Outline

Overview

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 microbiota, 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.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	6 credit points from (BIOL1XX7 or BIOL1XX8 or MEDS1X01 or BIOL1XX3 or MBLG1XX1)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	MEDS2004 or BMED2404 or MIMI2902 or IMMU2101 or MICR2021 or MICR2921 or MICR2022 or MICR2922 or BMED2807 or BMED2808
Assumed knowledge ?	Human biology (BIOL1XX3 or BIOL1XX8 or MEDS1X01) and biological chemistry (CHEM1XX1 or CHEM1903)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Angela Sun, angela.sun@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam Timed, supervised/invigilated. Extended responses and MCQs.	40%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Workshop #2 - #5 Embedded Quizzes Open book, open discussion quiz taking place during workshops, MCQ.	12%	Multiple weeks	Variable	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Early Feedback Task - Workshop #1 Embedded Quiz Closed book, timed, supervised, MCQs.	3%	Week 03	Variable	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Microbiology Practical quiz Timed, supervised, MCQs	10%	Week 06	25 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Oral test ?	Interactive Oral Assessment Timed, supervised/invigilated. Scenario-based oral exam; extended response.	25%	Week 07	15 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Immunology Practical quiz Timed, supervised, MCQs.	10%	Week 13	25 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task – Workshop 1 Quiz: A short, closed-book, timed quiz (MCQ) administered during the first workshop to provide early feedback on foundational knowledge.
Workshop Quizzes (2–5): A series of open-book, open-discussion quizzes delivered during workshops. These include multiple-choice questions and encourage collaborative discussion and application of recent workshop material.
Interactive Oral Assessment: Students complete a 10-minute, timed, supervised oral test in which they respond to scenario-based questions covering key topics in microbiology and immunology. The task requires extended verbal responses and adaptive reasoning, assessing students’ ability to integrate knowledge across lectures and apply it to realistic clinical or public health scenarios. Conducted individually and under secure conditions.
Final Examination: A 1.5-hour, invigilated written exam consisting of extended response and multiple-choice questions. The exam covers material from all lectures and workshops throughout the unit.
Microbiology Practical Quiz: A 25-minute, timed and invigilated quiz comprising MCQs, completed individually during practical sessions, focused on laboratory skills and concepts.
Immunology Practical Quiz: A 25-minute, timed and invigilated quiz comprising MCQs, completed individually during practical sessions, assessing laboratory immunology concepts.
Practical Attedance: Students must attend a minimum of five out of the six timetabled Practical Sessions as defined in the Unit of Study outline to meet the learning outcomes, unless granted an exemption by the Associate Dean. Failure to meet attendance requirements for learning outcomes may result in a failing grade.

Detailed information for each assessment, including rubrics and submission instructions, can be found on Canvas.

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)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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
Week 01	Microbiology Practical 1	Independent study (3 hr)
	Lecture 1 Introduction to the Semester	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 2 Introduction to Microbiology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 3 Introduction to Viruses	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 4 Basic Immunology - catch up	Online class (1 hr)
Week 02	Microbiology Practical 2	Practical (3 hr)
	Lecture 5 Introduction to Immunology	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 6 Microbial disease	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 7 The host-pathogen relationship	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Tutorial 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Microbiology Practical 3	Independent study (3 hr)
	Lecture 8 The Genitourinary System PT1 - Structure, Microorganisms & Diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 9 The Genitourinary System PT2 - Immune response	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Microbiology Practical 4	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Tutorial 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Microbiology Practical 5	Independent study (3 hr)
	Lecture 10 The Respiratory System PT1 - Structure & Microorganisms	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 11 The Respiratory System PT2 - Microorganisms & Diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 12 The Respiratory System PT3 - Immune response	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Microbiology Practical 6	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Lecture 13 The Respiratory System PT4 - Immune response	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Tutorial 3	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Lecture 14 The Gastrointestinal System PT1 - Structure & Microorganisms	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Immunology Practical 1	Independent study (3 hr)
	Lecture 15 The Gastrointestinal System PT2 - Microorganisms & Diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 16 The Gastrointestinal System PT3 - Immune response	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Immunology Practical 2	Practical (3 hr)
	Lecture 17 The Gastrointestinal System PT4 - Immune response	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 18 Vaccines	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Tutorial 4	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Immunology Practical 3	Independent study (3 hr)
	Lecture 19 The Skin System PT1 -Structure & Microorganisms	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Immunology Practical 4	Practical (3 hr)
	Lecture 20 The Skin System PT2 - Microorganisms & Diseases	Lecture (1 hr)
	Lecture 21 The Skin System PT3 - Immune response	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Tutorial 5	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Immunology Practical 5	Independent study (3 hr)
Week 13	Immunology Practical 6	Practical (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students must attend a minimum of five out of the six timetabled Practical Sessions as defined in the Unit of Study outline to meet the learning outcomes, unless granted an exemption by the Associate Dean. Failure to meet attendance requirements for learning outcomes may result in a failing grade.

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.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Willey, J., Sandman, K., & Wood, D. (2022). Prescott's Microbiology (12th ed.). McGraw-Hill Australia & New Zealand.
Abbas, A. K., & Sawyer, T. (Eds.). (2023). Basic immunology: Functions and disorders of the immune system (7th ed.). Elsevier Inc.

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. Explain the function/role in protection against infection of non-specific host defences such as normal flora, physical barriers and inflammation
LO2. Compare and contrast the characteristics, diversity and virulence mechanisms of medically significant microbes
LO3. Describe how the innate and adaptive immune system responds to infectious agents, and explain how this underpins the design of successful immunisation strategies
LO4. Explain how pathogens establish infection in various body systems and describe treatment strategies used to control different pathogens
LO5. Demonstrate practical dexterity in, and theoretical understanding of, microbiological and immunological laboratory processes
LO6. Integrate knowledge and skills drawn from the breadth of biomedical sciences to solve challenging problems related to infection, immunity and host defence
LO7. Communicate effectively, using a range of media, to diverse audiences
LO8. Demonstrate effective teamwork skills, professional and ethical conduct through collaborative learning

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.

Student feedback has been incorporated into future unit offerings.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

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

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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

Required readings

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

MIMI2002: Microbes, Infection and Immunity

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

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

Required readings

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