Handbook

The program of study will give students a solid foundation in the biomedical sciences that underlie the evolving area of human immunology, virology, microbiology and immunopathogenesis, including point-of-care testing methods used in disease management and detection.  Upon completion, students will have gained a comprehensive and integrative understanding of the following core areas of these disciplines: immunology, immunopathology, virology, microbiology, physiology, genetics, biochemistry, and point-of-care testing. These areas of immunology and microbiology will be covered in states of both health and human disease, providing students with a solid understanding of these key areas of medicine and medical research. In addition to specific knowledge, it will also provide experience and skills in addressing the scientific literature supplemented by analytical, presentation and communication skills.

Students will be able to:

• Identify major causes of infectious and non-infectious diseases with an emphasis on bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and appreciate the complex interplay between environment, host, and pathogens in the manifestation of infectious disease
• Understand the development, major components, and complex functions of the human immune system in human health and disease, including key principles of microbial pathogenesis and immune responses to microbes, and immunopathogenesis including immunodeficiency and the immune hypersensitivities, allergy and autoimmunity
• Understand and identify key characteristics of viruses including their genomes, class structure, virulence mechanisms and host-virus interactions with particular focus on the workings of innate and adaptive immunity and the role of this in human viral pathogenesis
• Appreciate the multidisciplinary nature of immunology and microbial and viral pathogenesis
  Appreciate the importance of advances in the field of immunology, virology and microbiology including vaccine development and point-of-care testing including problems some viruses present to vaccine approaches for human diseases
• Have a broad knowledge of scientific terminology relating to all areas of immunology, microbiology, human physiology, genetics, and biochemistry
•  Access the scientific research literature in the field and collate findings into a cohesive report
• Perform a range of laboratory techniques in immunology and microbiology to investigate infectious diseases and have an ability to analyse, interpret and report the data
• Work independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills
• Demonstrate an appreciation of the ethical implications and social impact of human immunology, virology and microbiology research and knowledge

The major provides foundations for further study in biomedical sciences and a range of careers in medicine and health sciences. It will also allow students to build a deep understanding of current scientific knowledge of the immune system, and pathogen challenges to health.