Paradigm shifts in biology have changed the emphasis from single biomolecule studies to complex systems of biomolecules, cells and their interrelationships in ecosystems of life. Such an integrated understanding of cells, biomolecules and ecosystems is key to innovations in biology. Life relies on organisation, communication, responsiveness and regulation at every level. Understanding biological mechanisms, improving human health and addressing the impact of human activity are the great challenges of the 21st century. This unit will investigate life at levels ranging from cells, and biomolecule ecosystems, through to complex natural and human ecosystems. You will explore the importance of homeostasis in health and the triggers that lead to disease and death. You will learn the methods of cellular, biomolecular, microbial and ecological investigation that allow us to understand life and discover how expanding tools have improved our capacity to manage and intervene in ecosystems for our own health and organisms in the environment that surround and support us. You will participate in inquiry-led practicals that reinforce the concepts in the unit. By doing this unit you will develop knowledge and skills that will enable you to play a role in finding global solutions that will impact our lives.

Paradigm shifts in biology have changed the emphasis from single biomolecule studies to complex systems of biomolecules, cells and their interrelationships in ecosystems of life. Such an integrated understanding of cells, biomolecules and ecosystems is key to innovations in biology. Life relies on organisation, communication, responsiveness and regulation at every level. Understanding biological mechanisms, improving human health and addressing the impact of human activity are the great challenges of the 21st century. This unit will investigate life at levels ranging from cells, and biomolecule ecosystems, through to complex natural and human ecosystems. You will explore the importance of homeostasis in health and the triggers that lead to disease and death. You will learn the methods of cellular, biomolecular, microbial and ecological investigation that allow us to understand life and discover how expanding tools have improved our capacity to manage and intervene in ecosystems for our own health and organisms in the environment that surround and support us. This unit of study has the same overall structure as BIOL1007 but the material is discussed in greater detail and at a more advanced level. The content and nature of these components may vary from year to year.

Paradigm shifts in biology have changed the emphasis from single biomolecule studies to complex systems of biomolecules, cells and their interrelationships in ecosystems of life. Such an integrated understanding of cells, biomolecules and ecosystems is key to innovations in biology. Life relies on organisation, communication, responsiveness and regulation at every level. Understanding biological mechanisms, improving human health and addressing the impact of human activity are the great challenges of the 21st century. This unit will investigate life at levels ranging from cells, and biomolecule ecosystems, through to complex natural and human ecosystems. You will explore the importance of homeostasis in health and the triggers that lead to disease and death. You will learn the methods of cellular, biomolecular, microbial and ecological investigation that allow us to understand life and intervene in ecosystems to improve health. The same theory will be covered as in the advanced stream but in this Special Studies Unit, the practical component is a research project. The research will be a synthetic biology project investigating genetically engineered organisms. Students will have the opportunity to develop higher level generic skills in computing, communication, critical analysis, problem solving, data analysis and experimental design.

Biology is an immensely diverse science. Biologists study life at all levels, from the fundamental building blocks (genes, proteins) to whole ecosystems in which myriads of species interact. Evolution is the unifying concept that runs through the life sciences, from the origin and diversification of life to understanding behaviour, to dealing with disease. Evolution through natural selection is the framework in biology in which specific details make sense. This unit explores how new species continue to arise while others go extinct and discusses the role of mutations as the raw material on which selection acts. It explains how information is transferred between generations through DNA, RNA and proteins, transformations which affect all aspects of biological form and function. Science builds and organises knowledge of life and evolution in the form of testable hypotheses. You will participate in inquiry-led practical classes investigating single-celled organisms and the diversity of form and function in plants and animals. By doing this unit of study, you will develop the ability to examine novel biological systems and understand the complex processes that have shaped those systems.

Biology is an immensely diverse science. Biologists study life at all levels, from the fundamental building blocks (genes, proteins) to whole ecosystems in which myriads of species interact. Evolution is the unifying concept that runs through the life sciences, from the origin and diversification of life to understanding behaviour, to dealing with disease. Evolution through natural selection is the framework in biology in which specific details make sense. This unit explores how new species continue to arise while others go extinct and discusses the role of mutations as the raw material on which selection acts. It explains how information is transferred between generations through DNA, RNA and proteins, transformations which affect all aspects of biological form and function. Science builds and organises knowledge of life and evolution in the form of testable hypotheses. You will participate in inquiry-led practical classes investigating single-celled organisms and the diversity of form and function in plants and animals.
Life and Evolution (Advanced) has the same overall structure as BIOL1006 but material is discussed in greater detail and at a more advanced level. Students enrolled in BIOL1906 participate in an authentic urban biodiversity management research project with a focus on developing skills in critical evaluation, experimental design, data analysis and communication.

Biology is an immensely diverse science. Biologists study life at all levels, from the fundamental building blocks (genes, and proteins) to whole ecosystems in which myriad species interact. Evolution is the unifying concept that runs through the life sciences, from the origin and diversification of life to understanding behaviour, to dealing with disease. Evolution through natural selection is the framework in biology in which specific details make sense. Science builds and organises knowledge of life and evolution in the form of testable hypotheses. The practical work syllabus for BIOL1996 is different from that of BIOL1906 (Advanced) and consists of a special project-based laboratory.

Chemistry describes how and why things happen from a molecular perspective. Chemistry underpins all aspects of the natural and physical world, and provides the basis for new technologies and advances in the life, medical and physical sciences, engineering, and industrial processes. This unit of study will equip you with the fundamental knowledge and skills in chemistry for broad application. You will learn about atomic theory, structure and bonding, equilibrium, processes occurring in solutions, and the functional groups of molecules. You will develop experimental design, conduct and analysis skills in chemistry through experiments that ask and answer questions about the chemical nature and processes occurring around you. Through inquiry, observation and measurement, you will better understand the natural and physical world and will be able to apply this understanding to real-world problems and solutions. This unit of study is directed toward students whose chemical background is weak (or non-existent). Compared to the mainstream Chemistry 1A, the theory component of this unit begins with more fundamental concepts, and does not cover, or goes into less detail about some topics. Progression to intermediate chemistry from this unit and Fundamentals of Chemistry 1B requires completion of an online supplementary course.

Chemistry describes how and why things happen from a molecular perspective. Chemistry underpins all aspects of the natural and physical world, and provides the basis for new technologies and advances in the life, medical and physical sciences, engineering, and industrial processes. This unit of study will further develop your knowledge and skills in chemistry for application to life and medical sciences, engineering, and further study in chemistry. You will learn about nuclear and radiation chemistry, wave theory, atomic orbitals, spectroscopy, bonding, enthalpy and entropy, equilibrium, processes occurring in solutions, and the functional groups in carbon chemistry. You will develop experimental design, conduct and analysis skills in chemistry through experiments that ask and answer questions like how do dyes work, how do we desalinate water, how do we measure the acid content in foods, how do we get the blue in a blueprint, and how do we extract natural products from plants? Through inquiry, observation and measurement, you will understand the 'why' and the 'how' of the natural and physical world and will be able to apply this understanding to real-world problems and solutions. This unit of study is directed toward students with a satisfactory prior knowledge of the HSC chemistry course.

Chemistry describes how and why things happen from a molecular perspective. Chemistry underpins all aspects of the natural and physical world, and provides the basis for new technologies and advances in sciences, engineering, and industrial processes. This unit of study will further develop your knowledge and skills in chemistry for broad application, including further study in chemistry. You will learn about nuclear and radiation chemistry, wave theory, atomic orbitals, spectroscopy, bonding, enthalpy and entropy, equilibrium, processes occurring in solutions, and the functional groups of molecules. You will develop experimental design, conduct and analysis skills in chemistry through experiments that ask and answer questions about the chemical nature and processes occurring around you. Through inquiry, observation and measurement, you will better understand the natural and physical world and will be able to apply this understanding to real-world problems and solutions. This unit of study is directed toward students with a good secondary performance both overall and in chemistry or science. Students in this category are expected to do this unit rather than Chemistry 1A. Compared to the mainstream Chemistry 1A, the theory component of this unit provides a higher level of academic rigour and makes broader connections between topics.

Chemistry describes how and why things happen from a molecular perspective. Chemistry underpins all aspects of the natural and physical world, and provides the basis for new technologies and advances in the life, medical and physical sciences, engineering, and industrial processes. This unit of study will further develop your knowledge and skills in chemistry for application to life and medical sciences, engineering, and further study in chemistry. You will learn about nuclear and radiation chemistry, wave theory, atomic orbitals, spectroscopy, bonding, enthalpy and entropy, equilibrium, processes occurring in solutions, and the functional groups in carbon chemistry. You will develop experimental design, conduct and analysis skills in chemistry in small group projects. The laboratory program is designed to extend students who already have chemistry laboratory experience, and particularly caters for students who already show a passion and enthusiasm for research chemistry, as well as aptitude as demonstrated by high school chemistry results. Entry to Chemistry 1A (Special Studies Program) is restricted to a small number of students with an excellent school record in Chemistry, and applications must be made to the School of Chemistry. The practical work syllabus for Chemistry 1A (Special Studies Program) is very different from that for Chemistry 1A and Chemistry 1A (Advanced) and consists of special project-based laboratory exercises. All other unit of study details are the same as those for Chemistry 1A (Advanced).

Microbes are essential for every aspect of life on the planet. Microbes in the human gut control our digestion and our immune system, microbes in the soil are required for plant growth, microbes in the ocean fix more carbon dioxide than all the earth's trees. This unit of study will investigate the diversity and activity of microorganisms - viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa - and look at how they interact with us, each other, plants and animals. You will examine how microbes underpin healthy ecosystems through nutrient cycling and biodegradation, their use industrially in biotechnology and food production, and their ability to cause harm, producing disease, poisoning, pollution and spoilage. Aspects of microbial ecology, nutrition, physiology and genetics will also be introduced. This unit of study will provide you with the breadth of knowledge and skills needed for further studies of microbiology, and will provide the fundamental understanding of microbes that you will require if you specialise in related fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, agriculture, nutrition and food sciences, bioengineering and biotechnology, ecology or science education.

Microbes are essential for every aspect of life on the planet. Microbes in the human gut control our digestion and our immune system, microbes in the soil are required for plant growth, microbes in the ocean fix more carbon dioxide than all the Earth's trees. In this unit of study you will investigate the diversity and activity of microorganisms - viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa - and look at how they interact with us, each other, plants and animals. You will examine how microbes underpin healthy ecosystems through nutrient cycling and biodegradation, their use industrially in biotechnology and food production, and their ability to cause harm, producing disease, poisoning, pollution and spoilage. Detailed aspects of microbial ecology, nutrition, physiology and genetics will also be introduced. This unit of study will provide you with the breadth of knowledge and skills needed for further studies of microbiology, and will provide the fundamental understanding of microbes that you will require to specialise in related fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, agriculture, nutrition and food sciences, bioengineering and biotechnology, ecology, or science education. As an Advanced unit, MICR2931 provides increased challenge and academic rigour to develop a greater understanding and depth of disciplinary expertise. You will actively participate in a series of small group tutorials investigating the molecular detail of microbial communication and function, which will culminate in you creating a scientific research report that communicates your understanding of recent research in microbiology.

Transmission, pathogenicity and immune response to microbes are key concepts for understanding infectious disease processes. In this unit of study you will establish a conceptual foundation and, using an integrated approach, explore selected case studies of infection from a body system of origin perspective. You will explore the characteristics of viral, bacterial, fungal and protist pathogens and their virulence mechanisms for establishment and progression of disease. Comprehensive consideration of host immune response and characteristic pathological changes to tissue that arise will then be considered. Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to explain microbial pathogenic processes of infection including: mechanisms for colonisation, invasion and damage to host tissue; the ways in which your immune system recognises and destroys invading microbes; how T cell response is activated and antibodies function. You will learn about pathogenesis, symptoms, current challenges of treatment including antibiotic resistance, control and vaccination strategies. You will develop a holistic perspective of infectious diseases. You will work collaboratively to solve challenging problems in Biomedical Sciences. Practical classes will investigate normal flora, host defences and case studies of medically important microbes with linkage to disease outcome. You will also obtain experience and understanding of modern experimental techniques in microbiology and immunopathology.

Transmission, pathogenicity and immune response to microbes are key concepts for understanding infectious disease processes. In this unit you will establish a conceptual foundation and, using an integrated approach, explore selected infection case studies from a body system of origin perspective. You will explore characteristics of viral, bacterial, fungal and protist pathogens and their virulence mechanisms for establishment and progression of disease. Comprehensive consideration of host immune response and consequent characteristic pathological changes to tissue will be considered. Upon completion, you will be able to explain microbial pathogenic processes of infection including: mechanisms for colonisation, invasion and damage to host tissue; the ways your immune system recognises and destroys invading microbes; how T cell response is activated and antibodies function. You will learn about pathogenesis, symptoms, current challenges of treatment including antibiotic resistance, control and vaccination strategies. This advanced unit has the same overall structure as MIMI2002 but contains a unique science communication exercise in which you will actively participate in small group sessions and be assessed with a short video assignment. This advanced component explores how recent advances in microbiology, infection and immunity are communicated to the wider public and is based on recent publications with potential high impact for society.

Transmission, pathogenicity and the immune response to microbes are key concepts for understanding infectious disease processes. In this unit of study, you will establish a conceptual foundation and, using an integrated approach, explore selected case studies of infection from a body system of origin perspective. You will explore the characteristics of viral, bacterial, fungal and protist pathogens and their virulence mechanisms for establishment and progression of disease. Comprehensive consideration of the host immune response and characteristic pathological changes to tissue that arise will then be considered. Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to explain microbial pathogenic processes of infection including: mechanisms for colonisation, invasion and damage to host tissue; the ways in which your immune system recognises and destroys invading microbes; how the T cell response is activated and antibodies function. You will learn about pathogenesis, symptoms, current challenges of treatment including antibiotic resistance, control and vaccination strategies. You will develop a holistic perspective of infectious diseases. You will work collaboratively to solve challenging problems in Biomedical Sciences. Practical classes will investigate normal flora, host defences and case studies of medically important microbes with linkage to disease outcome. You will also obtain experience and understanding of modern experimental techniques in microbiology and immunopathology.

Microorganisms are vital to life on Earth. By examining the role of microbes in healthy ecosystems, and high-profile recent cases in emerging infections, students will gain perspective on the critical role that microbes play in health and disease. This Unit is structured along three themes: 1. Microbes in the anthropocene: you will evaluate the role of microbes in healthy and disturbed ecosystems and how epidemiology and surveillance can track disease outbreaks; 2. Emergence of microbes: you will explore how and why infectious diseases emerge and re-emerge to cause current problems; 3. Current challenges and new approaches: you will evaluate the role of microbes in chronic diseases and diseases of unknown cause, and how new drugs and treatments are developed and used. The integrated practical component teaches advanced practical skills in culture, microscopy and molecular biology in the PC2 laboratory context that are relevant to the microbiology profession. Workshops and professional tutorials are provided to relate the material to the real world. This unit sits at the forefront of modern medical microbiology and will equip you for a career in microbiology in areas including fundamental research, industry, biotechnology, hospital services, policy and teaching, among others.

Microorganisms are vital to life on Earth. By examining the role of microbes in healthy ecosystems, and high profile recent cases in emerging infections, students will gain perspective on the critical role that microbes play in health and disease. This unit is structured along three themes: 1. Microbes in the anthropocene: you will evaluate the role of microbes in healthy and disturbed ecosystems and how epidemiology and surveillance can track disease outbreaks; 2. Emergence of microbes: you will explore how and why infectious diseases emerge and re-emerge; 3. Current challenges and new approaches: you will evaluate the role of microbes in chronic diseases and diseases of unknown cause, and how new drugs and treatments are developed and used. This advanced unit includes six tutorial sessions on current challenges and new approaches that support self-directed learning with discussions on contemporary microbiology topics. The integrated practical component teaches advanced practical skills in culture, microscopy and molecular biology in the PC2 laboratory context. Workshops and professional tutorials relate the material to the real world. This unit sits at the forefront of modern medical microbiology and will equip you for a career in microbiology in areas including fundamental research, industry, biotechnology, hospital services, policy and teaching, among others.

Microbes are key agents of global change, providing important catalysts and resources for industry and biotechnology, and having a critical impact on human and animal health. This unit takes the fundamental concepts and skills learned in 2nd year microbiology units and weaves them together with strands from environmental, industrial, and medical microbiology in four sections: (1) Concepts in Modern Microbiology strengthens your foundational knowledge of the molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology of environmental and industrial microbes. (2) Microbes in Environmental Change provides you with an understanding of how these microbes are used to manage soil and water quality in natural and polluted environments. (3) Microbes in Industry helps you explore biotechnology and fermentation in the microbial manufacture of antibiotics and other high-value metabolites, and in (4) Microbes in Human Health you will evaluate biosecurity, bioterrorism, and ecological aspects of antimicrobial use. Much of the content in each section is delivered in student-led group seminars, which will develop your skills in critical analysis of research papers, collaboration, and discussion. The content is integrated with a practical component consisting of semi-independent projects in microbial biotechnology. These allow you to practice the core skills that are required in many microbiology laboratories and gain more advanced planning and experimental skills (protein purification, SDS-PAGE, DNA sequencing, bioinformatics) relevant to industrial and research careers. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the importance of microbes in industry and the environment, and the practical skills to apply this knowledge in a range of future professions.

Microbes are key agents of global change, providing important catalysts and resources for industry and biotechnology, and having a critical impact on human and animal health. This unit takes the fundamental concepts and skills learned in 2nd year microbiology units and weaves them together with strands from environmental, industrial, and medical microbiology in four sections: (1) Concepts in Modern Microbiology strengthens your foundational knowledge of the molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology of environmental and industrial microbes. (2) Microbes in Environmental Change provides you with an understanding of how these microbes are used to manage soil and water quality in natural and polluted environments. (3) Microbes in Industry helps you explore biotechnology and fermentation in the microbial manufacture of antibiotics and other high-value metabolites, and in (4) Microbes in Human Health you will evaluate biosecurity, bioterrorism, and ecological aspects of antimicrobial use. Much of the content in each section is delivered in student-led group seminars, which will develop your skills in critical analysis of research papers, collaboration and discussion. The content is integrated with the practical component, which for this Advanced unit is a lab research project working with an academic in the Microbiology discipline. As well as advanced experimental techniques, you will gain the collaboration and planning skills needed for a sustained research project. These research projects emphasise in-depth reading in the primary scientific literature and more advanced molecular microbiology skills and will equip you well for a career in microbiology-related subjects.

Viruses are some of the simplest biological machinery known yet they are also the etiological agents for some of the most important human diseases. New technologies that have revolutionised the discovery of viruses are also revealing a hitherto unappreciated abundance and diversity in the ecosphere, and a wider role in human health and disease. Developing new gene technologies have enabled the use of viruses as therapeutic agents, in novel vaccine approaches, gene delivery and in the treatment of cancer. This unit of study is designed to introduce students who have a basic understanding of molecular biology to the rapidly evolving field of virology. Viral infection in plant and animal cells and bacteria is covered by an examination of virus structure, genomes, gene expression and replication. Building upon these foundations, this unit progresses to examine host-virus interactions, pathogenesis, cell injury, the immune response and the prevention and control of infection and outbreaks. The structure and replication of sub-viral agents: viroids and prions, and their role in disease are also covered. The practical component provides hands-on experience in current diagnostic and research techniques such as molecular biology, cell culture, serological techniques, immunofluorescence and immunoblot analyses and is designed to enhance the students' practical skills and complement the lecture series. In these practical sessions experience will be gained handling live, potentially pathogenic microbes. Tutorials cover a range of topical issues and provide a forum for students to develop their communication and critical thinking skills. The unit will be taught by the Discipline of Microbiology within the School of Life and Environmental Sciences with the involvement of the Discipline of Infectious Diseases and Immunology within the Sydney Medical School.

This unit is available to students who have performed well in Intermediate Microbiology and is based on VIRO3001 with additional lectures related to the research interests in the Discipline. Consequently, the unit of study content may change from year to year. Viruses are some of the simplest biological machinery known yet they are also the etiological agents for some of the most important human diseases. New technologies that have revolutionised the discovery of viruses are also revealing a hitherto unappreciated abundance and diversity in the ecosphere, and a wider role in human health and disease. Developing new gene technologies have enabled the use of viruses as therapeutic agents, in novel vaccine approaches, gene delivery and in the treatment of cancer. This unit of study is designed to introduce students who have a basic understanding of molecular biology to the rapidly evolving field of virology. Viral infection in plant and animal cells and bacteria is covered by an examination of virus structure, genomes, gene expression and replication. Building upon these foundations, this unit progresses to examine host-virus interactions, pathogenesis, cell injury, the immune response and the prevention and control of infection and outbreaks. The structure and replication of sub-viral agents: viroids and prions, and their role in disease are also covered. The practical component provides hands-on experience in current diagnostic and research techniques such as molecular biology, cell culture, serological techniques, immunofluoroescence and immunoblot analyses and is designed to enhance the students' practical skills and complement the lecture series. In these practical sessions experience will be gained handling live, potentially pathogenic microbes. Advanced lectures cover cutting-edge research in the field of virology in small group discussions and presentations that provide a forum for students to develop their communication and critical thinking skills. The unit will be taught by the Discipline of Microbiology within the School of Life and Environmental Sciences with the involvement of the Discipline of Infectious Diseases and Immunology within the Sydney Medical School.

Many challenges require knowledge that extends across multiple disciplines. Therefore, the ability to identify interdisciplinary knowledge is needed and establish links to develop integrated solutions is a crucial skill in the modern world. This is especially relevant to microbiology. This unit presents the opportunity to bring together the concepts and skills you have learnt in microbiology and team up with students from other disciplines to apply them to a real-world problem. You will work on a project related to the production of safe, health-promoting foods. Nutrition-related chronic diseases are a major challenge for 21st century society owing to their huge socio-economic burden and their multifactorial nature. The problem your group is assigned will be based on real world examples and considered from multiple angles that may include: How government should make decisions regarding approval/regulation of a new food product; How a company might approach production, optimization, and marketing of a new food, and; How the health claims and/or safety of a food product can be assessed or improved. Each of these angles requires knowledge from multiple disciplines and a sound understanding of microbiology is highly important. In this unit, you will receive microbiology-specific training, in addition to collaborating with students from other disciplines on project-based learning; identifying and solving problems, collecting and analysing data and communicating your findings to a diverse audience. All of these skills are highly valued by employers across the spectrum from education to industry to government.

This interdisciplinary unit provides students with the opportunity to address complex problems identified by industry, community, and government organisations, and gain valuable experience in working across disciplinary boundaries. In collaboration with a major industry partner and an academic lead, students integrate their academic skills and knowledge by working in teams with students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds. This experience allows students to research, analyse and present solutions to a real-world problem, and to build on their interpersonal and transferable skills by engaging with and learning from industry experts and presenting their ideas and solutions to the industry partner.

Microorganisms are vital to life on Earth. By examining the role of microbes in healthy ecosystems, and high-profile recent cases in emerging infections, students will gain perspective on the critical role that microbes play in health and disease. This Unit is structured along three themes: 1. Microbes in the anthropocene: you will evaluate the role of microbes in healthy and disturbed ecosystems and how epidemiology and surveillance can track disease outbreaks; 2. Emergence of microbes: you will explore how and why infectious diseases emerge and re-emerge to cause current problems; 3. Current challenges and new approaches: you will evaluate the role of microbes in chronic diseases and diseases of unknown cause, and how new drugs and treatments are developed and used. The integrated practical component teaches advanced practical skills in culture, microscopy and molecular biology in the PC2 laboratory context that are relevant to the microbiology profession. Workshops and professional tutorials are provided to relate the material to the real world. This unit sits at the forefront of modern medical microbiology and will equip you for a career in microbiology in areas including fundamental research, industry, biotechnology, hospital services, policy and teaching, among others.

Microorganisms are vital to life on Earth. By examining the role of microbes in healthy ecosystems, and high profile recent cases in emerging infections, students will gain perspective on the critical role that microbes play in health and disease. This unit is structured along three themes: 1. Microbes in the anthropocene: you will evaluate the role of microbes in healthy and disturbed ecosystems and how epidemiology and surveillance can track disease outbreaks; 2. Emergence of microbes: you will explore how and why infectious diseases emerge and re-emerge; 3. Current challenges and new approaches: you will evaluate the role of microbes in chronic diseases and diseases of unknown cause, and how new drugs and treatments are developed and used. This advanced unit includes six tutorial sessions on current challenges and new approaches that support self-directed learning with discussions on contemporary microbiology topics. The integrated practical component teaches advanced practical skills in culture, microscopy and molecular biology in the PC2 laboratory context. Workshops and professional tutorials relate the material to the real world. This unit sits at the forefront of modern medical microbiology and will equip you for a career in microbiology in areas including fundamental research, industry, biotechnology, hospital services, policy and teaching, among others.

Microbes are key agents of global change, providing important catalysts and resources for industry and biotechnology, and having a critical impact on human and animal health. This unit takes the fundamental concepts and skills learned in 2nd year microbiology units and weaves them together with strands from environmental, industrial, and medical microbiology in four sections: (1) Concepts in Modern Microbiology strengthens your foundational knowledge of the molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology of environmental and industrial microbes. (2) Microbes in Environmental Change provides you with an understanding of how these microbes are used to manage soil and water quality in natural and polluted environments. (3) Microbes in Industry helps you explore biotechnology and fermentation in the microbial manufacture of antibiotics and other high-value metabolites, and in (4) Microbes in Human Health you will evaluate biosecurity, bioterrorism, and ecological aspects of antimicrobial use. Much of the content in each section is delivered in student-led group seminars, which will develop your skills in critical analysis of research papers, collaboration, and discussion. The content is integrated with a practical component consisting of semi-independent projects in microbial biotechnology. These allow you to practice the core skills that are required in many microbiology laboratories and gain more advanced planning and experimental skills (protein purification, SDS-PAGE, DNA sequencing, bioinformatics) relevant to industrial and research careers. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the importance of microbes in industry and the environment, and the practical skills to apply this knowledge in a range of future professions.

Microbes are key agents of global change, providing important catalysts and resources for industry and biotechnology, and having a critical impact on human and animal health. This unit takes the fundamental concepts and skills learned in 2nd year microbiology units and weaves them together with strands from environmental, industrial, and medical microbiology in four sections: (1) Concepts in Modern Microbiology strengthens your foundational knowledge of the molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology of environmental and industrial microbes. (2) Microbes in Environmental Change provides you with an understanding of how these microbes are used to manage soil and water quality in natural and polluted environments. (3) Microbes in Industry helps you explore biotechnology and fermentation in the microbial manufacture of antibiotics and other high-value metabolites, and in (4) Microbes in Human Health you will evaluate biosecurity, bioterrorism, and ecological aspects of antimicrobial use. Much of the content in each section is delivered in student-led group seminars, which will develop your skills in critical analysis of research papers, collaboration and discussion. The content is integrated with the practical component, which for this Advanced unit is a lab research project working with an academic in the Microbiology discipline. As well as advanced experimental techniques, you will gain the collaboration and planning skills needed for a sustained research project. These research projects emphasise in-depth reading in the primary scientific literature and more advanced molecular microbiology skills and will equip you well for a career in microbiology-related subjects.