This course will investigate host responses to microbial infections: innate reactions including the complement system, and phagocytic cells; adaptive immunity including clonal selection theory, antibodies, roles of B and T lymphocytes, antigens and antigen presentation, and molecular genetics of antigen receptors; bacterial diseases, focussing on molecular explanations of pathogenesis and virulence of selected pathogens and toxins; viruses and viral infections with an emphasis on replication strategies, host and tissue specificity, effects of viruses on cells (cell death, transformation, latency), and determinants of viral virulence. 

 

Honours Pathway Option (HPO)

An honours pathway option may be offered this year. The HPO typically involves participation in a journal club analysing and presenting recent advances in immunology.  Demonstrations of advanced viral immunology techniques may also be replaced by practical exercises. If offered, the HPO provides an opportunity to develop more complex interpretive skills and will provide an extension of the theory taught in the course.

In the assessment: an oral presentation replaces one laboratory report.

Entry to the HPO is subject to a quota, and will be determined based on grades obtained in the prerequisite subject, BIOL2142.

 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand basic concepts in immunology, virology and microbiology.
2. Be able to apply this knowledge in both scientific and general settings.
3. Obtain laboratory skills in microbiology, immunology and virology.
4. Be able to source, understand and evaluate published literature relating to immunology, virology and microbiology.
5. Be able to analyse and interpret laboratory results, relate them to the published literature and write them up clearly and concisely.

Research-Led Teaching

• BIOL 3141 is taught by four lecturers, all of whom are actively involved in research and have international reputations in the specific disciplines they will be lecturing in.

• BIOL3141 has a substantial practical component designed to train students in practical, analytical and writing skills required for research.

• The BIOL3141 Honours Pathway Option (if offered) is entirely research oriented.

Additional Course Costs

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required in the laboratory.

Safety glasses must be purchased. Lab coats will be provided, and do not need to be purchased for this course. You must wear closed shoes to be admitted to the laboratory.

Examination Material or equipment

No extra materials may be brought into the examination room.

Required Resources

The Practical manual will be available on the wattle site.

You will need to bring a printed copy to the practical classes.

Recommended Resources

Recommended texts:

• Janeway's Immunobiology, Murphy K. Garland Science, 9th edition 2017.

• Mim's Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Goering R., Elsevier, 6th edition 2019

• Mim’s Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease. Nash A. et al Academic Press, 6th edition 2015

• Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Abbas A.K. et al. Saunders/Elsevier, 10th edition 2022.

Reference text:

• Field's Virology. Fields B.N. et al. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins. 5th Ed. 2007

All texts are available on two hour reserve, or in electronic book format from the library.

Additional useful texts are also available on reserve in the library. A link to all of these resources is provided in the Wattle on-line site for this course.

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Practical assignments are returned with feedback. Due dates have been designed to ensure that each assignment can be returned in time for students to incorporate this feedback before submitting their next assignment; allowing for progressive improvement in scientific writing.

• Skills assessments allow techniques requiring improvement to be identified, discussed with a demonstrator and corrected.

• Questions are encouraged during and after lectures, so that students can get immediate feedback on any aspects they are unsure of. Some lecturers will also ask direct questions of the class during lectures, to help students gauge their understanding of key concepts.

• The convenor and demonstrators are available during each practical session to answer questions and clarify any feedback received.

• Once results are released, appointments may be made with the convenor to view your exam, and receive feedback on where you performed well, or could improve.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Most weeks will include two lectures and one practical session	Up to 6 assessments plus one exam Assessments may include: 4 practical reports, one practical test, and one oral presentation.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Practical Reports and Oral presentation	35 %	2,3,4,5
Skills competency.	5 %	3
Exam	60 %	1,2

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Attendance at Practical classes is compulsory, and will be recorded.

Examination(s)

Students must pass the exam to pass the course.

Please note, that where a date range is used in the Assessment Summary in relation to exams, the due date and return date for mid-semester exams indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held; the due and return date for end of semester exams indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held and the date official end of Semester results are released on ISIS. Students should consult the course wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and venue of the exam.

Assessment Task 1

Practical Reports and Oral presentation

Five practical reports are due throughout the semester.

A remote “practical” option will be offered for remote students unable to make it to Canberra.

Details, word limits, presentation requirements, due dates and the assessment rubric will be provided in the practical manual or the wattle site.

Assessment Task 2

Skills competency.

Practical and other laboratory skills will be assessed during the practical sessions.

Techniques tested may include: plating out bacteria for single colonies, gram staining, microscopy, dilutions, sterile technique.

Assessment Task 3

Exam

Please check published ANU exam timetable for date and time. Three hour exam.

The date range indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the course Wattle site and the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location of the exam.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Due to the rapid turn-around of assignments, and in fairness to other students, extensions in the course are granted rarely. Any extensions must be requested before the due date (barring exceptional circumstances). If an assessment task is not submitted by the due date, a mark of 0 will be awarded. However, feedback can be given, to maximise student learning.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Marked assignments will usually be returned through wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

No resubmission of assignments is permitted.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students