Pathophysiology & Microbiology

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General Information
Duration 1 semester
Level Year 2, Semester 2
Unit Weighting Unit Credit Points: 10 credit points
Total Course Credit Points: 320 credit points
Student Workload Number of timetabled hours per week: 5
Number of personal study hours per week: 5
Total workload hours per week:10
Prerequisites HMS201 Pathology
Academic Details
Description The first part of this unit addresses pathophysiological changes and clinical manifestations of common disorders, including disorders of water and electrolyte metabolism, and disorders of acid-base balance. The pathophysiology of the nervous system, the haematological system, the cardiovascular system, the hepatic system and the renal system are also examined.
The second part of this unit introduces students to Microbiology and examination of the nature and types of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa, including their structure, physiology, growth, diversity, inter-relationship and control mechanisms. Additionally, this examination emphases the role of microorganisms in infectious diseases, the nature of microbial infections in different body systems, infection control, immunity and mechanisms of host resistance, common vaccines, the mode of action of antibiotics, and the development of drug resistance. The importance of the human microbiome in health and disease will also be studied.
Learning outcomes On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Describe the pathophysiological changes and clinical manifestations of disorders of water and electrolyte metabolism, and disorders of acid-base balance.
  2. Analyse the pathophysiology of the nervous system, the haematological system, the cardiovascular system, the hepatic system and the renal system.
  3. Examine common types of microorganisms and the relationship between microorganisms, human immunity and the principles of infection control.
  4. Explain the structure, physiology and lifecycles of viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa, and the roles of microorganisms in physiology and human disease.
  5. Explain the modes of action of commonly used antibiotics, vaccines and how microorganisms become resistant to drugs.
Assessment Quiz (10%)
Case Study Analysis Presentation (Group work)  (Pathophysiology) (30%)
Microbiology Essay (30%)
Infectious Disease Blog (30%)
Prescribed Textbooks/Readings * The prescribed and recommended readings are subject to annual review.

Norris, T. L. (2019). Porth’s Essentials of Pathophysiology (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. https://www.booktopia.com.au/porth-s-essentials-of-pathophysiology-tommie-l-norris/book/9781975107192.html.

Norris, T. L. (2019). Porth’s Pathophysiology. Concepts of Altered Health States (10th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. https://www.booktopia.com.au/porth-s-pathophysiology-tommie-l-norris/book/9781496377555.html

Murray, P. R. (2018). Basic Medical Microbiology. ELSEVIER. https://www.elsevier.com/books/basic-medical-microbiology/murray/978-0-323-47676-8
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