Infection and Immunity
Graduate Certificate in Infection and Immunity
(GradCertInfnImm) KG005
Graduate Diploma in Infection and Immunity
(GradDipInfnImm) KF040
Master of Medicine (Infection and Immunity)
(MMed(InfnImm)) KC050
Master of Science in Medicine (Infection and Immunity)
(MScMed(InfnImm)) KC051
| Course | Credit points for award | Duration full-time | Duration part-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| GradCertInfnImm | 24 | requires a minimum of 2 semesters to complete |
1.5 to 3 years |
| GradDipInfnImm | 36 | 1 year | 1.5 to 4 years |
| MMed(InfnImm) | 48 | 1 year | 1.5 to 7 years |
| MScMed(InfnImm) | 48 | 1 year | 1.5 to 7 years |
Overview
Infectious diseases are found all over the world and in many cases present a life-threatening risk and cause death in humans. As well as increasing resistance to antibiotics, the recurrence of known pathogens and the spread of new ones make infectious diseases a challenge for science.
The program analyses the fundamental mechanisms of infectious diseases to find improved ways of combating them. It covers a broad range of topics with a focus on understanding the functions of bacteria and viral genes, the mechanisms of viral and bacterial persistence, the immune control of viral and bacterial infections and the mechanisms involved in the generation and regulation of immune responses.
The integrated scientific approach taken will reflect the current state of knowledge regarding infectious microorganisms and their pathogenesis, immunology and the immune responses to infection, and the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases. The principles and practices advocated for the effective prevention or minimisation of infectious diseases – in hospitals, laboratories, the general community and during outbreaks of disease – will be central issues in one of the major units of study. The course will also provide training in various state-of-the-art laboratory techniques used in the disciplines of infectious diseases and immunology, including culture and identification of infectious organisms, antibiotic sensitivity testing, serology, immunohistochemistry, cellular immunology and molecular microbiology.
The Master of Medicine (Infection and Immunity) and the Master of Science in Medicine (Infection and Immunity) are essentially the same program with different admission requirements. Only medical graduates (with an MBBS) may be admitted to the Master of Medicine while non-medical graduates may be admitted to the Master of Science in Medicine. Students follow the same program of study (with the exception, in some cases, of practical work), with the only difference being the title of the course they are awarded on completion.
The graduate diploma and graduate certificate programs are open to both medical and science (non-medical) graduates.
Students with minimum weighted average mark of 70% in all core units study may obtained approval from the course-coordinator to enrol in the Dissertation unit of study. Students enrolled in this unit of study undertake supervised research which is then written up in a dissertation for examination.
Students who complete their coursework with a minimum average mark of 75 percent will be awarded pass with merit.
Course Outcomes
The aim of these courses is to produce graduates who can effectively participate in future health care or research programs in infection or immunity anywhere in the world.
Degree Resolutions
Sydney Medical School resolutions and the printed handbook are the official statement of Faculty policy. The resolutions contained in the printed handbook are accurate as at January 2011. If a conflict is perceived between the content of the printed handbook and information available elsewhere, Sydney Medical School resolutions and the information available in the handbook online shall always take precedence. See the handbook online website:
http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/handbooks_admin/medicine.shtml.
See the Policy Online website: http://sydney.edu.au/policy, for copies of University policies.
Master of Science in Medicine (Infection and Immunity)
These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.
Course resolutions
1 Course codes
| Code | Course and stream title |
|---|---|
| KG005 | Graduate Certificate in Infection and Immunity |
| KF040 | Graduate Diploma in Infection and Immunity |
| KC050 | Master of Medicine (Infection and Immunity) |
| KC051 | Master of Science in Medicine (Infection and Immunity) |
2 Attendance pattern
3 Master's type
0.
The master's degrees in these resolutions are professional master's courses, as defined by the Coursework Rule.
4 Embedded courses in this sequence
(2)
Providing candidates satisfy the admission requirements for each stage, a candidate may progress to the award of any of the courses in this sequence. Only the longest award completed will be conferred.
5 Admission to candidature
(1)
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit, according to the following admissions criteria. In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the Faculty, have qualifications, evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
0.0
any of the following degrees - Bachelor of Science; Bachelor of Medicine; Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery; Bachelor of Medical Science; Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences; Bachelor of Veterinary Science; or Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification.
0.0
any of the following degrees - Bachelor of Science; Bachelor of Medicine; Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery; Bachelor of Medical Science; Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences; Bachelor of Veterinary Science; or Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification.
0.0
a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification.
0.0
a Bachelor of Science with first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification;
0.0
a pass bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification, and completion of a minimum of 12 months research or work experience in the field after the completion of the degree.
6 Requirements for award
(1)
The units of study that may be taken for the course are set out in the Table of Units of Study: Infection and Immunity.
(2)
To qualify for the award of the Graduate Certificate in Infection and Immunity a candidate must successfully complete 24 credit points of core units of study.
(3)
To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Infection and Immunity a candidate must successfully complete 36 credit points, including:
(4)
To qualify for the award of the Master of Medicine (Infection and Immunity) or Master of Science in Medicine (Infection and Immunity) a candidate must successfully complete 48 credit points, including:
7 Credit for previous studies
0.
The maximum credit a candidate can receive for previous studies (not undertaken as a component of an embedded graduate certificate or graduate diploma) is not to exceed six credit points.
8 Transitional provisions
Table of Units of Study: Infection and Immunity
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
Core Units |
|||
| INIM5001 Fundamental Immunology |
6 | A Basic immunology |
Semester 1 |
| INIM5002 Virology and Cell Technology |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| INIM5011 Advanced Medical Bacteriology |
6 | A Basic microbiology |
Semester 2 |
| INIM5012 Infection Control and Epidemiology |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
Elective Units |
|||
| INIM5013 Clinical Mycology and Parasitology |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| INIM5016 Applied Clinical Immunology |
6 | P INIM5001 Fundamental Immunology |
Semester 2 |
| INIM5020 Dissertation |
12 | P A candidate must have obtained a minimum weighted average mark of 70% in all core units of study and obtain approval from the course-coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. Enrolment must be done through the Faculty or School office. Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
S2 Late Int Semester 1 Semester 1a Semester 1b Semester 2 Semester 2a Semester 2b |
| INIM5022 Global Control of Infectious Diseases |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| SEXH5200 Advanced STIs |
6 | S1 Intensive Semester 1 |
|
| SEXH5202 Advanced HIV Infection |
6 | S2 Intensive Semester 2 |
|
Further enquiries
Dr Jim Manos
Phone: +61 2 9351 8942
Fax: +61 2 9351 4731
Email:
Website: http://www.mastersinfectionandimmunity.med.usyd.edu.au/
Units of Study Descriptions for 2011
INIM5001 Fundamental Immunology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Scott Byrne (scott.bryne@sydney.edu.au) Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week + 1x4hr practical class and/or tutorials or seminars/week Assumed knowledge: Basic immunology Assessment: Progressive assessment including written, practical, and oral based assessment tasks as well as 1x 2hr formal examination Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Immunology is the study of defence mechanisms that protect individuals against infections and cancers. Studies in immunology are leading to advances in clinical medicine, including understanding allergies, transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and insulin-dependent diabetes, as well as the development of new vaccines. This unit of study will provide an understanding of the components and functions of the immune system at the molecular and cellular level, the mechanisms of pathological immune processes and immune system dysfunction, mechanisms of immune responses to microorganisms and immunological techniques used in clinical diagnostic and research laboratories.
The unit components will be delivered so as to develop skills in problem-solving, evaluation of scientific literature, and oral and written communication. Lectures will provide an overview of the immune system and an update of fundamental facts. Problem/case-based scenarios together with invited guest/specialized lectures, hands-on practical work, literature research and group discussions ('tutorials') will provide in-depth analysis of particular chosen topics.
The unit components will be delivered so as to develop skills in problem-solving, evaluation of scientific literature, and oral and written communication. Lectures will provide an overview of the immune system and an update of fundamental facts. Problem/case-based scenarios together with invited guest/specialized lectures, hands-on practical work, literature research and group discussions ('tutorials') will provide in-depth analysis of particular chosen topics.
Textbooks
Essential reading: Basic Immunology Functions and Disorders of the Immune System, Adul K Abbas & Andrew H Lichtman, Ed: Saunders. 3rd edition (updated edition) 2010. You should read and understand this book before progressing to more detailed textbooks.
INIM5002 Virology and Cell Technology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Belinda Herring Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week; 1x4hr practical classes and 1 x 1h tutorial/week Assessment: 1x2hr formal written examination (50%), 1x2h practical examination (20%), progressive assessment (30%) including oral presentation, tutorial assessments and laboratory work. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit aims to equip graduates with an in-depth knowledge of medical virology and cell technology that will enable them to work effectively as laboratory personnel in relevant hospital laboratories, clinics or research institutions. Students will develop skills in evaluation of scientific literature, in problem-solving and in scientific communication that will enable them to develop careers as administrators or policy-makers in hospitals, health care organisations or government bodies. The core of the program is a series of lectures, some of which will be given face-to-face and/or will be available online. Practical classes will focus on the identification of viruses and cell culture technology, and on techniques used in research investigations and will be conducted in an appropriately equipped student laboratory. Tutorials will be conducted in small groups and students will actively participate in a variety of exercises based on current topics in virology.
Textbooks
The following texts are good basic virology books and cover all the topics covered in lectures.
INIM5011 Advanced Medical Bacteriology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jim Manos Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week; 2x2hr practical classes or tutorials or student presentations/week Assumed knowledge: Basic microbiology Assessment: 1x2hr closed-book (Theory), and 1x1hr closed book (Practical) Value: written examinations 70% - Theory (55%) Practical (15%), progressive assessments (30%) including class tutorial/presentations and laboratory book assessment. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study aims to build on the student's basic knowledge of microbiology to provide an awareness of modern concepts and the latest knowledge of medical bacteriology relevant to the susceptibility and response of the host to pathogenic bacteria, with special emphasis on the host-pathogen relationship at the cellular and molecular levels regarding symptoms, virulence factors, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, control and prevention. The practical component will allow candidates to become familiar with modern molecular-based bacteriological techniques used to identify the characteristic genetic features of bacterial species that cause infections. The unit will provide the advanced scientific and intellectual basis to augment knowledge and understanding, at a postgraduate level, in a career involving medical microbiology or in a related subject area. Lectures will be used to impart knowledge and understanding as well as review key themes of the module. Tutorials will utilise activities such as journal review and topic presentation which enable candidates to explore a range of issues including the changing pattern of diseases in Australia and worldwide. The use of case studies will enable candidates to examine breakouts of disease and their investigation by the clinical laboratory. Laboratory sessions will enable students to apply the theoretical concepts of laboratory investigation at the molecular level using advanced molecular techniques of gene and protein identification.
Textbooks
Recommended reading: Bacterial Pathogenesis A Molecular Approach. Salyers and Whitt ASM Press Washington DC USA 2002
INIM5012 Infection Control and Epidemiology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Peter McMinn Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week; 2x2hr practical classes/week Assessment: 1x2hr examination (60%), progressive assessments including presentations, laboratory work and written assignments (40%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The unit aims to equip graduates to use hospital laboratory services and the research literature in the recognition of individual cases of communicable disease, trace the source of outbreaks and provide a scientific basis for development of institutional infection control policies. There are four specific learning objectives: to know how to estimate the risk of transmission of infection and to assess the value of control measures; to understand the methods used to determine the efficacy of antimicrobial drugs both for treating individual patients and in terms of policy guidelines; to understand the scientific basis of vaccination and its value and limitations in the field; to appreciate the human factors involved in achieving effective infection control. The core of the program is a series of lectures, practical classes and tutorials based on important current or historical examples of epidemic infectious diseases.
Textbooks
Infection Prevention and Control: Applied Microbiology for Healthcare, 2nd Edition, Gould, D and Brooker, C. Palgrave McMillan 2008; ISBN 978-0-230-50753-1.
INIM5013 Clinical Mycology and Parasitology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Wieland Meyer, Dr Rogan Lee Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr lectures/week, 2x2hr practical classes or tutorials or seminars/week Assessment: 1x3hr written examination (50%), seminar presentation (15-30min) (20%), and laboratory work (30%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit aims to equip graduates with an in-depth knowledge of medical mycology and parasitology that will enable them to work effectively as laboratory personnel in relevant hospital laboratories, clinics or research institutions. The course will allow students to develop skills in evaluation of scientific literature, in problem-solving and in scientific communication that will enable graduates to develop careers as administrators or policy-makers in hospitals, health care organizations or government bodies. The course structure involves lectures on diseases caused by fungal, protozoan and helminthic agents, laboratory classes on identification of fungal and parasitic infections, and on techniques used in research investigations and tutorials (e.g. clinical cases, investigation of outbreaks of disease and prevention strategies). Seminars consisting of presentation of specified topics researched by individual students will also form part of the course.
Textbooks
Recommended reading:
INIM5016 Applied Clinical Immunology
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Stephen Adelstein, Dr Andrew Williams, Louise Weinholt Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week; 1x3hr practical classes or tutorials or seminars/week Prerequisites: INIM5001 Fundamental Immunology Assessment: 1x2hr formal written examination (50%), progressive assessment including tutorial assignment, seminar presentation, and one formative assessment (50%). Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
The course will have two concurrent themes. Clinical: this theme will concentrate on the immunological methods used to evaluate human disease and will include the theoretical basis for tests of immune function, practical laboratory application of assays based on these principles and case-based seminars. Research: This theme will focus on understanding the investigation of immune function with lectures and practical sessions reviewing current molecular and cellular approaches and seminars based on study of current literature and classic papers in Immunology. Instruction will comprise lectures on the immunopathology of disease and the immunological methods used in diagnosis and research; laboratory classes on methods and techniques used in clinical diagnosis and research investigations; and tutorials involving clinical cases, journal article reviews, review of laboratory problems and seminars consisting of presentation of specified topics researched by individual students. The learning objectives of this unit are to understand the immunological basis for infection and immunity and how these concepts are core to and applied in the diagnostic pathology laboratory; to understand how the immune system causes and prevents disease, the use and performance of immunological tests in the investigation of disease and methods of investigation of the immune system; to develop effective skills in problem-solving and self-directed learning and to foster advanced verbal and written communication skills.
Textbooks
Recommended reading: Immunology, Infection and Immunity. Pier GB, Lyczak JB and Wetzel LM. ASM Press, Washington DC, 2004.
INIM5020 Dissertation
Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Jamie Triccas Session: S2 Late Int,Semester 1,Semester 1a,Semester 1b,Semester 2,Semester 2a,Semester 2b Prerequisites: A candidate must have obtained a minimum weighted average mark of 70% in all core units of study and obtain approval from the course-coordinator to enrol in this unit of study. Enrolment must be done through the Faculty or School office. Assessment: Following completion of their specified research project candidates will be required to submit a treatise of 30,000-40,000 words describing the project and its outcome. Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Students will work with an established research group and work on a specified research project. This project must be approved by the Infection and Immunity Program Committee and carried out under suitable supervision. At least one of the project supervisors must be an academic staff member of the University. Total minimum of 12 hours/week.
INIM5022 Global Control of Infectious Diseases
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Vitali Sintchenko Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2×1hr lectures/week, 1×3hr practical classes and/or 2×2hr tutorials/week Assessment: written examination (40%), progressive assessments comprising written assignment (20%), seminar presentation (20%), laboratory work and tutorial assessments (20%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study will provide students with knowledge about detection, monitoring and control of existing and emerging pathogens, and will provide students with the necessary skills to plan epidemic preparedness strategies, to identify optimal strategies for disease prevention, containment or eradication and to evaluate their effectiveness. This module offers a multidisciplinary framework for understanding the principles of interventions against infectious diseases and focuses on the study of global infectious disease threats in the context of their routes of transmission and potential intervention strategies, as well as the reasons for the success or failure of control programs. The core of this unit is a series of lectures, practical demonstrations and problem-solving tutorials describing real-life examples of diagnostic and surveillance strategies and vaccination policies, community outbreak investigations and epidemic/pandemic preparedness planning. The main principles will be illustrated using examples from epidemic influenza, arbovirus diseases, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis and food- and water-borne bacterial infections. A large portion of this unit is based at the State reference laboratories of the Institute of Clinical Pathology & Medical Research at Westmead Hospital, Western Clinical School Campus.
Textbooks
Plotkin SA, Orenstein WA, Offit PA. Vaccines. 5th Ed. Saunders, 2008.
SEXH5200 Advanced STIs
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Richard Hillman, Dr Shailendra Sawleshwarkar Session: S1 Intensive,Semester 1 Classes: Semester 1: compulsory attendance at 3x1hr lectures and 1x1hr journal club per week; Semester 1 Intensive: compulsory attendance during week 4 and then compulsory attendance at 3 x 1hr lectures and 1 x 1hr journal club for 10 weeks Assessment: written examination (40%), short written discussion topics (15%), multiple choice quizzes (35%) and participation in journal clubs (10%) Campus: Westmead Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit aims to describe the epidemiology, microbiology, pathogenesis, clinical features and management strategies for the common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). HIV infection will only be covered in the context of its interactions with other STIs.
At the end of this unit, students will be able to discuss the microbiology, pathogenesis and epidemiology of the common STIs. They will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the clinical spectrum of STIs, including asymptomatic infection, genital manifestations, extragenital manifestations and problems related to pregnancy. When discussing STI management, students will understand the impact of STIs at individual, relationship and community levels and how needs differ with risk activity group and geographical location.
Course content will include the basic anatomy, physiology and clinical skills required for the investigation of STIs; the epidemiology, microbiology and clinical aspects of the following conditions: vaginal discharge, urethral discharge, genital ulceration, upper genital tract infections, sexually transmitted hepatitis, syphilis, anogenital warts and cancer, genital infestations and other conditions likely to present in a sexual health context. The social contexts of STIs, in terms of the overcoming difficulties of access and the challenges faced in resource-poor settings will also be covered.
At the end of this unit, students will be able to discuss the microbiology, pathogenesis and epidemiology of the common STIs. They will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the clinical spectrum of STIs, including asymptomatic infection, genital manifestations, extragenital manifestations and problems related to pregnancy. When discussing STI management, students will understand the impact of STIs at individual, relationship and community levels and how needs differ with risk activity group and geographical location.
Course content will include the basic anatomy, physiology and clinical skills required for the investigation of STIs; the epidemiology, microbiology and clinical aspects of the following conditions: vaginal discharge, urethral discharge, genital ulceration, upper genital tract infections, sexually transmitted hepatitis, syphilis, anogenital warts and cancer, genital infestations and other conditions likely to present in a sexual health context. The social contexts of STIs, in terms of the overcoming difficulties of access and the challenges faced in resource-poor settings will also be covered.
SEXH5202 Advanced HIV Infection
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Shailendra Sawleshwarkar Dr Roger Garsia, Associate Professor Richard Hillman Session: S2 Intensive,Semester 2 Classes: Semester 2: compulsory attendance at 3x1hr lectures/week and 1x1hr journal club per week; Semester 2 Intensive: compulsory attendance at a teaching day in week 4 and attendance at 3 x 1hr lectures/week and 1 x 1hr journal club per week Assessment: written examination (40%), case-based discussions (10%), multiple choice quizzes (30%), participation in journal clubs (10%) and class presentations (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit aims to describe the epidemiology, biology, pathogenesis and clinical contexts of HIV infection. At the end of this unit, students will be able to understand the laboratory, clinical and social aspects of the diagnosis and management of HIV infection. Course content will include underlying scientific principles of diagnostics, virology, immunology and pathogenesis as applicable to HIV infection; clinical aspects of HIV infection, including seroconversion, asymptomatic infection, early symptomatic disease, major opportunistic infections (including AIDS-related conditions), tumours and death. Emphasis will be placed on the roles of prophylaxis, antiretrovirals.and the management of associated conditions. Legal, ethical and sociological contexts will also be discussed.