Mechanisms of Disease (11727.1)

Please note these are the 2023 details for this unit
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Mechanisms of Disease
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods On-campus
 Bruce, Canberra
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Science And Technology
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Academic Program Area - Science Level 2 - Undergraduate Intermediate Unit Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
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.
Availability for enrolment in 2026 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2025 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 03 February 2025 On-campus Dr Michael Frese
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 16 February 2026 On-campus Dr Michael Frese
Not available

Required texts

1. Willey J, Sandman K & Wood D (2022). Prescott's Microbiology. 12th International Edition. McGraw-Hill (ISBN10: 1264088396 | ISBN13: 9781264088393); available from the UCX Shop.

2. Punt J, Stranford S, Jones P & Owen JA (2019). Kuby Immunology. 8th International Edition. Freemann and Co, NewYork (ISBN: 9781319114701); available from the UCX Shop.

3. Mechanisms of Disease—Laboratory Notes 2025. University of Canberra, Australia. Please do not print the manual—all students are required to buy the Laboratory Notes 2025 at the UCX Shop.

Submission of assessment items

Special assessment requirements

To pass this subject, students must achieve a final aggregate of 50% or higher.

The unit convener reserves the right to question students orally on any of their submitted work.

Supplementary assessment

According to the University's Assessment Procedures, supplementary assessment will only be offered to students who satisfy the following eligibility criteria:

   1. A student has been allocated a final mark in the unit of at least 45% and less than 50% inclusive; AND

   2. The unit undertaken in the final teaching period is the last and only unit required to meet all academic course requirements to enable conferral of a degree.

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Learner engagement

This unit consists of 22 hours of lectures, 23 hours of laboratory/practical classes and a further 4 hours of undertaking timed assessment tasks (first assessment, practical skills assessment and final exam). The remaining time (150 - 49 = 101 hours) should be spend on self-directed studies using the material provided in lectures/practicals, textbooks and other resources.

Participation requirements

Studying all of the teaching material (including but restricted to lecture slides, text books, Laboratory Notes) is expected and participation in face-to-face lectures and practical classes is strongly recommended.

Required IT skills

Basic knowledge of Word and Excel, and familiarity with the use of internet browsers are required.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None.

Additional information

Provision of information to students:

Notifications through Canvas are deemed to be made to the whole class. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure to check for announcements on the unit's Canvas website. Furthermore, students should check their student email regularly.

Unforeseen circumstances beyond the unit convener's control could result in changes to the mode of delivery of lectures, practical classes and assessments. Students will be advised if this occurs and appropriate alternatives will be arranged.