LQB594 Microbial Genomics and Immunity

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

In the post-genomics era, the emphasis in molecular microbiology is shifting from the acquisition of new genome sequence information to how to use this information to understand the biology and pathogenesis of microorganisms. As a part of your biomedical science training, exploration of the essential pathways and mechanisms for microbial growth, survival and pathogenesis will equip you with skills that can be utilised in clinical microbiology, allied health courses, clinical practice and/or research later on in your career or postgraduate studies and to take advantage of the opportunities that will exist in this post-genomics age.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Understand and describe the latest research into genetic pathways used by microorganisms to cause disease and to overcome human host defences.
2. Apply your knowledge and laboratory skills and data analysis tools to understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of microorganisms, host defence mechanisms, molecular methods of detection and subtyping, microbial genetic manipulation and factors that may account for variation in host responses to disease.

Content

Learning Approaches

A variety of teaching and learning approaches will be employed in this unit. The teaching team will present the theoretical aspects of the subject matter to you using a blended learning approach via online learning materials and weekly workshops. These will be supplemented by laboratory classes that will enable you to learn and apply state-of-the art molecular microbiology techniques, including next generation sequencing and bioinformatic tools, enabling you to understand the theory.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Throughout the semester you will be provided with feedback on your learning by participating in practical and workshop class activities with your peers and/or teaching staff. You will receive feedback on your first Good Laboratory Practice Notes submission prior to the subsequent submission. You should use this feedback to identify areas that you need to focus on. You will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the learning and teaching of this unit during and at the end of the semester.

Assessment

Overview

This unit has two major assessment tasks. The Good Laboratory Practice Notes will assess your ability to document laboratory experiments and draw evidence-based conclusions. The final written examination will examine your knowledge and understanding of the learning concepts introduced in the online learning materials, workshops and practicals.  

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Good Laboratory Practice Notebooks

You will complete a laboratory notebook that documents all laboratory experiments conducted during practical classes.  You will learn about keeping good laboratory notes that document laboratory procedures, record results and make evidence-based conclusions.

Assessment: Examination (written)

You will complete a final written examination assessing your knowledge and critical understanding of learning concepts addressed in the online learning materials, workshops, and laboratory sessions by responding to short and extended answer questions.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

Practicals will require personal protective equipment supplied by each student:

1. Laboratory Gown - Rear fastening 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix
2. Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with Australian Safety Standards
3. Fully enclosed non-slip shoes

Costs

Cost of lab gowns and safety protection glasses are the students responsibility.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You are required to view a Health & Safety Induction video and complete an online health and safety quiz prior to being permitted into the laboratory, to access please follow this link Health & Safety Induction. A passing score of 10/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory session. You may repeat the quiz until this score is achieved. You are also referred to the Faculty of Health's Health & Safety Web Site for further information.

If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the lecturer in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.