Microbiology and Immunology

Studies in this discipline are available in both the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Biomedicine.

Life on earth began with, and continues to depend on, the activities of micro-organisms, most of which are beneficial. However, some micro-organisms can cause infections, with potentially disastrous outcomes. While the immune system has evolved to control harmful micro-organisms, it can, sometimes, inflict damage on its host. Infectious disease is still responsible for many deaths and much suffering worldwide. Never has there been a better time to learn about micro-organisms and their incredible ability to adapt, evolve and survive; and our immune system that controls infections and provides immunity against those micro-organisms that cause harm.

This major offers two specialisations: Microbiology, and Infection and Immunity. The Microbiology specialisation explores infectious micro-organisms and the infections they can cause, whereas Infection and Immunity combines the study of infectious disease with the response of the immune system to pathogenic micro-organisms. Additionally, in this major you will develop the ability to acquire, analyse and apply information from multiple sources, both within and beyond the laboratory.

Careers

This major will open up career opportunities in areas including:

• Biosafety and regulation
• Biotechnology
• Diagnostics
• Forensic microbiology
• Molecular biology
• Vaccine development.

You may also choose to undertake research in related areas such as:

• Autoimmunity
• Cancer
• Infectious diseases
• The genetics and pathogenesis of the causative agent
• The various outcomes of the immune system in a setting of infection.

The Microbiology and Immunology major is also an ideal undergraduate area of study for students wanting to enter graduate schools in medicine and allied health.