Objectives: The overall objective is for students to understand the nature of the interactions between parasites and their human hosts, and the fundamentals of human immunology. Early lectures and tutorials are concerned with the basics of the scientific discipline of immunology. In order to achieve the microbiology requirement, students will know the causative agents of common microbial diseases and how they produce their effects, comprehend host defence processes, understand the epidemiology of infectious diseases, understand the basis of prevention and treatment of microbial diseases, appreciate the role of the microbiologist in the diagnosis and management of microbial disease and where appropriate, integrate these objectives with a knowledge of pathology and immunology. Emphasis is given to the nature of the response of pathogens to various physical, chemical and antibiotic agents which can be used to interrupt their normal function. An analytical approach is taken to the means by which microorganisms exist in association with humans and their environment and how they gain access to tissues and produce disease. Attention is given to the mechanisms of host defence against microbial infection. Emphasis throughout the course is placed on diseases of body systems. Laboratory based classes emphasise the role of the laboratory in diagnosis and include the use of problem solving approaches to the study of microbial diseases.
Assessment: This is based on mid-year and end of year examinations as well as a major assignment and practical examination.