Key facts
UNE unit code: MICR550
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
As our understanding of human health and disease rapidly evolves, the importance of the relationship between humans and microorganisms is becoming more evident.
Studying this unit, your knowledge will be extended with key insights into the principle mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity and biomedical applications of microbes.
You will explore pathogenic mechanisms of prokaryotic and eukaryotic bacteria, fungi and viruses. This unit introduces you to host-microbe interactions and immunological responses and you will examine a range of diseases caused by these organisms in humans, including those affecting the skin, nervous, cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.
Focusing on the strengths, limitations and clinical utility of different diagnostic tools and antimicrobial drugs, we also discuss the global implications of wide-spread, increasingly problematic antibiotic resistance.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Assumed knowledge in University level Biology, Microbiology and Chemistry.
The School of Science and Technology considers all practical / laboratory activities as essential to student learning.
Attendance and participation in all practical / laboratory classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- have the advanced theoretical and technical knowledge to demonstrate a high level of understanding of the mechanisms of pathogenicity in microbial diseases caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses, with biomedical applications;
- demonstrate a high level of understanding of the fundamental principles involved in the action of antimicrobial drug and evaluate treatments for different types of microbial infections;
- apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy and well-developed judgement to identify microbial diseases affecting different human systems;
- using advanced knowledge apply a range of tools in pathology and virology and understand the choice of tools for different purposes; and
- demonstrate high levels of critical analysis in the field of clinical microbiology and present the results of scientific research as appropriate for professional scientific meetings.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1-Online quiz | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Online quiz. Multiple choice questions. This quiz will count towards the final mark of this unit. |
| Assessment 2 - Online Quiz | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Online quiz. Multiple choice questions. This quiz will count towards the final mark of this unit. No. Words: 500 |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Online quiz. Multiple choice questions. This quiz will count towards the final mark of this unit. |
| Assessment 3 - Viva - Assurance Task. | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Case study Viva - live question and answer based on case study. |
| Assessment 4 - Case Study | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Case study group assessment. It is mandatory to complete this assessment in order to pass the unit. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | It is mandatory to pass this assessment in order to pass the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Microbiology with Diseases by Body System
ISBN: 9781292057682
Bauman, R.W., Pearson 4th ed. 2014
Text refers to: All offerings
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