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James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

For subject information from 2025 and onwards, please visit the new JCU Course and Subject Handbook website.

MI3021 - Clinical Microbiology 1

Credit points:03
Year:2024
Student Contribution Band:Band 2
Prerequisites:MI2021 or PC2201
Administered by:College of Public Health, Medical and Vet Sciences

Subject Description

    The habitat, the major characteristics and the methods used for the isolation and identification of bacteria medical importance will be presented. The range of selective and differential media used and the basis of the biochemical tests will be discussed in detail. Major characteristics of viruses will be presented in the context of how this relates to human infection and diagnostic assays. A component of medical mycology and parasitology is also included. The major emphasis of this course will be given to developing the practical skills required for diagnostic microbiology. The subject is complementary to MI3051 in SP2.

Learning Outcomes

  • appreciate the hazards associated with working with pathogenic microorganisms and develop the appropriate microbiological skills
  • develop competencies for diagnosis of major parasite and fungal groups relevant to humans
  • be familiar with the strategies of viral infection and relate these to human infection and diagnostics
  • comprehend the basis and interpretation of biochemical reactions in the identification of pathogenic bacteria
  • understand the use of selective and differential media as an aid in the initial identification of bacteria
  • describe in detail, the distribution of pathogenic microorganisms in the environment and the normal flora of animal body systems and the diseases they cause

Subject Assessment

  • Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (30%) - Individual
  • Written > Examination - In class - (20%) - Individual
  • Written > Literature review - (20%) - Individual
  • Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (30%) - Group

Note that 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.

Special Assessment Requirements

Achieve an overall percentage of 50% or more over all on-course assessment components.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  MI5003 and MI5021 and MI3421

Availabilities

Townsville Bebegu Yumba, Study Period 1, Internal

Census date:Thursday, 21 Mar 2024
Study Period Dates:Monday, 19 Feb 2024 to Friday, 14 Jun 2024
Coordinator(s):
Assoc. Professor Jeffrey Warner
Lecturer(s):
Professor Estelle Venter
Assoc. Professor Jeffrey Warner
Assoc. Professor Donna Rudd
Workload expectations:The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
  • 39 Hours - Lectures
  • 33 Hours - Specialised