Students of Microbiology and Immunology
Page Contents
Include: Introducing Microbiology and Immunology | Studying Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Melbourne | Prospective Students | Continuing Students
Introducing Microbiology and Immunology
Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms such as algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. Some micro-organisms cause infections but most live harmlessly and enhance our environment and our lives. Microbiology is also a core discipline for most areas of biotechnology.
Immunology is the study of the immune system. The immune system is involved in the defence of the body against infection and tumours. It also plays a role in unwanted responses like allergies and transplant rejection.
The 2008 Nobel Prize for Medicine has just been awarded to three microbiologists for their discoveries of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Human Papilloma Virus.
Studying Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Melbourne
Teaching programs and research facilities in the Department are outstanding and the research profile is among the best at the University of Melbourne. The staff is friendly and highly committed to assisting students in their studies. We are exceptionally fortunate in having a number of senior staff, including our own Nobel Laureate, Professor Peter Doherty, who are internationally recognised as leaders in their chosen areas of research. Staff within the Department actively collaborate with research colleagues in medicine, industry, and biotechnology from around Australia, and internationally. Situated at the centre of the most densely packed research precinct in Australia, the Department is well placed to participate in joint research programs and research seminars. The latter often feature visiting scientists from overseas.
Prospective Students
Teaching programs in Microbiology and Immunology and for the major Microbiology, Infection and Immunology start in 2nd year and can be part of a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or a Bachelor of Biomedicine (BBiomed) degree. They may also form important components of other courses, including graduate medicine and dental courses.
Entry Requirements
University Admission Information
International Students pursuing a Degree in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, please follow the University procedures to ensure all required documentation is received and your application is processed as quickly as possible.
- Do not apply directly to the Department.
- Information and appropriate application forms are available from the International Office.
- Our Department receives the forms from the International Office and will advise you regarding a possible supervisor and research projects.
- Please also note that our department does not take on students without sufficient means of financial support (i.e. a scholarship). Melbourne University scholarships are extremely competitive and are generally awarded only to students who have achieved the equivalent of Melbourne University H1 grades.
Study Options
After taking a general Science course in first year you may specialise in Microbiology and/or Immunology in subsequent years. Second year subjects offered provide a general introduction to most aspects of Microbiology and some aspects of Immunology. Third year subjects cover three major streams - Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology. You may undertake studies in one, or a combination, of these.
Some students continue their studies in microbiology and immunology via a research-based fourth year leading to the Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Postgraduate study is normally required for a research career.
Career Opportunities
Scientists trained in microbiology have an enormous range of career options including medical laboratory diagnosis (human and veterinary), research (human and veterinary), epidemiology, food science, environmental science (soil and water), virology and biotechnology.
Immunologists are employed in equally broad areas including medical diagnostic laboratories, medical and veterinary research, biotechnology, vaccine development and clinical laboratories working in transplantation, autoimmunity, allergy and cancer immunity.
Continuing Students
Second year students
Third year students
Subject index
SPASIM