Overview

Microbiology and Immunology, studied within the Bachelor of Biomedical Science at The University of Western Australia, examines the microscopic organisms that influence health, disease and the environment, alongside the immune system that defends the body against them. Together, these disciplines underpin our understanding of infection and immune-related illness. Students learn from researchers active in virology, bacteriology and immunology, with a strong emphasis on applications in biomedicine and biotechnology.

What You'll Learn

• The core principles of biology and the molecular workings of the cell

• The nature of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, algae and parasites, and how they interact with other living things

• Bacterial and viral disease, including how infections arise and how they are studied

• How the immune system protects against infection, and how a dysregulated response can cause conditions such as allergies

• Microbial ecology, physiology and genetics, viewed through a One Health perspective that links microbes, animals and the environment

• Laboratory techniques, including culturing methods to isolate and characterise bacteria, microscopy to identify microbes, and careful data recording

• Applications ranging from medicine and public health to food production and environmental testing

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to describe how microbes and the immune system interact to shape health and disease, and explain the biology of major bacterial and viral pathogens. They will carry out fundamental laboratory work with confidence, from culturing and microscopy to accurate record keeping, and interpret their results in the context of real-world problems. Students will be able to apply their knowledge across healthcare, public health and biotechnology, and will be prepared for postgraduate study or research-focused work.