicals include: wet lab sessions.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 6 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 24 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).
    Learning Activities Summary

    The course content will include the following:

     Lecture topics to be covered include: differentiation and activation of leukocytes; functions of leukocyte subsets; cell biology of antigen processing and presentation; molecular recognition of antigen; molecular and cellular bases of inflammation; signal transduction in immune cells; characteristics and functions of cytokines; mechanisms of immunoregulation; cellular communication and leukocyte traffic through tissues; production and use of monoclonal antibodies; local immunity at mucosal surfaces; immunity to infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses and parasites; inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as asthma and arthritis; control and prevention of infections; strategies for the design and use of vaccines and gene therapy; important diseases will be considered as specific examples.

     Tutorials:

    Each student will participate in the presentation of research paper tutorials. Research paper tutorials are compulsory and assessable - all students will be expected to attend and contribute in every session scheduled for their group. In each session, two to three students will present the paper and lead the discussion. Each student will be involved in the presentation of a single paper, but will be expected to participate in the discussion of all other papers.

     Practicals will utilise a number of specific experimental protocols to demonstrate important aspects of immunology and virology, including experiments that reinforce the theory aspects of the course, relevant basic and advanced experimental techniques and technologies and basic understanding of the experimental basis of scientific knowledge, including experimental design. The practical course will also instil skills required to address scientific problems in a team environment.

     A 2000 word essay that will by written publication and develop skills in scientific inquiry through reading and written interpretation of primary and secondary research literature.

    Specific Course Requirements
    Safety equipment for practicals: Laboratory coat and protective glasses.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment task Type of assessment Percentage of total assessment for grading
    purposes


    Hurdle

     

    Yes
    or No
    Outcomes being assessed / achieved Approximate Timing of Assessment


    Practical
    laboratory calculations and concept orientation

    Formative 0% No 1-3 Weeks
    1-8


    Early
    experiment write-up

    Formative/Summative 7.5% No 2&3 Week
    4
    Final laboratory workbook submission Summative 7.5% No 2&3 Week
    8
    Practical Exam Summative 10% No 2&3 Week
    9
    Essay Summative 15% No 1&4 Mid-semester
    break
    Tutorials Summative 10% No 1,
    4&5
    Weeks
    4-8
    Written examination Summative 45% No 1 Examination
    period
    Assessment Detail

    Final Exam 
    (45% of course grade). One exam will be given to test the capacity to comprehend and integrate knowledge from a broad range of topics relevant to the disciplines of immunology & virology. 1/3 of the marks will be longer essay format 2/3rd of the marks will be short answer or similar questions.

    Tutorials
    (10% of course grade) Small groups of students will analyse and reflect on key primary research papers relevant to the lecture course, The tutorials assess knowledge of scientific concepts, techniques and technologies, cognitive skills, critical thinking and presentation skills. Assessment will be based on individual performance and participation

    Practicals
     
    (25% of course) Assessment will be by a combination of activities that include one or more of the following:
    1) Practical Exam
    A series of questions are used to promote reading of the manual and the theory behind the methods and reagents used.

    2) Daybook
    marked twice. This is used to record all experimental work and results. It is used to write the experimental reports.

    Essay
    (15%) Students submit an essay of 2,000 words (maximum) on an allocated topic of relevance to the disciplines of immunology and virology. Students are expected to read widely on the topic and to cover the most up-to-date primary literature.

    Submission

    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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