MI3071 - Tropical Microbial Molecular Analysis and Epidemiology

Credit points:	03
Year:	2012
Student Contribution Band:	Band 3
Administered by:	School of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences

This subject has an enrolment limit of 20 students per year. The subject will be available to BMedSc, BMedLabSc students only or by permission of Head of School

This is a vocationally oriented subject aimed at providing practical molecular training for students and professionals with a microbial research and/or diagnostic focus. The subject introduces the molecular technologies with a focus on microbial epidemiology, molecular diagnostics and bioinformatic analysis. It covers both theoretical and practical applications. Topics that students will be exposed to include sample quality, measures of error, epidemiological sampling, a variety of molecular platforms and sequence analysis. Workshops will cover computer assisted analytical techniques such as primer design, sequence alignment, next generation sequencing and database searches.

Learning Outcomes

• Ability to apply theoretical molecular knowledge to practical applications;
• a working knowledge of genomic sequence databases and tools required to interrogate and analyse these databases;
• Ability to apply practical molecular diagnostics to a variety of field situations.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to deploy critically evaluated information to practical ends;
• The ability to select and use appropriate tools and technologies;
• The ability to use online technologies effectively and ethically.

Assumed Knowledge:	Students should enter the subject with an understanding of genomic structure, DNA replication mechanisms and microbial diversity
Prerequisites:	(3 CP OF LEVEL 2 MI) AND (3 CP OF LEVEL 2 BC)
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	MI5071

Availabilities
Townsville, Block, Study Period 7
Census Date 05-Jul-2012
Face to face teaching 20-Jun-2012 to 29-Jul-2012
Coordinator:	Dr Jenny Elliman, Dr Graham Burgess
Lecturers:	Dr Jenny Elliman, Ms Donna Rudd, Assoc. Professor Bruce Gummow, Dr Graham Burgess.
Contact hours:	25 hours lectures - 2.5 hours per AM session over 10 days 25 hours practicals - 5 hours per day during Week 1 (Mon-Fri) 25 hours workshops/Seminars - 5 hours per day during Week 2 (Mon-Fri)
Assessment:	quizzes or tests (50%); tutorial attendance and participation (50%).
Special Assessment Requirements:	Compulsory attendance of 9/10 practical sessions Satisfactory completion of set competency tasks undertaken during practical sessions
Restrictions:	An enrolment quota applies to this offering.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.