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Learning outcomes
Describe the components of the immune system and their response to varying pathogens.
Discuss the relationship between the individual's genetic attributes and disease.
Discuss the interactions of genetics, immune system and microbial organisms.
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Microbiology involves the study of pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, including their biology, replication and life cycle. This unit will focus on viruses and bacteria as they cause the majority of infectious disease in humans. Also it will cover the major classes of pathogenic viruses and bacteria and examine potential pathologies and therapeutics. Eukaryotic infections will also be examined.
The immune system has evolved as a sophisticated host defense mechanism against foreign invasion by pathogens. Several components of immune responses will be taught together with their coordinating roles in eliciting protective immunity. Development, functions and regulation of the immune system in health will be studied. In addition, we will be concerned about the understanding of the immune responses during infections and diseases.
Molecular genetics is about how changes in DNA relate to the development of disease, and how this so-called sequence information can be used to prevent, diagnose and treat both human and animal maladies. The molecular genetics component aims to provide students with an awareness of the DNA revolution that is currently transforming medicine. The basic structure and function of genes is assumed and review of this material prior to the lectures in this unit is highly recommended. The lectures are in this section are concerned with how disease, whether it is inherited, infectious or malignant, can be diagnosed at the DNA level.