Overview
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 co-exist in a delicate balance. The immune system has evolved multiple mechanisms to fight infection by disease-causing microbes 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.
About this paper
| Paper title | Infection and Immunity |
|---|---|
| Subject | Microbiology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,243.65 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- (HUBS 191 or PTWY 131) and 90 further points
- Restriction
- MELS 223
- Recommended Preparation
- MICR 221
- Schedule C
- Science
- Eligibility
- Appropriate for students majoring in Microbiology, Immunology, and all Biological and Health Sciences.
- Contact
- More information link
View more information on the Department of Microbiology & Immunology's website
- Teaching staff
Convener: Professor Alex McLellan
Other Lecturers:
- 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 systems
- How to prevent disease through vaccination
- How to detect infectious disease
These concepts are further explored in laboratory exercises and through clinical case studies.
- Teaching Arrangements
Thirty-two lectures and six 4-hour laboratory sessions.
- Textbooks
While there are no specific recommended texts, students are advised to consult external sources recommended during the lecture series, for example, online sources and University of Otago library texts.
- 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 fundamental microbiology and immunology, with the ability to assimilate complex information on a spectrum of interdisciplinary topics and to use this knowledge for applications in the workplace
- Develop an ability to communicate ideas about science
- Assessment details
- Laboratory and lecture test I 15%
- Laboratory and lecture test II 15%
- 3-hour final exam 70%