Mechanisms of Disease (11727.1)

Mechanisms that underlie disease are among the most important and interesting areas of scientific investigation, relevant for those pursuing fundamental research as well as to those wanting to pursue a career in medicine or biotechnology. This unit provides the foundation of the principles underlying the mechanisms of disease. Applying their previously obtained knowledge of biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology, students will learn about the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the clinical signs and symptoms of disease, including fundamentals of immunology and microbiology.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Integrate and apply biological and chemical principles to understand the aetiology, pathogenesis and risk factors of specific diseases;

2. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the systemic, molecular and cellular factors responsible for disease initiation, progression and resolution;
3. Evaluate the role of the immune system in specific diseases;
4. Interpret the consequences of specific changes in organs, tissues, and cells in different diseases; and
5. Integrate disease theory and laboratory practice for interpretation and validation of experimental data.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

11722 Biological Concepts OR 483 Concepts in Biology

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

6510 Introduction to Microbiology

Assumed knowledge

None.