Overview
On completion of this unit, you will be able to describe and advise on the clinical significance of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites causing human disease. You will oversee the investigation of the morphological characteristics, epidemiology, laboratory identification of these microorganisms and will be able to provide advice on the causes of bacterial, mycological, parasitic and viral infectious diseases. You will describe the life cycle of important parasites and their relevance to disease control. You will be able to interpret complex serological test results related to the detection of human pathogenic viruses.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
PrerequisiteLMED28004 Infectious Diseases 1
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student evaluation
The only feedback received was regarding the word count for Assessment 2. The comment noted that 1,000 words were insufficient to meet the criteria required for the assessment.
The word count requirements for assessment item 2 will be re-evaluated for future deliveries.
Feedback from Self reflection
Additional clinical case studies would improve the student learning.
Include more clinical case study analysis and result interpretations into tutorial sessions.
- Provide expert opinion on the clinical significance and laboratory detection of the principal bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic pathogens of each of the human body systems
- Critique new techniques for identifying bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites causing human disease
- Recommend antimicrobial therapy to treat and manage infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites
- Appraise different testing methods used in the detection and monitoring of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites
- Develop and implement appropriate quality control processes for the practice of bacteriology, virology, mycology and parasitology.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||||
| 2 - Case Study - 30% | |||||
| 3 - Examination - 50% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||||
| 2 - Communication | |||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||||
| 4 - Research | |||||
| 5 - Self-management | |||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||||
| 7 - Leadership | |||||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
Additional Textbook Information
There is no prescribed textbook for this subject. However, students will be provided with a curated selection of journal articles and other scholarly references for each topic. These resources will serve as the primary study materials, offering up-to-date and in-depth insights into the subject matter. Students are encouraged to engage with these readings actively to enhance their understanding and support their learning journey.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
j.jazayeri@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
The topic will encompass an outline of the most recent and some historic pandemics, along with a recap of key lessons learned from these events and an emphasis on the importance of ongoing research and vigilance in global health.
Chapter
No prescribed textbook for this topic. Please review the lecture material and recordings available for week 1 in Moodle prior to your tutorial/lectorial as well as other provided resources in
your Moodle for Week 1.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The mechanisms of action and the causative agents behind various historical pandemics will also be discussed.
Module/Topic
The topic on travel-related infections will comprehensively explore the spectrum of diseases associated with global travel. It will delve into the common types of infections encountered during travel, examining their modes of transmission, risk
factors, and preventive measures.
Chapter
No prescribed textbook for this topic. Please review the lecture material and recordings available for week 2 in Moodle prior to your tutorial/lectorial as well as other provided resources in
your Moodle for Week 2.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The lecture will cover a variety of topics pertinent to travelers' health, encompassing gastrointestinal infections like Traveler's Diarrhea, as well as vector-borne diseases such as Malaria, Dengue Fever, and Zika Virus, alongside vaccination
recommendations.
Module/Topic
The topic on superbugs will address the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, exploring the factors contributing to their development and the potential consequences for public
health.
Chapter
No prescribed textbook for this topic. Please review the lecture material and recordings available for week 3 in Moodle prior to your tutorial/lectorial as well as other provided resources in
your Moodle for Week 3.
Events and Submissions/Topic
This week, we will explore the topic of superbugs, elucidating their distinctions from regular bacteria. Additionally, we will delve into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, the global challenges posed by superbugs, strategies for promoting the responsible use of antibiotics and antivirals, and methods for combating overprescribing and misuse of antimicrobial drugs.
Module/Topic
The topic of hospital-acquired infections will address the occurrence and prevention of infections that patients acquire during their stay in healthcare facilities.
Chapter
No prescribed textbook for this topic. Please review the lecture material and recordings available for week 4 in Moodle prior to your tutorial/lectorial as well as other provided resources in
your Moodle for Week 4.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The topic will cover various infections, including Gastrointestinal Infections, Clostridium difficile Infection, Urinary Tract Infections (often associated with catheters), Surgical Site Infections, and Bloodstream Infections (linked to
intravenous catheters).
Module/Topic
The topic of hospital-acquired infections will address the occurrence and prevention of infections that patients acquire during their stay in healthcare facilities.
Chapter
No prescribed textbook for this topic. Please review the lecture material and recordings available for week 5 in Moodle prior to your tutorial/lectorial as well as other provided resources in
your Moodle for Week 5.
Events and Submissions/Topic
This week, we will explore the principles and applications of various diagnostic techniques commonly utilized in diagnostic laboratories. These include Sanger and 16S rRNA
sequencing, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and different PCR methods such as conventional, multiplex, nested, digital, and qRT-PCR.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
The topic will continue to explore advanced technologies employed for the detection and identification of microorganisms. It will encompass molecular methods, nucleotide sequencing, mass spectrometry, and other cutting-edge tools used in microbiological diagnostics.
Chapter
No prescribed textbook for this topic. Please review the lecture material and recordings available for week 6 in Moodle prior to your tutorial/lectorial as well as other provided resources in
your Moodle for Week 6.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The topics will cover the mechanisms and pros and cons of modern microbiological identification and susceptibility testing compared to traditional methods.
The mid-term assessment will open this week from 2:00 pm on Friday, 25th April, and will remain open for submission until 9:00 am on Monday, 28th April.
Module/Topic
This week's lecture is divided into two parts. In Part 1, we will introduce various rapid diagnostic techniques. In Part 2, the discussion will focus on the roles of government organizations,
such as the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) the Royal College of Pathologists Australasia, and the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council, in setting guidelines for diagnostic microbiology laboratories.
Chapter
No prescribed textbook for this topic. Please review the lecture material and recordings available for week 7 in Moodle prior to your tutorial/lectorial as well as other provided resources in
your Moodle for Week 7.
Events and Submissions/Topic
This week's lecture and tutorial sessions will be delivered by A/Prof Brenda Govan, who has extensive experience in biomedicine, clinical and diagnostic microbiology, and immunology.
Mid-term assessment Due: Week 7 Monday (28 Apr 2025) 9:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
The topic will encompass the definition of Health Associated
Infections (HAIs) and the trends contributing to their rising
occurrence.
Chapter
No prescribed textbook for this topic. Please review the lecture material and recordings available for week 8 in Moodle prior to your tutorial/lectorial as well as other provided resources in
your Moodle for Week 8.
Events and Submissions/Topic
This week's lecture and tutorial sessions will be delivered by A/Prof Brenda Govan, who has extensive experience in biomedicine, clinical and diagnostic microbiology, and immunology.
Module/Topic
The topic of Infectious Diseases and Global Health will explore the impact of infectious diseases on a global scale, examining their transmission dynamics, public health implications,
and the challenges associated with prevention and control.
Chapter
No prescribed textbook for this topic. Please review the lecture material and recordings available for week 9 in Moodle prior to your tutorial/lectorial as well as other provided resources in
your Moodle for Week 9.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Understanding global health issues and infectious diseases is essential for addressing health challenges. Explaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aids in strategic planning for global health. Recognizing universal health coverage principles ensures equitable healthcare access.
Describing risk transition helps identify emerging threats.
Assessment 2: Research Paper Due: Week 9 Monday (12 May 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
This topic will delve into the applications of various automations in microbiology laboratories. It will explore how advanced technologies such as robotic systems, automated incubation, and digital imaging are utilized to enhance efficiency and accuracy in specimen processing, culture analysis, and colony
identification.
Chapter
No prescribed textbook for this topic. Please review the lecture material and recordings available for week 10 in Moodle prior to your tutorial/lectorial as well as other provided resources in
your Moodle for Week 10.
Events and Submissions/Topic
This week's lecture and tutorial sessions will be delivered by Lisa Brenton, Deputy Principal Scientist in Microbiology at St Vincent’s Melbourne. Lisa has extensive experience in supervising modern microbiology diagnostic laboratories.
Module/Topic
This topic will comprehensively cover mRNA-based and new-generation DNA vaccines, exploring their mechanisms,
development processes, and applications in the field of
immunization. The discussion will focus on the revolutionary advancements in vaccine technology, emphasizing the unique features and potential benefits of these cutting-edge approaches.
Chapter
No prescribed textbook for this topic. Please review the lecture material and recordings available for week 11 in Moodle prior to your tutorial/lectorial as well as other provided resources in
your Moodle for Week 11.
Events and Submissions/Topic
This module comprehensively addresses mRNA and DNA vaccines, initiating with a grasp of their fundamental principles and delving into the intricacies of production. It covers the mechanisms, advantages, and quality control measures in mRNA and DNA vaccine manufacturing.
Module/Topic
A general revision covering all topics will be conducted
Chapter
No prescribed textbook for this topic. Please review the lecture material and recordings available for weeks 6-12 in Moodle prior to your tutorial session.
Events and Submissions/Topic
A comprehensive review session encompassing all topics will be conducted. This session will provide an opportunity to revisit and reinforce the key concepts, address any areas of confusion, and ensure a clear understanding of the material.
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Your unit coordinator for this subject is Dr Jalal Jazayeri. Your primary contact point is Jalal, and you can contact him using the following means:
- Through email: j.jazayeri@cqu.edu.au
- Via the subject forum on the unit's Moodle site.
- Via Teams
The subject forum for this unit is continuously monitored and you can expect a response within one-two (1-2) business day/s of posting your question; Through email (j.jazayeri@cqu.edu.au) or Via Teams.
CM18 - Master of Laboratory Medicine
Tutorials/Lectorials will be delivered each week at the Rockhampton and Melbourne campuses, and students who are enrolled in mixed mode will be able to join these classes via Zoom. These tutorials/lectorials will also be recorded for the benefit of those students who are unable to attend the live classes. During the sessions, you will have the opportunity to ask questions or discuss uncertainties in relation to the lecture materials and recordings for each week. There will be some active learning exercises undertaken to assess your understating of the weekly lecture material including group and individual activities, short answer questions, kahoot quizzes, cases studies etc. We will also run through a set of questions and discuss in greater depth the peer-reviewed article or other pre-tutorial/lectorial learning for the week. These active learning activities will help you apply the knowledge learned during the weekly lectures and other pre-class learning material and prepare you for the assessments. You will gain the most benefit from the tutorials/lectorial if you watch the weekly lectures beforehand and read the peer-reviewed article and/or other pre-class learning material. You are also strongly encouraged to participate in tutorials, as studies have shown that students who attend the tutorials and participate in discussions have higher rates of success (Karnik et al., 2020). Regular quizzes (ie kahoot) are also provided during some of the lectorial/tutorial classes to reinforce the knowledge you have gained from the lectures and to enhance your learning experience in this unit. You will be provided an opportunity to explore how to apply the knowledge learnt in the lecture and lectorial/tutorial material in a compulsory residential school (exact dates to be advised). This residential school is planned to take place
outside of the standard teaching term and students will be advised of the dates as organised through the timetabling team in Term 3. Here you will be mirroring genomic pathology laboratory techniques with guidance from an industry professional and/or your academic teaching team in this unit.
As per Australian educational standards, you are expected to commit 150 hours of engagement to your study of this unit. This is broken down as:
- 2 - 3 hours per week watching recorded lectures and revising the content through study notes
- 2 - 3 hours per week reviewing the peer-reviewed article provided in Moodle and other relevant resources
available for each week - 1.5 - 2.5 hours per week attending the weekly tutorial/lectorial classes and reflecting on your answers to the activities undertaken during class, identifies areas of uncertainly that still remain and discussing this/these with other fellow students or the teaching staff.
- 3 - 4 hours per week preparing your assessments or studying for your exams
Karnik, A., Kishore, P., & Meraj, M. (2020). Examining the linkage between class attendance at university and academic
performance in an International Branch Campus setting. Research in Comparative and International Education, 15(4),
371-390. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745499920958855
1 Written Assessment
The mid-term assessment will test your understanding of the learning objectives and activities from Weeks 1 to 5, including pre-tutorial materials such as lecture notes, videos, and related resources. The assessment may include terminology-based questions, process/arrangement tasks, short and long answer questions, extended responses, and a case study. This assessment will follow a format similar to the final exam but will be conducted online, with a shorter duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes for writing, plus 15 minutes for reading, downloading, and uploading. It is worth 20% of your final grade, compared to the final exam, which is worth 50%. The mid-term assessment aims to evaluate your knowledge midway through the term and help you identify areas of strength and improvement. It also offers an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the structure and question types you will encounter in the final exam
Week 7 Monday (28 Apr 2025) 9:00 am AEST
Please note that this assessment will be open from 2:00 pm Friday 25th April until 9:00 am Monday 28th April 2025.
Week 9 Monday (12 May 2025)
Via subject Moodle site
The marking criteria will be outlined in the test. Marks will range from 1–2 for short responses and 4–10 for more detailed answers requiring comprehensive information. Support and examples of likely question types will be provided during your scheduled classes to help you understand the assessment expectations. Regular attendance and active participation in weekly classes are strongly encouraged. Prepare for each class by reviewing any pre-class materials and ask questions if you are unsure about anything. If you still have uncertainties after the weekly tutorial, post your questions on the Discussion Forum and engage with your peers, academics, and Unit Coordinators to clarify any doubts. This proactive approach will ensure you are well-prepared and give you the best chance of performing successfully in this assessment.
- Provide expert opinion on the clinical significance and laboratory detection of the principal bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic pathogens of each of the human body systems
- Recommend antimicrobial therapy to treat and manage infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites
- Develop and implement appropriate quality control processes for the practice of bacteriology, virology, mycology and parasitology.
2 Case Study
For this assessment, you must select a topic from the list provided on the subject Moodle site and prepare a report detailing your findings. Ensure your report adheres to the format and instructions outlined below. A detailed marking rubric is also available on the Moodle site. While the assessment is based on lecture topics, completing it will require additional research. Regular attendance, active participation, and engagement in tutorial sessions are highly recommended to support your understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please post them on the Discussion Forum.
Format Instructions:
- Please visit the Moodle site related to the subject and select a topic for Assignment 2. There are 15 available topics, and each topic can accommodate a maximum of two students. The selection process operates on a first come, first-served basis. Once a topic is chosen by two students, it will no longer be available for selection. In that case, please choose another topic from the remaining options.
- Conduct and prepare your research paper (maximum 1000 words) in accordance with the following headings:
- Introduction:
Briefly introduce the infectious disease, providing insights into its historical context and global prevalence. Emphasize the significance of the disease as a public health concern. - Causative Agent:
Clearly identify and describe the causative agent responsible for the infectious disease. Outline if the infectious disease is parasitic, elucidate its life cycle. - Epidemiology and Geography:
Investigate the global distribution of the disease-causing agent.
Examine regions with high prevalence and explore the contributing factors to its spread. - Clinical Manifestations:
Describe the symptoms and clinical manifestations associated with the infectious disease. - Life Cycle and Transmission for Parasites:
Detail the modes of transmission of the infectious disease, particularly if it involves parasites. - Diagnosis and treatment options:
Examine the diagnostic methods employed for confirming the disease.
Investigate current treatment options, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, or parasitic medications. - Prevention Strategies and Control:
Explore preventive measures aimed at controlling the spread of the infectious disease. - Impact on Society and Public Health:
Analyze the socio-economic impact of the disease on affected communities.
Discuss the burden on healthcare systems and potential long-term consequences. - Control Measures: Discuss primary, secondary, and tertiary measures (e.g., vaccination, early detection, managing complications). Highlight specific interventions like quarantine, isolation, vaccination, or public education.
- Conclusion:
Summarize key findings from the research.
Highlight emerging trends or advancements in the field, particular
Please submit online by 11:59 PM on Monday, 12th May.
Week 9 Monday (12 May 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Please submit online via subject Moodle site
Week 11 Friday (30 May 2025)
Via subject Moodle site
In this assessment, you will focus on researching an infectious disease. A list of topics is available on the subject Moodle site. Please select your topic by the end of Week 2. Once you have selected a topic, conduct a mini literature review to answer the questions in the following order and under specific subheadings: Start with a general introduction, followed by a discussion of various factors organized under appropriate subheadings. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Identifying the Causative Agent
- Exploring Epidemiology and Geographic Distribution
- Outline the clinical manifestations of the disease
- Elucidating the Life Cycle and Transmission (for Parasites)
- Outlining Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
- Discussing Prevention Strategies and Control Measures
- Assessing the Impact on Society and Public Health
- Exploring Treatment Options
- Concluding Your Findings
- References to Support Your Research.
- Critique new techniques for identifying bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites causing human disease
- Appraise different testing methods used in the detection and monitoring of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites
Examination
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
