Unit Outline

In this unit you will explore how bacterial characteristics can be used as part of an identification strategy in a clinical microbiology laboratory. Module 1 examines how bacteria regulate their behaviour, communicate and multiply using various metabolic & genetic regulation strategies. Module 2 will focus on the genetics of bacteria. In module 3 you will focus on clinical identification of medically significant bacteria which are grouped taxonomically and identified using the techniques of systematic bacteriology. This unit is co-taught with a related unit to students in the Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine, and although you will be provided with similar knowledge and laboratory skills as these students, you will also undertake additional learning activities and assessment. This is necessary for you to develop and demonstrate the higher level investigatory and communication skills to satisfy the Australian Qualification Framework level 9 requirements of a Master’s degree

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Perform and explain using theoretical concepts the basis for practical and procedural microbiological techniques to identify bacteria based on a knowledge of the systematic taxonomy of common medically relevant bacteria.
2.	Relate bacterial anatomy, metabolism, behaviour and genetics function to explain growth, control, disease processes, clinical information and safe procedural practices
3.	Communicate using discipline specific terminology related to medical microbiology.
4.	Analyse complex information on the genetic mechanisms associated with the emergence of contemporary antibiotic resistant pathogens.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

This unit has consistently received student satisfaction of greater than 95% in all areas surveyed, as such, not changes have been made since 2023.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Competency assessment	See the MyLO site for the due date	0 %	LO1
Assessment Task 2:	Multiple choice quizzes	See the MyLO site for the due date	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Laboratory/Practical Work	See the MyLO site for the due date	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 4:	Report - Antibiotic Resistant Organism	See the MyLO site for the due date	20 %	LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 5:	Examination	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Competency assessment

Task Description:

Competency assessment.
Perform microbiological practical techniques.
You will be given opportunities each practical session to perform the practical skills outlined in the competency checklist in your practical book. You must complete these skills to demonstrate competency to your laboratory demonstrator. You will be provided with verbal formative feedback following each attempt to help you improve your practical skills throughout the semester. You must pass this assessment to pass the unit. You must meet the competencies by the end of the final practical.

Task Length:

30 minutes

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

0 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Perform microbiological techniques adhering to safe practices	LO1

Assessment Task 2: Multiple choice quizzes

Task Description:

Multiple choice quizzes – you will be required to complete a timed multiple-choice quiz at the completion of each submodule (total of 7). Questions will pertain to all content covered in practical sesions, or via online delivery, for that module. Your 5 highest scoring quizzes will contribute to the final grade (4% per quiz).

Task Length:

1 hour

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify general bacterial anatomy, metabolism and growth and use these features in the context of clinical microbiology.	LO1, LO2
2	Select appropriate isolation techniques for the recovery and identification of bacteria	LO2
3	Select appropriate laboratory safety practices according to microbial characteristics	LO2
4	Refer to microorganisms using appropriate taxonomic nomenclature	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Laboratory/Practical Work

Task Description:

Laboratory/Practical.
Formative and summative assessment of laboratory work, including: Pre-Labs, Bench-work Competencies and Practical Workbook to assess completion and comprehension of tasks. This work booked will be assessed formally throughout the semester to provide formative feedback prior to the final submission

Task Length:

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Relate bacterial properties to identification techniques	LO1
2	Report using discipline specific terminology, including correct taxonomic nomenclature	LO3
3	Record laboratory observations and results	LO1, LO2
4	Identify microorganisms using identification techniques	LO1, LO2
5	Apply safe working practices.	LO2

Assessment Task 4: Report - Antibiotic Resistant Organism

Task Description:

Report.
Prior to starting this assignment, you must successfully complete an unweighted formative test. Students who fail the test will be provided an opportunity to resist following a meeting with teaching staff. You will be required to produce a short report to succinctly explain 3 different genetic mechanisms associated with Haemophilus influenzae antibiotic resistance. The writing should be suitable for a scientifically literate but non-microbiologically trained individuals.

Task Length:

1500 words

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain the relationship between alterations in bacterial genome to the development of antibiotic resistance	LO2, LO4
2	Describe the process of the change in bacterial genome to explain the evolution of antibiotic resistance	LO2, LO4
3	Transform complex information to a format suitable for a non-discipline specific scientific audience	LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 5: Examination

Task Description:

This is a closed book paper-based exam, where you will be required to demonstrate your individual ability to communicate and apply theoretical and practical knowledge. You may take one A4 double sided or two A4 single sided pages of typed notes into the exam.

Task Length:

3 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain bacterial metabolism and growth using theoretical concepts	LO1, LO2, LO3
2	Apply appropriate bacterial culture and identification techniques	LO1, LO2, LO3
3	Use laboratory observations and results to identify specific bacteria	LO1, LO2, LO3
4	Apply theoretical knowledge to explain the significance of isolating specific bacteria in medical contexts.	LO1, LO2

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass the competency assessment hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.