Handbook

This major explores the complex world of infectious microorganisms, their interactions with human hosts to cause disease, and our immune system’s response in defending against them. Students will study bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, along with how pathogens are detected and identified. With both theoretical and practical laboratory training, students will learn about the global challenges of infectious disease and how this is being met in various ways, including by the development of anti-viral agents, immunotherapeutics, vaccines and antibiotics. This major is excellent preparation for a range of opportunities including within research institutes and universities undertaking immunity and infectious disease research, hospitals and laboratories performing infectious disease surveillance, medical biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies focused on vaccine, immunotherapy or anti-microbial drug development, and food companies and various organisations overseeing biosafety and regulation.