Overview
Microbes in human disease and the contribution of microbiomes to our health. The role of microbes in food preparation or spoilage, and the detection and control of food-borne pathogens.
Bacterial, parasitic or fungal infections are major causes of illnesses and deaths in New Zealand and throughout the world. Combating infectious disease requires a detailed knowledge of virulence mechanisms of pathogens, the impact of commensal microbes on these pathogens and strategies to prevent or treat disease. This paper will be of interest to students seeking careers in medical laboratory science, health science, public health or biomedical research.
About this paper
| Paper title | Health Microbiology |
|---|---|
| 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
- MICR 221 or MICR 223 and 18 further 200-level points
- Recommended Preparation
- MICR 221
- Schedule C
- Science
- Eligibility
- Appropriate for BSc or BBiomedSc students studying Microbiology, Health Sciences, Food Science or Public Health.
- Contact
Bruce Russell (b.russell@otago.ac.nz)
- More information link
View more information on the Department of Microbiology & Immunology's website
- Teaching staff
Convenor: Professor Bruce Russell
Other Lecturers:
Associate Professor Keith Ireton
Professor James Ussher
Dr Htin Lin Aung
Dr Simon Jackson- Paper Structure
Lectures focus on several important microbial pathogens with the goal of answering the following three questions:
- What are the cellular and molecular mechanisms employed by pathogens to cause disease?
- How do commensal microorganisms and the human microbiome impact health and disease?
- What strategies are used to prevent or treat infections?
- Teaching Arrangements
- There are two lectures per week. There are two laboratory sessions per week for four weeks. Students may leave the lab for other commitments, such as lectures, and are able to plan their experiments to fit in with these commitments.
- Textbooks
- Wilson, BA., Salyers, AA., Whitt, DD. And Winkler ME. 2011, Third edition. Bacterial pathogenesis. A Molecular Approach. American Society for Microbiology.
- Course outline
Contact the course convenor for a course outline.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will:
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of microbial mechanisms of virulence, the role of commensals in health and disease and approaches used to prevent or treat infectious diseases
- Exhibit abilities to perform laboratory work with a high degree of competence and to write a well-organised report that effectively communicates data and conclusions
- Assessment details
- Laboratory report written in the form of a scientific paper (25%)
- 20-question quiz on the laboratory material (5%)
- Final exam on the lecture material (70%)