Outline

Overview

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.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	6 credit points from (MIMI2X02 or MEDS2004 or MICR2X22 or BMED2404)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	MICR3011 or MICR3911 or MICR3921
Assumed knowledge ?	Fundamental concepts of microorganisms, biomolecules and ecosystems
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ziggy Marzinelli, e.marzinelli@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Ziggy Marzinelli, e.marzinelli@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Final exam assessing all course content.	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	In-class quiz Assessment of theory/lectures of the first module of the course.	15%	Week 05	50 min
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group presentation Group presentation on microbiological research.	15%	Week 07 Due date: 08 Apr 2025 at 14:00	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Report Report based on the findings of the laboratory (wet) practicals.	20%	Week 12 Due date: 22 May 2025 at 23:59	Maximum 10 pages.
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Lectorial quizzes Weekly quizzes IN PERSON to assess ongoing knowledge based on lectures. Best 8 out of 12 quizzes will be considered.	10%	Weekly	5 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Details of all assessments, such as rubrics, submission mode/dates, late penalties, etc., available in Canvas.

Lectorial quizzes: Weekly, in-class quizzes testing your understanding of the content of the lectures and lectorials (10%, best 8 out of 12 quizzes will be considered).

In-class quiz: Assessment of the theory / lecture content of module 1 of the course through short answer questions (15%).

Student presentation: Assessment of critical understanding, interpretation and presentation of the scientific microbiology data; oral communication skills and group work (15%).

Report: A submitted written report based on the aims, methodologies, results and interpretation of the lab activities (20%, compulsory).

Final exam: End-of-semester exam assessing all components of the unit. The exam will cover all material in the unit from both lectures and practical classes. The exam will have a mixture of multiple choice questions and short answer questions. Students must meet the required standard in this assessment to pass the unit (40%, compulsory and hurdle).

Final exam: This assessment is compulsory and a hurdle task (i.e. need to pass in order to pass the unit). Failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade.

If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

See Canvas site.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Working in PC2 labs, key microbiology lab techniques, clinical investigation of microbial infections and molecular techniques for analyses of disease outbreaks.	Science laboratory (15 hr)
Multiple weeks	Bioinformatics	Tutorial (15 hr)
Week 03	Environmental sampling of microbes.	Field trip (7 hr)
Week 07	Group presentation on microbiological research.	Presentation (3 hr)
Weekly	The role microorganisms play on human and environmental health. Encompasses bacteria, fungi, protists and viruses free-living and/or associated with eukaryotic hosts on land and in the ocean.	Lecture (13 hr)
Weekly	Case studies based on weekly lecture material. Mandatory lectorial putting the theoretical content in scenario-based/problem- solving situations to engage students.	Lecture and tutorial (13 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend at least 80% of timetabled activities as defined in the unit of study outline, particularly the practicals and the lectorials on Thursday mornings. A student may fail this unit of study because of inadequate attendance.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Assess, analyse and evaluate the role of microbes in our environment, how they can act to provide healthy ecosystems, water, food, animals and people, and how this can be disrupted, resulting in disruption leading to disease outcomes.
LO2. Evaluate how microbes might emerge or re-emerge to impact on global health, using specific illustrative examples.
LO3. Evaluate the ways in which important microbes pose ongoing challenges to human and planetary health, and new approaches to meet these challenges.
LO4. Interpret microbiology laboratory findings, analyse data and assess and validate methodologies.
LO5. Demonstrate high-level practical dexterity in the biosafety context and knowledge and skills relevant to the microbiology profession.
LO6. Critically evaluate the research literature and communicate ideas and knowledge relating to microbes in current real-world challenges.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

These set of practicals was developed and trialled with the advanced stream in 2022 and received excellent feedback by students, as reflected in outstanding USS scores and comments. We have introduced fieldwork component in 2024, which also received great feedback. Based on feedback in 2024, we have reduced number of assessments and increased weighing as appropriate, and have modified the bioinformatics tutorials.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Work, health and safety requirements

This WHS information is for information only as it applies to standard practical delivery.

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General laboratory safety rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Many of the microorganisms that will be studied in class may cause disease if mishandled. Therefore, great care to maintain good microbiological techniques must be taken when handling cultures, slides and other materials that contain or have been in contact with living microorganisms.

Behaviour and activities in the laboratory must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS 2243.3:2010: Safety in laboratories Part 3: Microbiological aspects and containment facilities. The Standard is available via the link under Prac Resources in the Canvas MIMI2x02 Microbes, Infection & Immunity site. As you will gain experience handling potentially pathogenic microbes in this unit of study, your immune status is important. You are strongly advised to contact the unit coordinator if you have any predisposing condition or issue that might be relevant to your participation in these practical sessions.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MICR3021: Microbes in Health and Disease

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links