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MICR223 Infection and Immunity

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.

Paper title Infection and Immunity
Paper code MICR223
Subject Microbiology
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) $1,141.35
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.

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Prerequisite
HUBS 191 and 90 further points
Restriction
MELS 223 and PSCI 202
Recommended Preparation
MICR 221
Schedule C
Science
Eligibility
Appropriate for students majoring in Microbiology, Immunology, and all Biological and Health Sciences.
Contact

Associate Professor Jo Kirman

Teaching staff

Convenor: Associate Professor Jo Kirman

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.

Assessment:

  • Laboratory and lecture test I 15%
  • Laboratory and lecture test II 15%
  • 3-hour final exam 70%
Teaching Arrangements

Thirty-two lectures and six 4-hour laboratory sessions.

Textbooks

Essential: Prescott's Microbiology by Wiley, Sandman and Wood, 11th edition, 2020, McGraw-Hill Publishers.

Recommended: Kuby Immunology, published by Palgrave Macmillan. 8th edition, 2019.
OR
Janeway’s Immunobiology, 8th edition (Immunobiology: The Immune System).

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

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Timetable

Semester 2

Location
Dunedin
Teaching method
This paper is taught On Campus
Learning management system
Blackboard

Lecture

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend
C1 Wednesday 11:00-11:50 34, 36-41
AND
D1 Thursday 11:00-11:50 28-34, 36-41
AND
E1 Friday 11:00-11:50 29-34, 36-41

Practical

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend one stream from
A1 Tuesday 14:00-17:50 29-31, 36-38
A2 Wednesday 14:00-17:50 29-31, 36-38
A3 Thursday 14:00-17:50 29-31, 36-38