The epidemiology and pathogenesis of infectious diseases, the response of the immune system to microbial antigens, and how the response is measured.
Microbes and their human hosts exist in a delicate balance. The immune system has evolved multiple mechanisms to fight infection by microbial pathogens and maintain homeostasis. On the other hand, infectious organisms have developed ways to evade the immune system. Understanding this intricate host-pathogen interplay requires a clear understanding of the mechanisms microbes use to infect cells, individuals and communities and an in-depth knowledge of the cells and processes of the immune system.
| Paper title | Infection and Immunity (for BMLSc) |
|---|---|
| Paper code | MELS223 |
| Subject | Medical Laboratory Science |
| EFTS | 0.1425 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,253.43 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- MICR 223
- Limited to
- BMLSc
- Contact
- Teaching staff
Convenor: Dr Warren McBurney
Lecturers:
Associate Professor Keith Ireton
Associate Professor James Ussher
Associate Professor Jo Kirman
Dr Warren McBurney
Professor Roslyn Kemp- Paper Structure
Lectures address the following issues:
- How infectious diseases spread and the principles and limitations of antimicrobial therapy
- The sources of infection and how to prevent disease transmission
- Microbial virulence mechanisms
- Inflammation; Immune responses
- How to prevent disease through vaccination
- How to detect disease
These concepts are further explored in the laboratory and through clinical case studies.
Assessment:
- Laboratory and lecture test 1 - 15%
- Laboratory and lecture test 2 - 15%
- 3-hour final exam - 70%
- Teaching Arrangements
There are two lectures per week for the first six weeks of the second semester. For the remainder of the semester, there are three lectures per week (32 lectures total).
There are six laboratory sessions throughout the semester, divided into three streams to create timetable flexibility for students. The labs are run in weeks 2-4 and 8-10 of the second semester.
- Textbooks
Recommended:
- Prescott's Microbiology by Wiley, Sandman and Wood, 11th edition, 2020, McGraw-Hill Publishers
- Kuby Immunology by Punt, Stranford, Jones & Owen, 8th edition, 2018, Macmillan Publishers
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical
thinking, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will:
- Be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of microbiology and immunology in preparation for advanced laboratory skills in 300-level and in graduate papers
- Display a practical knowledge of infectious diseases microbiology and fundamental immunology, with the ability to assimilate complex information on a spectrum of interdisciplinary topics and to be able to use this knowledge for applications in the medical laboratory
- Develop an enhanced ability to communicate ideas about science
