Overview
On completion of this unit, you will be able to identify and discuss the clinical significance of viruses, prions, fungi and parasites causing human disease. You will investigate the morphological characteristics, epidemiology, laboratory identification of these microorganisms and will be able to debate causes of mycological, parasitic and viral infectious diseases. You will discuss the life cycle of important parasites and their relevance to disease control. You will be able to interpret basic serological tests for the detection of human pathogenic viruses.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisites: MBIO19012 MicrobiologyBIOL12106 Molecular Biology
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2021
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Residential Schools
This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student feedback
Students enjoyed the Residential School and found that it complemented the theory well.
Continue with the Residential School format.
Feedback from Student feedback
Students appreciated the expertise of the lecturer and the anecdotes that put theory into context.
ensure that lecturers have expertise in the subject and recent relevant experience to continue to provide contemporary knowledge.
Feedback from Student feedback
Some students felt that the end of Term Online Test could have been more challenging.
The end of term test will be reviewed.
- Discuss the clinical significance and laboratory detection of the principal viral/prion, fungal and parasitic pathogens of each of the human body systems
- Appraise the use of molecular techniques for identifying viruses/prions, fungi and parasites causing human disease
- Use practical skills to identify pathogenic viruses/prions, fungi and parasites
- Evaluate and interpret different testing methods used in the detection and monitoring of infectious diseases caused by viruses/prions, fungi and parasites
- Apply appropriate quality control processes for the practice of virology, mycology and parasitology.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Practical Assessment - 30% | |||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 25% | |||||
| 3 - Online Test - 45% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Practical Assessment - 30% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 25% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Online Test - 45% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
Bailey and Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology 14th Ed
Edition: 14th
Authors: Patricia M Tile
Elsevier
ISBN: 9780323354820
Binding: Hardcover
Additional Textbook Information
If you prefer to study with a paper text, you can purchase one at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code).
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
w.pederick@cqu.edu.au
w.deasy@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Host Parasite interactions and Antimicrobial resistance, "superbugs"
Chapter
Bailey and Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology Chapters 1, 2 and 10 (14th Edition)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Rockhampton Lecture and zoom tutorial
Introduction to the subject content, learning materials and assessments
Module/Topic
Viruses and anti viral chemotherapy
Chapter
Bailey and Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology Chapters 64, 65, 66 (14th Edition)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Rockhampton lecture and zoom tutorial on week 1 content
Module/Topic
Mycology and Anti Fungal Chemotherapy
Chapter
Bailey and Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology Chapter 58-63 (14th Edition)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Rockhampton lecture and zoom tutorial on week 2 content
Module/Topic
Chapter
Bailey and Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology Chapters 46-57
Events and Submissions/Topic
Rockhampton lecture and zoom tutorial on week 3 content
Module/Topic
Respiratory Tract Infections
Chapter
Bailey and Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology Chapters 68 and 69 (14th Edition)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Rockhampton lecture and zoom tutorial on week 4 content
Module/Topic
Independent study week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Chapter
Bailey and Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology Chapters 73 (14th Edition)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Rockhampton lecture and zoom tutorial on week 5 content
Module/Topic
Chapter
Bailey and Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology Chapters 72
Events and Submissions/Topic
Rockhampton lecture and zoom tutorial on week 6 content
Module/Topic
Chapter
Bailey and Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology Chapter 70 (14th Edition)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Rockhampton lecture and zoom tutorial on week 7 content
Laboratory Diagnostic Assay Review Due: Week 8 Monday (6 Sept 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Gastrointestinal Tract Infections
Chapter
Bailey and Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology Chapter 74
Events and Submissions/Topic
Rockhampton lecture and zoom tutorial on week 8 content
Module/Topic
Infections of Skin and Soft Tissue
Chapter
Bailey and Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology Chapter 75 (14th Edition)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Rockhampton lecture and zoom tutorial on week 9 content
Module/Topic
Vector Borne Infections and Zoonoses
Chapter
Bailey and Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology (14th Edition)
Chapters 57, 65, 67
Events and Submissions/Topic
Compulsory Residential School 27/09 to 29/09, Rockhampton Campus
Rockhampton lecture and zoom tutorial on week 10 content
Laboratory Practical Assessment Due: Week 11 Monday (27 Sept 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Bailey and Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology (14th Edition)
All Chapters listed
Events and Submissions/Topic
Rockhampton lecture and zoom tutorial in Review Week
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Your unit coordinator for BMSC13003 is William Deasy. You can contact me using the forum on the unit's Moodle site or alternatively through email (w.deasy@cqu.edu.au) or on 07 4930 6365. The forum for this unit is continuously monitored and you can expect a response within 24 hours of posting your question.
1 Practical Assessment
The laboratory practical exercise is an opportunity to learn and perform clinical diagnostic procedures in Virology, Mycology and Parasitology and compliment the theoretical knowledge of diagnostic microbiology. The residential school will provide valuable practical experience in techniques currently performed in diagnostic clinical microbiology laboratories.
The laboratory practical assessment will comprise of laboratory based exercises which will be completed during the Residential School period. The exercises will be described in the subject laboratory manual and will involve completion of laboratory exercises, calculation and presentation of results. A detailed rubric of assessment criteria for laboratory manual will be available on the unit Moodle site
Competed laboratory manuals will be submitted in hard copy by hand on the final day of the Residential School or a laboratory workbook can be uploaded through the moodle site..
Weighting
30%
Week 11 Monday (27 Sept 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 12 Monday (4 Oct 2021)
Assessment of the laboratory manual will be based on presentation of results of laboratory exercises and calculations where indicated. Descriptive answers and associated labelled diagrams will also be assessed where exercises involving microscopy are required. Answers provided in the laboratory manual must be clearly presented and legible.
- Use practical skills to identify pathogenic viruses/prions, fungi and parasites
- Evaluate and interpret different testing methods used in the detection and monitoring of infectious diseases caused by viruses/prions, fungi and parasites
- Apply appropriate quality control processes for the practice of virology, mycology and parasitology.
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
2 Written Assessment
The laboratory diagnostic assay review is an opportunity to explore in more detail current laboratory techniques for detection of viral, prion, parasite or fungal pathogens together with a synopsis of their life cycle, diagnosis and treatment and provide an up to date review through literature searching.
In this written assessment you will be required to compare and contrast two pathogens which infect a similar tissue or organ in terms of the laboratory techniques used for their detection together with a description of transmission, pathogenesis and treatment of these pathogens.
You must choose two different pathogen types, for example a virus and a parasite, a fungus and a parasite, or a prion and a virus. You are not limited to these combinations.
Examples of a target tissue or organ could be the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tractor central nervous system.
You will be required to give an introductory background to both of the pathogens and then write in a comparative style as to how the pathogens are diagnosed in particular recent advances in molecular based diagnostic techniques. The written assessment should between 1500 and 2000 word in length.
In order to achieve this you will need to.
1: Identify two suitable pathogens which infect the same tissue type or organ. If you are unsure on the suitability of your choice please consult the unit coordinator for guidance. A comprehensive explanation as to how to approach this assignment will also be available through learning materials provided on the Moodle site.
2: Research the literature on current diagnostic techniques and advances in diagnosis using molecular techniques and also provide information on the pathogenesis and treatment of the chosen pathogen.
3: You will be required to reference at least 20 scientific journal articles.
Week 8 Monday (6 Sept 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Assignment to be submitted through moodle
Week 10 Friday (24 Sept 2021)
Assignments will be returned through moodle
The assessment will be evaluated according to a detailed marking rubric available on the unit Moodle site, A total maximum mark of 100 is available for this assessment and a brief overview of the assessment criteria are as follows
Introduction (15 marks): Describe the transmission of the two chosen pathogens and spectrum of disease caused in the target tissue or organ.
Diagnostic Laboratory assays (60 marks): In this section you must describe 3 separate laboratory tests for each of the two pathogens and this must include a Molecular based test (2 x 10 marks), a Serology based Test ( 2 x 10 marks) and a microscopy based test (2 x 10 marks).
Treatment (15 marks): In this section you must describe current treatment strategies for each of the two pathogens with reference to efficacy, emergence of resistance and side effects.
References (10 marks): Appropriate use of references and formatting of the reference list.
Weighting
25%
- Discuss the clinical significance and laboratory detection of the principal viral/prion, fungal and parasitic pathogens of each of the human body systems
- Appraise the use of molecular techniques for identifying viruses/prions, fungi and parasites causing human disease
- Communication
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
3 Online Test
The online test will be completed through the Moodle site and will comprise of short answer and long answer questions.
Online test will take place during the examination block, exact dates TBA
After certification of grades, Nov 5th, Exact dates TBA
No Assessment Criteria
- Discuss the clinical significance and laboratory detection of the principal viral/prion, fungal and parasitic pathogens of each of the human body systems
- Appraise the use of molecular techniques for identifying viruses/prions, fungi and parasites causing human disease
- Evaluate and interpret different testing methods used in the detection and monitoring of infectious diseases caused by viruses/prions, fungi and parasites
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Ethical practice
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
