Future Students

Microbiology

Such microbes are organisms too small to be seen without a microscope. They range in size from the lower fungi and algae through bacteria to the smallest organisms of all, the viruses. 

Microbiology embraces a wide range of research fields-from immunology, which sets out to study how the body’s immune system protects it from infectious disease, to microbial genetics and the recently developed field of recombinant DNA. Bacteria carrying specially engineered DNA, to produce new enzymes, vaccines, pesticides, and biosensors, are already revolutionising biotechnology industries. For example, the dye indigo, which is used to colour denim jeans is now produced by a genetically modified bacterium.

Level 1
Microbiology units commence at level 2. At level 1 you will study introductory biological sciences, including an introduction to molecular biology.

Level 2
At level 2 you will take introductory units in microbiology, which include the structure, reproduction and classification of bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms; bacterial metabolism and genetics; sterilisation, disinfectants and antibiotics; interactions between micro-organisms and plants and animals; aspects of applied microbiology; infection and mechanisms of host resistance; basic concepts of immunology.

You may also study additional topics in microbiology, designed to allow you to explore particular areas in greater depth:

• Diagnostic medical microbiology ;
• Infectious diseases
• Epidemiology ;
• Immunity to bacterial and viral infections ;
• Immunology throughout the plant and animal kingdoms
• Microbial molecular genetics

You will also be introduced to biochemistry-the chemical processes by which cells function and communicate with one another.

Level 3
There are three level 3 microbiology units to choose from. A major in microbiology involves a combination of any two of these units or one of them combined with a molecular biology unit. A double major in microbiology combines all four units.

The units involve the study of the structure, physiology, genetics and ecology of bacteria, viruses and related micro-organisms. You will also study advanced immunology and the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. ; For example, you will hear about exotic viral syndromes such as Ebola and Lassa fevers, as well as problems closer to home, such as “super-bugs” in Australian hospitals.

You can also study the role of micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and protozoa in the environment. Topics include microbial ecology, micro-organisms and pollution, bioremediation and microbiology of extreme environments. Finally you can extend your knowledge of molecular biology and study the growing area of recombinant DNA technology. Which focuses on the use of molecular biology to investigate and solve biological problems.

A large component of the course is practical work, and you will also undertake short research projects.

Career opportunities

Microbiology can be applied in fields as diverse as medicine, brewing, food spoilage, control of environmental pollution and space science. Graduates work in research and clinical positions in public health, agricultural, veterinary, hospital, environmental and university laboratories, private health laboratories, the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories, CSIRO, food and pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology companies.